Need Help Paying Bills? Here's How to Get Them Covered
| Fastest money route | Online loan request, often funded next business day |
|---|---|
| Energy bills | LIHEAP (income-based; state-run) |
| Local help line | Dial 211 |
| Loans for bills | $100–$5,000 through our network |
| Credit | All credit types can apply |
| Cost to use our service | Free, no obligation |
Behind on bills? You're not alone, and it's fixable
Bills don't wait for payday. A utility shutoff notice, rent that's short, a medical bill or a car payment can all land in the same week. The fix depends on two things: how soon the bill is due and how much you need. Below are the main options, side by side, so you can pick the one that fits your deadline.
Your options at a glance
| Option | Best for | Timing |
|---|---|---|
| Loan for bills through our network | Any bill, $100–$5,000, when you need cash now | Decision often in minutes; funds often next business day |
| Payment arrangement with the company | Utility, medical or phone bills | One phone call; terms set by the company |
| LIHEAP | Heating, cooling and energy-crisis bills | Depends on your state's application process |
| 211 | Referrals to local bill, food and housing help | Depends on local program funding and availability |
See if you qualify — it takes about 3 minutes. Start your free request. There is no obligation to accept an offer.
Loans for bills: one form, many lenders
A loan lets you pay the bill in full now, which can stop late fees and keep services on. Through our network you can request $100 to $5,000. Depending on your state, lenders may offer a short payday loan repaid on your next payday or an installment loan with fixed monthly payments.
Short loan example: at $15 per $100, a $400 two-week loan costs $60, so you repay $460 on your next payday.
Installment example: $1,000 over 12 months at 35.99% APR is about $100.46 a month, $1,205.49 in total.
Your lender shows the exact fee, APR and total to repay before you sign. Many lenders in our network focus on income and may use alternative credit data instead of a traditional hard pull. There's no hard credit inquiry on our end; lenders may check your credit.
How much will I repay?
Estimate only. Your lender shows your exact cost before you sign.
Utility bills: payment plans and LIHEAP
Call your utility. Many utility companies offer payment arrangements or budget billing that spread a past-due balance over several months. Each company sets its own terms. Each state also has its own rules about when utilities can disconnect for nonpayment, which can depend on weather, age and disability.
LIHEAP. The federal Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program helps eligible households pay heating or cooling bills and can provide help during an energy crisis; in some areas it also helps with electric bills. Eligibility is based on income, each state sets its own requirements, and you apply through your state or local LIHEAP office, online or in person. Approval and payment timing depend on your state's process, so if a shutoff date is close, many people cover the bill first and apply in parallel.
Rent, medical and other bills
- Rent: landlords sometimes accept a partial payment with a written plan. If you need to pay in full now, see emergency rent loans.
- Medical bills: providers often offer payment plans; ask the billing office. For urgent costs, see medical emergency loans.
- Car repair to get to work: see car repair loans.
- 211: dial 211 or visit 211.org to reach a local service, run through United Way, that connects callers with programs for utility bills, housing costs, food and health care. What's available depends on your area.
How to get a loan for bills quickly
- Total what's due and ask for the amount that covers it.
- Have ready: photo ID, income details, and the checking account where your pay lands.
- Fill out our form, about 3 minutes.
- Answer any verification call or email right away.
- Review and e-sign your offer. Funds are often deposited as soon as the next business day.
Applying early on a weekday gives the best chance of quick funding. Need it fast? See I need money now.
What a loan for bills costs, in plain dollars
Costs depend on the loan type and your state. Payday loan fees are usually set per $100 borrowed and limited by state law. For example, at $15 per $100, a $400 two-week loan costs $60, so you repay $460 on your next payday. Installment loans spread the cost out: $1,000 over 12 months at 35.99% APR is about $100.46 a month, $1,205.49 in total.
Your lender shows the exact fee, APR, due dates and total to repay before you sign. Check your state's limits on payday loan laws by state.
Get your bills handled with Zebra Finance
Zebra Finance is a free loan-matching service, not a lender and not a government assistance program. One short form reaches lenders in our network that serve your state. Many decide within minutes, and you see every term before you sign, with no obligation to accept.
See if you qualify — it takes about 3 minutes. Start your free request. There is no obligation to accept an offer.
Frequently asked questions
Where can I get help paying my bills right now?
For money right now, an online loan request is one of the fastest routes: one 3-minute form, decisions often in minutes, funds often next business day. You can also call your utility about a payment arrangement, apply for LIHEAP for energy bills, or dial 211 for local programs.
Can I get a loan to pay bills?
Yes. Many people use a personal, installment or payday loan to cover rent, utilities, medical or car bills. Through our network you can request $100 to $5,000, depending on your state and lender. Your lender shows the exact cost before you sign.
How do I get help with my electric bill?
Start by calling your electric company and asking about a payment arrangement or budget billing. LIHEAP may help eligible households with heating, cooling or crisis bills, and in some areas electric bills; apply through your state's LIHEAP office. If you need to pay in full now, a loan for bills can cover it.
Does 211 help pay bills?
211 is a free, confidential referral service run through United Way. Dial 211 or visit 211.org to be connected with local programs for utility bills, housing costs, food and health care. Available help depends on your area and program funding.
Can I get a loan for bills with bad credit?
Yes, you can apply. Many lenders in our network consider all credit types and focus on income and bank activity, and some use alternative credit data instead of a traditional hard pull. Bad credit can affect the amount and price offered, but it doesn't stop you from applying.