Get Help Paying Rent

Life happens, and sometimes you may need help paying rent and bills. Being late on rent or utility bills can often lead to more than just a one-time late fee. Your credit score could take a hit, which in turn could make it more difficult for you to borrow money in the future.

For these reasons, making a late payment should be one of your last options if you’re concerned about impacting your credit score and getting help paying rent and bills becomes a logical choice.

Where to get help paying rent and bills

If you need emergency cash to avoid being late on a bill, you typically have several options.

Family and friends

Family and friends may be able to help paying rent and bills if you're in a pinch. This would, of course, mean no credit application and usually no high-interest charges. Friends and family may also be more willing to work with you on a repayment schedule.

A downside to this option is that you may worry about straining your relationship with whoever has loaned you money, especially if you wind up struggling to make promised payments. In other situations, your family and friends may be in a similar financial situation and unable to help even if they wanted to.

Government assistance programs and services

There are a variety of government programs designed to help people remain in their homes and meet other basic needs. Some provide emergency assistance, while others help those who are struggling with their bills due to a low income or income volatility. In many cases, there are no strings attached to the assistance, meaning that you do not need to repay it.

You can see an overview of the available federal programs at www.usa.gov/benefits. Your state or local government may also have similar programs.

Local charities and organizations

Groups such as the Red Cross, the Salvation Army, faith-based groups, and other local charities also offer programs to help paying rent and bills. Some programs offer general assistance, while others have specific eligibility requirements, such as those that cater exclusively to military families or women with children.

In return for assistance, you may be asked to complete volunteer work, or you may be encouraged to repay the money when you're able.

Credit cards

Credit cards are a possible solution if you already have an active card with credit available, and the bill you need to pay takes credit card payments. If your property owner or utility company doesn't take credit cards, there are a few other options you may choose to explore.

  • Use a service like Plastiq that charges your credit card and mails a check for you.
  • Take out a cash advance and transfer the funds to your checking account.
  • Use a balance transfer check from a credit card offer you’ve recently received in the mail (such offers may have more favorable terms than a cash advance).

Loans

When you need help paying rent and bills, you may also be able to qualify for a personal loan. This may prove difficult if you're living paycheck to paycheck, because a personal loan will usually require a credit check and proof of sufficient income to repay the loan.

A small personal loan may have easier qualification requirements than something larger, like a car loan. If you check for preapproved offers (or take advantage of one you got in the mail recently), you may even be able to see if you qualify without impacting your credit score.

How to get help paying rent and bills from LendUp

In states where LendUp is licensed, we offer a convenient way to get a loan when you need help paying rent and bills. You can apply 24/7 from your desktop, tablet, or phone. The application process is quick and easy:

  • Select a loan amount
  • Create an account with LendUp
  • Fill out the application
  • Verify your information and submit your application

Once you've completed the application, you’ll typically receive a decision within minutes if not sooner. If approved, you can have the money in your bank account in as little as one business day.

Qualifying for a loan

LendUp does not require good credit and does not perform hard credit inquiries when making decisions on loan applications.

Your options

LendUp has options for people who may need help paying rent and bills and are struggling to get by.

You’ll see a variety of options based on the amount of money you're requesting and your current credit status.

While your choices will vary based on your individual situation, there are no hidden fees or surprises. The exact terms, including finance charges and your repayment schedule, are clearly shown when you apply.

Avoiding debt traps

The cost of a short-term loan may be worth it in an emergency, but falling into a debt trap where you pay a fee to extend your loan due date over and over again (called a “rollover”) can make a financial situation even worse. LendUp has a strict policy against rollovers and will work with you on a repayment plan if you have trouble repaying your debt.

Find out your terms

To find out your loan terms and how fast you can receive an emergency loan, apply today.