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Behind on bills? Do this before your next payment is due

Cassidy HortonFebruary 13, 2026 at 9:59 PM

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Behind on bills? Do this before your next payment is due (MoMo Productions via Getty Images)

When your paycheck suddenly stops — whether from a layoff, furlough, medical emergency or unexpected crisis — your bills don't skip a beat.

Autopay keeps running. Rent still comes due. And suddenly, you’re sitting at the kitchen table trying to figure out which bills to cover first.

If that’s where you are right now, you're not alone: Nearly two-thirds of American workers live paycheck to paycheck, according to a recent PNC Bank survey.

Here’s how to triage your finances, protect what matters most and buy yourself breathing room until you're back on your feet — including exactly what to say to your creditors to stay ahead of the situation.

Step 1: Draw the line between essentials and extras

When your paycheck’s on pause, your job isn’t to pay everything — it’s to keep your life running.

Grab a notebook or open your notes app and write down every bill you have this month: rent, mortgage, utilities, credit cards, insurance, streaming services, all of it. Then draw two columns — one for essentials and one for extras.

Essentials are what keep you safe, housed and fed:

Rent or mortgage — a roof over your head

Utilities — keeps lights on and water running

Groceries and gas — fuels your family and daily life

Medications and prescriptions — prioritizes your health

Insurance — protects you when things go wrong

Minimum debt payments — to protect your credit and future

Everything else — subscriptions, memberships, debt payments above the minimum — can wait. This list becomes your road map for where your next dollar should go.

🔍 Read more: What hospitals won't tell you: 7 steps to lower your medical bills

Step 2: Reach out to creditors before you fall behind

The best thing you can do right now is get ahead of your bills. Lenders and landlords are usually much more flexible before a payment is late than after. Missing even one payment can trigger late fees and penalties — and limit your options for hardship or deferment programs.

If you’re not sure what to say, try something like:

Hi, I’m experiencing a temporary hardship due to [job loss, medical emergency, unexpected circumstances]. I'm concerned I won’t be able to make my next payment on time. Could you walk me through any hardship, forbearance or payment plan options that might be available to me?

Most companies have systems in place for customers experiencing hardships — you just have to ask. If you hear a no, ask to speak to a supervisor or manager. Many creditors have more flexibility than what's offered by frontline representatives.

Here’s how to approach each type of creditor on your list.

🏡 Mortgage lenders

Ask if your lender offers forbearance, which can pause or reduce your payments temporarily.

If it’s an option, ask how you’ll repay the skipped payments. In many cases, they’re added to the end of your loan, or you might owe a lump sum later.

If you’re unsure what’s best, a HUD-approved housing counselor can explain your options for free.

🏢 Landlords and rental management companies

Reach out to your landlord or management company if rent is due soon and you’re afraid you won’t be able to pay on time.

Not sure what to say? You could text or email something like:

Hi. I recently lost my job, and my income has stopped temporarily. I wanted to give you a heads-up and see what my options are before rent is due. I'm committed to staying current and avoiding any issues.What assistance or payment arrangements do you typically offer in situations like this?

🏦 Credit cards and personal loans

Did you know that American Express, Capital One, Discover and other large lenders have hardship programs for customers? These programs look different for everyone but could let you skip or defer a payment, waive late fees or temporarily lower your rate. Even if you haven’t heard of one, call your credit card provider or lender and ask.

If you’re a member of Navy Federal Credit Union, PedFed Credit Union or USAA Bank, you might be eligible for a zero-interest loan, depending on the circumstances.

Hardship programs aren’t your only option, though. If your lender isn’t willing to work with you but you have strong credit, you could apply for a 0% intro APR credit card. These cards offer an interest-free promotional period of 12 to 21 months, which could give you time to cover essentials now and pay it back later.

If neither of these are an option, there is zero shame in having to rely on credit cards to get by after a layoff or financial emergency. Is it ideal to rack up credit card debt? No. Does it happen for countless families? Yes.

In the meantime, focus on making the minimum payments if you can so your credit score doesn’t take a hit too. Then, you can focus on tackling the balance later.

👩‍🎓 Student loans

Student loan payments don't automatically pause when you're facing financial hardship — you’re still required to make them unless you proactively request relief.

With the Fed rate trending down, you might consider refinancing private student loans for a lower interest rate. But think carefully before refinancing your federal loans. Federal loans come with protections that private lenders don't offer, including:

Flexible deferment and forbearance options if you lose your job or face hardship

Income-driven repayment plans that scale with your earnings

Nine months of missed payments before you default

Eligibility for programs like Public Service Loan Forgiveness

Loan discharge if you become disabled, die or face qualifying hardships

If you can't make your payment, contact your loan servicer immediately. Federal loan servicers like Nelnet or MOHELA can help you explore deferment, forbearance or income-driven repayment options through StudentAid.org. Your options are better if you act early.

