Starting From $0
No money? Start here.
When there's nothing left to cut, the strategy changes. Here's how to find food, housing assistance, income, benefits, and your next financial step.
I need help with…
The cupboard is thin or empty.
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Rent is behind, an eviction is threatened, or there's nowhere to stay.
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A shutoff notice, or bills that no longer fit the month.
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No coverage, a scary bill, or medicine that costs too much.
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No reliable way to reach work, school, or appointments.
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Work requires care you can't afford.
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A job, a better job, or a first job after a gap.
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Cash needed this week, legally.
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Collectors calling, or payments that no longer fit.
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What exists, and what you might qualify for.
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Tonight is not safe, or the crisis is bigger than money.
Get help →The one number to know: 211
211
OfficialOne free, confidential call or website connecting you to local help: food, rent, utilities, shelter, childcare, crisis support. Available across most of the United States, in many languages, usually 24/7.
Who may qualify: Everyone. No eligibility — it's a navigator, not a benefit.
Findhelp (formerly Aunt Bertha)
NonprofitZIP-code search across food, housing, transit, care and legal programs — the widest local-program index outside 211.
Who may qualify: Everyone; it's a directory.
You may qualify depending on income, household size, disability status, age, location, and other factors. Programs and rules change by state and year — the official link is the authority.
20 strategies when you're starting from zero
One call (or 211.org) reaches a trained local specialist who knows food, rent, utility and shelter help in YOUR county. Free, confidential, multilingual. More on this
Food banks exist so your limited cash can go to rent and lights. Feeding America's locator finds the nearest one — no referral needed for most. More on this
Grocery money on a card, monthly. Eligibility depends on income, household size and state — applying is free and answers usually come within 30 days.
Pregnant, postpartum, or kids under 5: WIC adds specific groceries, formula and nutrition support on top of SNAP.
Where offered, school breakfast and lunch programs quietly free up $50-$100 a month per child. One form at the school office.
Utilities, phone carriers, hospitals, card issuers and landlords all have versions of one. The phrase itself opens the right door.
Companies would rather collect slowly than disconnect. Before the due date beats after, every time. More on this
The federal energy-assistance program pays utility bills for qualifying households through state agencies. Funds run out — apply early in the season.
Legal aid is free for those who qualify, and many cities have emergency rental assistance. Speed matters more than any other factor. More on this
Federally funded clinics charge on a sliding scale, including $0, for medical, dental and mental-health care. Insurance not required.
Rules changed in many states. Losing a job or income drop is exactly when to re-apply — coverage is often retroactive to application month.
Benefits start from filing, not from job loss. Apply through your state agency even if you're unsure you qualify.
States hold billions in forgotten deposits, refunds and paychecks. Search your name free at the official state sites — never pay a finder. More on this
The bike, the console, the second TV. Selling $200 of unused stuff beats any loan at any rate, because it costs 0%.
They convert this month's emergency into every month's emergency. Nearly every option on these pages beats them.
VITA prepares taxes free for most lower-income households; refundable credits like the EITC can mean thousands — even for non-filers claiming past years. More on this
The federal Lifeline program discounts phone or internet service for qualifying households — a working number is job-search infrastructure.
Free internet, printing, resume help and warm space. Librarians are professional finders of help — ask them anything.
Nearly every US county has one: weatherization, emergency funds, job programs, childcare help under one roof. More on this
When money can't cover everything: food, medicine, housing, utilities, transport to work — before any unsecured debt. Triage is strategy, not failure. More on this