When you can't pay a bill in full, the order you try things in matters. The first options are often free; the later ones charge fees or interest.
1
Call the company you owe
Ask for a payment arrangement, a due date change, or a hardship program before the bill is late. Many providers offer plans, and some states require regulated utilities to.
2
Check assistance programs
Energy assistance (LIHEAP), Lifeline for phone and internet, hospital financial assistance, and local programs through 211 can lower or cover part of a bill.
Phone and internet. The FCC's Lifeline program takes up to $9.25 a month off phone or internet service for eligible households, or up to $34.25 on Tribal lands.
Credit card bills. Call the card issuer and ask about a hardship program, such as a temporarily lower payment or rate. A nonprofit credit counselor can help you look at all your debts together.
Car loan payments. Contact your lender before you miss a payment and ask about deferring or extending a payment. Lenders aren't required to agree, and interest may keep adding up.
How the Options Compare
Payment arrangements, assistance programs, installment services, and personal loans compared
Payment arrangementWith the company you owe
Assistance programGovernment or nonprofit
Installment serviceA third party pays the bill
Personal loanCash you repay monthly
Cost
Often free; possible setup fee
Free; you don't repay grants
Membership or per-bill fees
Interest shown as an APR, plus any fees
Who pays the bill
You, in installments
The program pays part, often directly
The service, then you repay it
You, with the loan money
Eligibility
Set by the provider
Usually income-based; varies by program
Varies by service
Lender's credit and income criteria
Best for
A single bill you can pay off over a few months
Households that qualify
Short gaps when other options aren't available
Several bills or a larger one-time cost
Payment arrangements, assistance programs, installment services, and personal loans compared
Payment arrangement
With the company you owe
Cost
Often free; possible setup fee
Who pays the bill
You, in installments
Eligibility
Set by the provider
Best for
A single bill you can pay off over a few months
Assistance program
Government or nonprofit
Cost
Free; you don't repay grants
Who pays the bill
The program pays part, often directly
Eligibility
Usually income-based; varies by program
Best for
Households that qualify
Installment service
A third party pays the bill
Cost
Membership or per-bill fees
Who pays the bill
The service, then you repay it
Eligibility
Varies by service
Best for
Short gaps when other options aren't available
Personal loan
Cash you repay monthly
Cost
Interest shown as an APR, plus any fees
Who pays the bill
You, with the loan money
Eligibility
Lender's credit and income criteria
Best for
Several bills or a larger one-time cost
Terms vary by provider, program, service, lender, and state. This table describes common features, not any specific company or program.
What Paylaterr Does and Doesn't Do
Paylaterr is an independent education site and is being built to connect people interested in a personal loan with lending partners. We don't pay utility, medical, rent, or credit card bills, we don't offer bill installment plans or buy now, pay later, and we aren't affiliated with any bill payment company, including any business with a similar name. Our guides explain the options available from providers, assistance programs, and other companies so you can compare them.
Avoid Bill Payment Scams
Scammers pose as utilities and other billers, threatening an immediate shutoff unless you pay right away by gift card, wire transfer, cryptocurrency, or a payment app. Real companies don't demand that. Hang up and call the number on your bill.
Frequently Asked Questions
Call the company you owe before the due date and ask for a payment arrangement, a due date change, or a hardship program. Then check assistance programs through 211 and the guides above.
No. Paylaterr doesn't pay bills or offer bill installment plans. We explain the options available from providers, assistance programs, and other companies.
Sometimes, mainly when you're combining several bills into one payment or a provider won't offer a plan. A loan charges interest, so compare it with free payment arrangements and assistance first.
Sources
Checked on . Rules change; check these pages for updates.