💡 Utilities and internet

If your utilities are at risk of being shut off, call your provider and explain your situation. They may offer hardship extensions, flexible payment plans or temporary grace periods.

If you need extra help, go to USA.gov’s utility assistance programs. Programs like the Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) can help with heating and cooling costs, while the federally supported Lifeline program provides free or discounted wireless service through SafeLink.

☂️ Insurance and transportation

It may be tempting to cancel auto or health insurance if your income has stopped, but think twice. Even a short lapse in coverage could cost more later if you have an accident or medical emergency.

If your premiums are due soon, call your insurer to ask about payment options or grace periods.

🔍 Read more: Debt consolidation vs. debt payoff vs. debt counseling

Step 3: Cancel, pause or downgrade everything else

Once you’ve covered the basics, look for anything that can wait.

Cancel or pause streaming services, subscription boxes, shopping memberships or automatic contributions. You can always restart them when your income returns — often without losing your account history or preferences. Some even offer “pause” options for financial hardship that freezes your subscription rate.

If you just can’t bear to let them all go, call one or two and explain your situation. You might score a temporary discount or reduced costs, especially if you’re a loyal customer.

The goal isn’t to eliminate every small pleasure. Rather, it’s to keep your lights on and a roof over your head first. Everything else is negotiable.

🔍 Read more: Debt snowball vs. debt avalanche: How each strategy works to pay off your debt

✍️ Keep clear records of everything

The difference between getting help and getting denied often comes down to whether you can prove what you were promised.Every time you call a creditor, your HR department, a federal office or a relief program, write down who you spoke with, what they offered and when. Ask for confirmation by email, or take a screenshot documenting the date, time and request. This paper trail protects you if payments are misreported to credit bureaus, if fees reappear that were supposed to have been waived or new relief programs roll out.

Missed a payment? What to do when you’re already late

If a payment slipped through the cracks, you’re not alone. And you still have options.

Don’t wait for the collection calls to come through. Call the company directly, explain what happened — and be clear that it’s temporary.

Here is a script to try:

I missed my payment on [date] because I'm experiencing a temporary financial hardship due to [job loss, a medical emergency, unexpected circumstances]. I want to protect my account and get back on track right away. Can you walk me through what hardship options are available?

The key is “temporary hardship.” Many lenders would rather work with you than send your account to collections — especially if you're reaching out proactively.

Ask if they can:

Waive late fees

Report your account as current to the credit bureaus

Move your due date forward

Set up a short-term payment plan

The worst they can say is no — but most companies want to keep you as a customer. And remember: Before you hang up, get any agreement in writing. Ask them to email confirmation of whatever arrangement you've made.

🔍 Read more: What not to do in a recession: 5 money mistakes experts say to avoid

Don’t go it alone — here’s where to find help

When you're facing a financial crisis, you don't have to navigate it by yourself. These free resources can help you bridge the gap:

Your state’s unemployment office. If you've lost your job or had your hours significantly reduced, you may qualify for unemployment benefits. Contact your state’s unemployment insurance program to learn about eligibility and how to apply.

2-1-1 hotline. This nationwide hotline connects you with food assistance, financial aid, housing support and other emergency services through more than 200 local organizations, including United Way, Goodwill and community action partnerships. Dial 2-1-1 or search for help by ZIP code.

Feeding America. Find local food banks by ZIP code, including hours, locations and services.

NFCC-certified counselors. The National Foundation for Credit Counseling is the country's largest nonprofit financial counseling organization dedicated to helping Americans pay off debt faster and gain control of their finances. Connect with a certified counselor at 800-769-3571 or get help online.

Your Employee Assistance Program. If you're still employed but struggling, check whether your company supports an EAP. Many provide free counseling, legal referrals and emergency assistance.

🔍 Read more: 20+ clever ways to stretch your dollar (that actually work)

What to remember when things feel impossible

A financial crisis rarely feels fair. But you don't have to have all the answers right now.

If you can’t cover everything, start with what keeps your life running: your home, your utilities, your food and your health.

Before you miss a payment, call your lenders, cut what you can and use help that’s available.

Once you’re back on your feet, pull your free credit reports at AnnualCreditReport.com or by calling 877-322-8228. Look carefully to make sure everything matches what you discussed with your lenders. If something looks off — a “missed payment” that should’ve paused, or late mark that should’ve been excused — contact the lender with your written documentation. If they won’t fix it, file a dispute directly with the credit bureau.

You didn’t create this situation, but you can control how you respond to it. Take it one bill at a time.

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About the writer

Cassidy Horton is a finance writer who specializes in banking, insurance, lending and paying down debt. Her expertise has been featured in NerdWallet, Forbes, MarketWatch, CNN, USA Today, Money, The Balance and Consumer Affairs, among other top financial publications. Cassidy first became interested in personal finance after paying off $18,000 in debt in 10 months of graduation with an MBA. Today, she's committed to empowering people to stand up and take charge of their financial futures.

Article edited by Kelly Suzan Waggoner

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Source: “AOL Money”