Get help with bills after a disaster

How to apply for help with utility bills after a disaster

Your local Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) may help pay your heating and cooling utility bills after a disaster. 

Each LIHEAP office sets its own criteria and process for getting help after a disaster. Contact the LIHEAP office that serves your state. Or contact the LIHEAP office in your tribal area.

Get help paying your credit card bills after a disaster

If you cannot pay your credit card bill after a disaster, your credit card company may be able to help. Get tips from the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau on: 

• Finding ways to limit your expenses
• Explaining your situation to your credit card company
• Choosing a credit counselor you can trust

Get help making your auto loan payments

If a natural disaster has affected your ability to make car payments, contact your lender. Learn more about working out an agreement with your auto loan servicer.

How to make student loan payments or complete college after a disaster

If you were affected by a federally declared disaster, you may be eligible to get help if you cannot: 

• Pay your student loan
• Complete your studies at the school where you are currently enrolled 

Learn from StudentAid.gov what to do if: 

• You need to transfer to a different school
• You were not able to complete the school year
• Your financial aid documentation has been lost or damaged
• You are having difficulty making your student loan payments
• Your student loan is in default