Emergency financial assistance: your complete guide
If you’ve ever found yourself worrying about money, you’re not alone. From how to get help with bills to other emergency expenses, financial issues can keep many of us up at night.
According to Bankrate’s 2025 Annual Emergency Savings Report, more than one in three (37%) Americans needed to tap into their emergency savings in the past year, and many are finding their emergency funds dwindling with the rising cost of living.
Beyond that, unexpected events like instances of severe weather or professional instability can wreak havoc on any savings you might already have, not to mention your long-term plans. For example, the California wildfires in 2025 affected thousands of people, causing the Red Cross to disburse more than $51 million of assistance to over 13,000 households.
This just goes to show that even those who have long thought their lives were secure can suddenly find themselves needing financial assistance. We understand how difficult it can be to get help with finances, but know there is always hope. There are resources available if you need emergency financial assistance and aren’t sure how to get rid of debt. Read on to learn more about how you can find your way back from a personal financial crisis through government assistance, nonprofit programs, and online fundraising.
What to do when a financial crisis strikes
During a financial crisis, reviewing your financial support options is important to avoid the pitfalls of credit card billing, predatory lenders, and other harmful debt relief solutions. Follow these tips:
- Stay calm: Try to overcome feelings of panic and hopelessness. We know that can be easier said than done, but it’s important to look after your mental health. Instead, be proactive and list ways to find emergency assistance funds through legitimate avenues.
- Know your priorities: Reassess your budget and prioritize your spending. Look for ways to cut non-essential expenses to an absolute minimum.
- Ask for help: Seek advice from friends and family you trust and ask how to get financial help for your situation. They can offer a few ways to get emergency financial assistance.
Types of financial assistance
There are many forms of emergency financial assistance available for those who find themselves in need. Here are some of the key ones to know about:
Grants
A grant provides funding for projects, ideas, public services, economic stimulation, research, recovery initiatives, and other endeavors, without the expectation of repayment. Typically, organizations or individuals must apply for funds, followed by a time period where their application is evaluated, grantees are determined, and then funds are disbursed.
Loans
There are many different organizations including banks, credit agencies, and government organizations that can issue loans to those in need, which are contingent on the loan recipient’s repayment. Loans typically have an interest rate during repayment, which may be 0.0% or a low percentage for those in dire need of emergency financial assistance – though interest rates can be higher depending on the issuing body.
Crowdfunding
Crowdfunding is a way of raising funds for a project or cause by implementing a fundraiser with a wide reach to a large number of people, most commonly via a platform like GoFundMe. Fundraisers solicit small funds from many donors in an attempt to meet their goal. Crowdfunding for emergency financial assistance doesn’t require repayment from the recipient, while crowdfunding for projects may include some type of donor benefit, such as a thank you within a film credit or production program.
Community resources
Community resources include state and local governmental assistance programs and food programs, or charitable organizations like Catholic Charities, the Red Cross, or United Way. Community resources require an application without the assumption of repayment and are aimed at rehabilitating those facing hardship toward a more secure future.
Immediate cash assistance programs
When you need immediate cash, there are a few avenues you can explore. However, it’s worth noting there is often a lead time to receive any emergency financial assistance.
- USA Funding Applications is an organization that centralizes available grants and other forms of assistance into one application hub, based on your type of need and the amount of assistance you require.
- Personal loans: Many personal loan providers have lenient application terms and can disburse funds to you within a matter of hours or days. However, this is contingent upon repayment terms with variable interest rates.
- Credit cards/cash advances: If your credit is in good standing, credit card companies often provide loans or cash advances, which are contingent on repayment and typically have high interest rates.
While turnaround times aren’t usually immediate, there are also emergency hardship programs available from state and local governments. These require an application process and time to review, but this may be expedited during times of extreme need.
