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.

Or, find an extensive list of how to get help and save on other bills, such as groceries and child care expenses to name a few. Discover how to earn free money in the form of 3-15% cash rebates on the shopping you do at national retailers, including Wal-Mart, and also find free government grants and low income assistance programs.

Mortgage help and foreclosure assistance

If you need housing assistance, such as rent help, mortgage help or foreclosure assistance, read how the federal government, Bank of America/Countrywide, Citigroup, Wells Fargo, JP Morgan Chase/Washington Mutual, state governments, and many others are providing mortgage help and foreclosure prevention to millions of struggling homeowners in an effort to help them keep their homes and stop foreclosures. Many states also have government mortgage assistance programs, offer foreclosure mediation, and provide grants to help homeowners with their mortgages and to prevent or stop foreclosures.

Louisiana Help With Paying Utility Bills

Low Income Energy Assistance Program (LIEAP)
The Louisiana program, which is funded by the federal government, will provide assistance to residents with paying their cooling and heating bills. 

LIEAP Crisis Intervention Assistance
Assistance is provided to eligible individuals and families whose economic hardships or social concerns are compounded by a home cooling or heating energy crisis. A one time cash grant can be paid by this program to help with bills.

Louisiana Weatherization Assistance Program
When the house, apartment, or the dwelling unit determined eligible for aid, weatherization services are provided to the household. Weatherization services provided may include installing wall, attic, floor, duct, or pipe insulation; cleaning air conditioners; installing low-flow shower heads; installing energy efficient, compact fluorescent light bulbs, improving clothes dryer operation; and replacing or repairing old refrigerator.


Louisiana - Outreach Center
This organization provides a variety of aid including job training, emergency shelters, and job placement, transportation, food and clothing distribution, transitional housing, financial assistance and grants to help with bills, life skills training, holiday meals, and toy distribution.

Louisiana Assistance Programs

You can receive grants and assistance in all cities and parishes, including New Orleans and Baton Rouge.

Operation Round-Up
Several utility companies are part of this organization and participate in this program. Grants are available for needy families and individuals requiring assistance with a wide variety of needs. For example, prescription medications, eyeglasses, artificial limbs, medical care and bills, wheelchairs, ramps or other handicap renovations are examples of the grants awarded each month. However, please note that no utility bills are paid through this program. Call your utility company and ask about Operation Round Up.

LaCHIP
Provides children up to the age of 19 that have no health insurance with help with medical bills and expenses. There are no premiums, enrollment fees, or co-payments.

Louisiana SenioRx
Louisiana SenioRx is will assist seniors with finding patient/pharmaceutical assistance programs (PAPs).

Assistance From Parishes in Louisiana

Caddo Parish

Calcasieu Parish (Lake Charles)

DeSoto Parish (Mansfield)

East Baton Rouge Parish (Baton Rouge)

Jefferson Parish

Lafourche Parish

Orleans Parish (New Orleans)

St. Tammany Parish