Resources and Strategies to Help Those Facing Hardship
Financial hardship can be overwhelming, but you don’t have to face it alone. We’ve gathered a list of resources to assist those experiencing financial difficulties.
Steps to Take if You’re Concerned About Paying Bills
1. Create or Review Your Budget
If you haven’t looked at a budget recently, now is the time. Consider using the Every Dollar app to help you organize your finances.
Get clarity on your income sources to understand what the next few weeks may look like.
Prioritize spending on necessities in this order:
1. Food
2. Utilities
3. Shelter
4. Transportation
2. Defer Payments Where Possible
If you’re still struggling to cover all expenses, identify payments that can be deferred. Contact creditors: Explain your situation and ask for temporary relief. Offering partial payments may encourage them to work with you.
For student loans: You can apply for forbearance (interest accrues) or deferment (interest doesn’t accrue on subsidized federal loans). Use this questionnaire to explore your options.
Temporarily pause extra debt payments if you have less than 1-2 months of expenses in an emergency fund.
Health Insurance: Enroll if you can, to protect yourself from unexpected medical costs.
Plan for changes: Use this time to gather information and create a financial strategy for the coming weeks.
3. File For Unemployment Insurance
Filing in Georgia: Learn how to file an unemployment claim here. For freelancers and gig workers: If you don’t qualify for traditional unemployment, explore alternative options here.
4. Explore Small Business Support Options
Georgia Small Business Development Center: Reach out for free guidance and support. Small Business Administration (SBA): Explore relief options for small businesses.
Financial and Food Assistance Resources
BCM Georgia – Rent, Mortgage, and Utility Assistance, Safe Housing, and Financial Education
One Need – Financial Assistance
Good Samaritan Health Center – Sliding-Fee Medical Care
Food Finder – Student Meals
Unitedwayatlanta.org or Dial 211 from Any Phone – Financial Assistance Resources
North Fulton Community Charities – Food, Rent, and Utility Assistance
Community Assistance Center – Food, Clothing, Rent, and Utility Assistance
Decatur Cooperative Ministries – Rent and Utility Assistance
Partnership for Community Action – Emergency and Utility Assistance, Career Services
Decatur-Area Emergency Assistance Ministry– Food, Clothing, Rent, and Utility Assistance
The Place of Forsyth– Food, Clothing, Rent, and Utility Assistance
Georgia Highlands Medical Services– Sliding-Fee Medical Care
Good Samaritan Health Center of Gwinnett – Sliding-Fee Medical Care
North Gwinnett Co-Op – Food and Medication Assistance
MUST Ministries – Food, Clothing, Rent, and Utility Assistance; Career Services
Georgia Highlands Medical Services – Sliding-Fee Medical Care
Good Samaritan Health Center of Cobb – Sliding-Fee Medical Care