Crowdfunding initiatives can be scheduled around a particular time frame, to try to ensure the recipient receives their required cash by a certain date. Crowdfunding programs that catch attention can be some of the quickest methods of securing emergency financial assistance.
State and local resources
Both federal and state governments offer various emergency financial assistance programs. In New York state, there are temporary and emergency benefits available to those who qualify. The federal government provides food assistance, rental assistance, unemployment benefits, and more to qualified applicants. Filling out an application is a requirement for any state or federal benefits.
There are also local and regional charities, along with local nonprofit organizations that can provide assistance to individuals facing hardship. City Harvest delivers food to hungry New York state residents. Meanwhile, California Community Foundation is a nonprofit organization aimed at uplifting communities and fostering positive social change.
Programs that provide emergency financial assistance
Even with a new budget and a renewed focus, a financial emergency can still make it incredibly difficult to pay monthly bills and stay out of debt. If you’re still struggling to pay for expensive medical treatments, survive unpaid maternity leave, or face a housing crisis, such as eviction, there are public and private program providers that can help you regain your footing.
Government assistance programs
These programs offer government grants, subsidies, and training to help individuals and families looking for emergency financial assistance. Whether you need to pay health care bills right away or find emergency rental assistance, these government assistance programs may help.
Government food programs
- Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) provides each state with federal grants to operate its TANF program. The eligibility requirements and programs vary from state to state, but they generally help with basic necessities like food, housing, and more. Find out whether TANF benefits are an option for you on their website contact page.
Government utility assistance
- The Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) is a federal program funded by the United States Department of Health and Human Services that helps people winterize their homes to reduce their utility bills. LIHEAP can also help with low-cost repairs to energy bills and air conditioning systems. Check with your state and county governments for emergency financial help programs available in your area through government-funded utility and rental assistance programs.
- If you have a low income or receive benefits from a federal assistance program, you may be eligible for a discounted cell phone or internet service through Lifeline, a government assistance program. Your household size and income determine your eligibility.
Government help with housing costs
- The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) helps Americans by supplying funding and assistance for housing. It has a range of programs to support low-income residents with subsidized housing, including grants and rent assistance. It also helps people experiencing homelessness by supporting local housing initiatives, via their Helping Americans directory.
- The Housing Choice Voucher Program (Section 8) is a housing program provided by HUD. It is aimed at securing affordable housing for low-income families and individuals. Those who meet the eligibility requirements work with public housing agencies (PHAs) to find housing, and then pay a portion of the cost. Check your eligibility on their HUD page.
Government medical assistance
The Medicare Savings Programs offer four different ways for low-income families and individuals to pay for premiums, copayments, coinsurance, deductibles, patient care, and other medical expenses.
Nonprofit organizations that provide financial assistance
There are also numerous nonprofit programs and grants that aim to help people with everything from food and housing to out-of-pocket medical expenses and childcare assistance, such as United Way and Catholic Charities.
Nonprofit food assistance programs
- Feeding America is a nonprofit that provides emergency food assistance through its network of 200+ food banks and over 60,000 food pantries and meal programs across the country. The organization also helps those in need find long-term assistance through government programs, even helping with the application process. Find their directory here.
Nonprofit help with utilities
- United Way’s 2-1-1 helps those in need with a broad range of services, including utility assistance. Trained professionals are available to help around the clock when you call 2-1-1, so you can ask how to get financial help or access their services.
- Modest Needs provides financial assistance for an array of needs, with a special focus on short-term needs, like financial help with housing costs and utility assistance. The organization offers what they call “self-sufficiency grants” to help those struggling to get back on their feet.
Nonprofit housing assistance
- Community Action Partnership helps more than 148,000 families gain safe and affordable housing every year. It also provides training and referrals to other government resources so impoverished communities can find financial relief. Find your local chapter on their directory.
- Volunteers of America believes that home is more than just a shelter – it’s a cornerstone of stability and security. The nonprofit houses over 25,000 seniors, veterans, families, and others in need each year in different locations across the country.
