Help with bills, mortgage, and debts

Many people need help paying bills and debt in today’s challenging economy. Families need help so that they do not have to decide between paying their mortgage, credit card debt, food, rent, utility, or medical bills.

Find information on assistance programs, charity organizations, and other resources that will provide you with help paying your bills, mortgage and debt, show you how to save money, as well as provide some tips and ways to pay bills when money is tight. Many American families are struggling under an increasing number of bills, debts, and financial obligations. When you and your family are experiencing this stress, you need to reevaluate the situation, set priorities, and look for assistance.

Find programs and ways to get help with bills and debts, including:

• Help with medical bills,
• Mortgage help,
• Debt help,
• Help with electric bills,
• Help with taxes,
• Free legal advice

These are five of the primary expenses that consumers need help paying in today’s challenging economic environment. Many states and local counties also offer government aid and administer assistance programs. Last, but not least, there are numerous charity organizations and community action agencies that can help.

Alabama mortgage and foreclosure assistance

Alabama non-profits that provide foreclosure counseling

The federal government Housing and Urban Development (HUD) has certified dozens of non-profits across the state as HUD approved foreclosure and housing counseling agencies. Get a listing of Alabama HUD agencies.

Toll free foreclosure hotline

Homeowners in most parts of Alabama can get free foreclosure legal advice from a toll free hotline that has been set up. The free legal advice and aid campaign is currently available in Birmingham, Montgomery, Huntsville, and Mobile. It will be expanded over time across the state.

The toll free line has been set up by the Alabama State Bar and Legal Services Alabama. Legal Services Alabama is a nonprofit organization that will provide free legal help, including foreclosure assistance, on civil-court matters to low and moderate income people across the state. The toll free number / hot line (1-877-393-2333) will connect homeowners to a legal aid lawyer who can counsel them.

After you apply, and if you are found to be qualified, an attorney will be assigned to your case. The lawyer will meet with and interview the homeowner, discuss the details of the foreclosure process in Alabama and they will offer free legal advice and counsel.

In addition, the program may be able to provide additional assistance. If the caller does meet certain income requirements, the lawyer may also be able to negotiate loan modifications or other relief on the resident's behalf with the lender, bank, or mortgage holder. Or the attorney may be able to represent the resident in mortgage proceedings or mediation. Learn more on foreclosure mediation.

The key to a successful outcome and to stopping a foreclosure is communication and early intervention. If you are having a problem with making your monthly mortgage payments and if you believe foreclosure is imminent you must act now to get help.

Foreclosure help from Legal Services Alabama

They provide extensive support. Legal Services Alabama is a locally based nonprofit organization that was created to help lower income people throughout the state. They provide free legal help on civil-court matters to low-income people across the area.

The lawyers that participate in the program are being paid under a grant by the Alabama Civil Justice Foundation and the Access to Justice Commission.

In addition to meeting with an attorney, the Alabama state bar will also offer a pamphlet and more information with commonly asked questions about foreclosures.

The organization is strongly committed to assisting consumers and homeowners across the state who are facing the difficult prospect of losing their home or filing for bankruptcy. The organization is also well aware of other issues that may result from people losing their homes, such as reduced home and property values, neighborhoods in disrepair, and lower tax revenues. Read more.

Assistance From Alabama Counties and Cities

Baldwin County (Bay Minette)

Calhoun County (Anniston)

Colbert County (Tuscumbia)

Etowah County (Gadsden)

Houston County (Dothan)

Jefferson County (Birmingham)

Lauderdale County (Florence)

Lee County (Opelika)

Madison County (Huntsville)

Mobile County

Montgomery

Pike County (Troy)

Russell County (Phenix City)

Shelby County (Columbiana)

Tuscaloosa County

Alabama Assistance With Paying Utility and Cooling Bills

Project Share
Project SHARE is funded by electric utility customers and utility companies. Customers donate through their monthly electric bills. The organization operates throughout the year and it helps disabled persons, senior citizens, and those on fixed or low incomes.

Operation Warm
Provides aid and assistance to Alabama residents who do not qualify for the LIHEAP program. Decisions about who receive grants and aid from the Operation Warm fund are based on income and necessary expenses, such as medications and utility bills.

Alabama Assistance Programs

Locate help, grants and assistance in all Alabama cities and counties, including Birmingham and Montgomery.

ALL Kids
Alabama's Children's Health Insurance Program (CHIP) that offers quality, low cost health insurance for children who are under the age of 19 and who are residents of Alabama.

SenioRX
The State Department of Senior Services prescription drug assistance program that is for senior citizens and it will assist them with receiving free medications from pharmaceutical companies. Find additional ways to get help with medical bills and debts. More.

SOBRA Medicaid
An insurance program for lower income children and pregnant women.

Alabama Child Caring Program
A healthcare assistance program that is for uninsured teens and children under the age of 19 who are ineligible for SOBRA Medicaid or all kids. While there are no monthly premiums to pay, some participants may have to pay co-pays for certain services.

Foreclosure advice and counseling
Homeowners in many parts of Alabama can receive free legal advice and assistance. In certain cases attorneys may even be able to deal directly with your lender or bank. Learn more.

Child Care and Development Fund (CCDF)
The Alabama office of Child Care Subsidy manages the child care program. The goal of this assistance program is to provide Alabama’s lower and moderate income families with access to both quality and affordable child care services so that these families can participate in work, training, and educational activities. This program can help pay for child care bills and expenses.

Legal Assistance
Legal Services of Alabama offers free legal advice and counseling for civil cases. The organization has volunteer attorneys that will work closely with individuals to ensure they have full access to legal representation. Learn more.

Family Assistance Program
Provides financial assistance and grants to families to help them meet basic needs. It focuses on families with a dependent child under age 18 or age 19 if the student is a full time student in a secondary school, such as a vocational school or taking technical training. It supports families whose income and resources do not meet state standards.

Food Stamp Program
The goal is to end hunger and also to improve nutrition by providing monthly food benefits to eligible lower income households. Cash aid and grants are meant to help families buy the food they need for good health.