Nonprofit help with medical costs
- The HealthWell Foundation is a nonprofit that helps the underinsured pay premiums and out-of-pocket hospital costs and find alternatives to simply dealing with medical debt. Eligibility criteria include income level, medical condition, and health insurance coverage status.
- The National Association of & Charitable Clinics (NAFC) provides financial help for pregnant women, helps with financial surgery assistance, and more through its 1,400 clinics across the U.S., where low-income individuals and families can seek medical care.
There are also programs for discounted transportation to help those who need emergency financial assistance. New York City’s Fair Fares Program discounts subway and bus fares by 50% for those who qualify.
What if you aren’t eligible for assistance programs?
Red tape and lengthy application processes can be frustrating and discouraging when applying for government benefits, but don’t worry – there are other ways to find financial relief immediately. Crowdfunding can become an essential part of your financial recovery and offer immediate financial protection.
Need help fast? Crowdfunding to the rescue
Countless people in your position have turned to online fundraising when they needed emergency financial help right away, whether for a natural disaster or an unexpected illness, to share with their friends and social media network.
Rest assured, emergency fundraising for housing costs, utilities, medical bills, and everything in between is easy with GoFundMe. We offer a simple set-up process, 24/7 customer support, and a blog full of fundraising tips and ideas, like how to share offline through texting or WhatsApp.
It’s completely understandable to feel a sense of regret or guilt when reaching out for assistance during a financial crisis. However, it’s important to remember that those closest to you genuinely care about your well-being and want to see you succeed. Accepting help from those who love you can make all the difference in getting through this challenging time.
GoFundMe fundraisers can quickly go viral, being shared from a small personal following to those with a wide audience. The more specific and detailed you can be about your situation and the reason for your need, the more it will encourage those who can donate to do so. And every donation counts.
Find financial freedom right now
When you’re unsure how to apply for emergency financial help and feel like you’ve reached a roadblock, GoFundMe is here for you. If you haven’t already, start a fundraiser and get support from the community around you to overcome this crisis.
Support for the future
Whether you’re the beneficiary of a GoFundMe campaign or you’ve donated to help someone in need, there are resources to help keep you on the right financial track in the future.
Seek out organizations that help educate consumers about how to manage their finances, such as the National Endowment for Financial Education (NEFE). This independent organization provides leadership, research, and education to impart financial health.
The JumpStart Coalition is another nonprofit dedicated to promoting financial literacy through a range of programs, while the National Foundation for Credit Counseling aims to help consumers understand how to manage debt from a range of sources, offering tools and financial guidance.
FAQs
What documents are needed to apply for financial assistance?
When you’re applying to federal or state government assistance programs, you’ll typically need a photo ID or other government issued ID, your Social Security number, documentation of your monthly rent and/or mortgage payment amounts, and proof of income.
How long does it typically take to receive assistance once I apply?
Both government assistance programs and nonprofit organizations typically take a minimum of three to four weeks to process assistance disbursement.
Can I apply for multiple forms of assistance at the same time?
Yes. While federal benefits may be directed to you via your state, there are also nonprofit organizations that can offer assistance to those receiving governmental benefits. For a greater chance of success, it may be worth applying to multiple programs at once.
What should I do if my application for assistance is denied?
If your application is denied, contact the agency again by phone. Ask why you were denied and see if they can refer you to another organization to provide assistance. Apply to multiple organizations as well as multiple types of organizations (both governmental and nonprofit) for maximum success.
Are there restrictions on how I can spend government assistance funds?
Some government programs disburse cash-based assistance, which can be utilized at the recipient’s discretion, while other programs, such as Section 8, disburse the benefits directly to your property owner or landlord. Some programs only disburse assistance based on documentation of the financial hardship incurred, such as by submitting documentation of medical and/or hospital bills. It all depends on the issuing organization’s policies, so be sure to check this when applying.