Child Abuse Hotlines

• In the US or Canada, call the Childhelp National Child Abuse Hotline at 1-800-4-A-CHILD (1-800-422-4453).
• In the UK, call 0800 1111 (NSPCC Childline).
• Australia: 1800 688 009 (Child Abuse Prevention Service)
• New Zealand: 0800-543-754 (Kidsline)
• Or visit ChiWorld.org for a list of other international child helplines

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Domestic Violence Hotlines

For abused women:

• In the U.S., call the National Domestic Violence Hotline at 1-800-799-7233 (SAFE).
• UK: call Women’s Aid at 0808 2000 247.
• Australia: National Domestic Violence Hotline 1800 200 526
• Or visit International Directory of Domestic Violence Agencies for a worldwide list of helplines, shelters, and crisis centers.

For abused men:

• In the US, The Domestic Abuse Helpline for Men & Womenspecializes in supporting male victims of abuse and offers a 24-hour helpline: 1-888-7HELPLINE (1-888-743-5754)
• UK: ManKind Initiative offers a national helpline for men at 01823 334244.
• Australia: One in Three Campaign offers help and resources for male victims.

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Suicide Hotlines

• In the U.S. – Call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-TALK (8255) or the National Hopeline Network at 1-800-SUICIDE (1-800-784-2433). These toll-free crisis hotlines offer 24-hour suicide prevention and support. Your call is free and confidential.
• Crisis Centers in Canada – Locate suicide crisis centers in Canada by province. (Centre For Suicide Prevention)
• Samaritans UK – 24-hour suicide support for people in the UK (call 08457 90 90 90) and Ireland (call 1850 60 90 90). (Samaritans)
• Lifeline Australia– 24-hour suicide crisis support service at 13 11 14. (Lifeline Australia)
• Other countries – Visit Befrienders Worldwide to find a helpline in your country.

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Elder Abuse Hotlines

• In the U.S., call Eldercare Locator at 1-800-677-1116. The person who answers the phone will refer you to a local agency that can help. The Eldercare Locator answers the phone Monday through Friday, 9 am to 8 pm, Eastern Time.
• UK: 0808 808 8141 or Ireland: 1800 940 010 (Action on Elder Abuse).
• Australia: 1300 651 192 (Elder Abuse Prevention Unit).
• South Africa: 080 111 2131 (Age In Action).
• Canada: visit Alberta Elder Abuse for local helplines.
• New Zealand: visit Age Concern NZ for local helplines.

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Cutting & Self-Harm Hotlines

• In the U.S., S.A.F.E. Alternatives (Self-Abuse Finally Ends) offers help for people who self-harm. Includes treatment referrals, recovery information, and an information helpline: 1-800-366-2288. (S.A.F.E. Alternatives)
• In the UK, Mind Infoline – Information on self-harm and a helpline at 0300 123 3393. (Mind)
• In Australia, Kids Helpline – A helpline for children and teens to call at 1800 55 1800. (Kids Helpline)
• In Canada, Kids Help Phone – A helpline for kids and teens to call for help with any issue, including cutting and self-injury. Call 1-800-668-6868. (Kids Help Phone)

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PTSD Hotlines

U.S. veterans with PTSD

• Vet Centers offer free counseling to combat veterans and their families. To find out more about the resources and benefits available to you, you can also call the VA Health Benefits Service Center at 1-877-222-VETS.

Other nations' veterans with PTSD

• Canadian veterans: visit Operational Stress Injury Social Support (OSISS) or call 1-800-883-6094 to talk to a peer who has been through similar experiences.
• UK veterans: visit Combat Stress or call the 24-hour helpline 0800 138 1619.
• Australian veterans: visit Veterans and Veterans Families Counselling Service (VVCS) or call 1800 011 046.

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Medical Services for Older Adults

In the US:

• To find senior centers or other services for older adults in the U.S., search Eldercare Locator or call toll-free at 800-677-1116.
• Medicare offers searchable directories of doctors, providers, hospitals, nursing facilities, and drug plans.

In Other Countries:

• In the UK, to find local support services contact Age UK Advice or call 0800 169 65 65.
• In Australia, search the Australian Government Directory of Services for Older People or call the information line at 1800 500 853.
• In New Zealand, contact your local Age Concern office.

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Health Clinics

If you don’t have regular healthcare coverage, there are several options to help to find services in the U.S.:

• Get Affordable Healthcare – Provided by the Health Resources Services Administration, you can find a community health center nearest you, or search for hospitals that offer free or reduced cost services.
• Mental Health Services Locator – A searchable directory of treatment and support services, as well as advocacy organizations and state agencies.
• Substance Abuse Treatment Facility Locator – This searchable directory of drug and alcohol treatment programs gives information on both residential and outpatient treatment programs for all ages.
• To find health clinics and hospitals in other parts of the world, search the Worldwide Hospitals Directory.

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Caregiver Services

Caregiver services in the U.S

• Family Care Navigator – A state-by-state resource intended to help you locate services for family caregivers and resources for older or disabled adults. (Family Caregiver Alliance)
• VA Aid & Attendance Pension – Often overlooked benefits for veterans and surviving spouses who require the regular attendance of another person to assist in eating, bathing, dressing and undressing or taking care of the needs of nature.
• National Family Caregivers Association – Offers caregiving resources, newsletters, and tip sheets for caregivers.

Caregiver services - International

• Looking for Local Carers’ Services? – NHS services available to UK carers of disabled children and adults, including respite care. (NHS)
• Commonwealth Respite and Carelink Centres – For Australian residents, provides information and support services for older people, people with disabilities and those who provide care and services. (Australian Government)
• Carers New Zealand – Offers help and advice for New Zealand carers, including guidance on respite care services. (Carers NZ)
• Programs and Services – Information on services for seniors in Canada, including in-home support. (Government of Canada)

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Homecare for Seniors

Home care services for seniors - in the U.S

• Eldercare Locator – A national searchable database of community resources for elder care, from transportation to meals and home care. You can also call (800)677-1116. (US Department of Health and Human Services)
• Home Care Agency Locator – An extensive home care/hospice agency locator database that you can search by service, payment type, and location. (National Association for Home Care)
• Find Homecare Providers – A nationwide non-profit searchable database for all types of private home care services. (National Private Duty Association)

Home care services for seniors - International

• Help at Home – A guide to understanding how to get care and support for seniors in the UK. (Age UK)
• Aged Care Information – Information on contacts and services available to assist you with ageing and aged care issues in Australia, including home care services for seniors. (Australian Government Depart of Health and Ageing)
• Housing: Seniors Canada – Information on housing options for seniors in Canada, including Community Services such as in-home support. (Government of Canada)

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Alzheimer's Care

Long-term care for Alzheimer’s patients – in the U.S.

• CareFinder by the Alzheimer’s Association provides information about different care options in the U.S., tips on communicating with providers, financial issues, and searching for care. Or call the 24/7 Helpline: 1-800-272-3900.
• Eldercare Locator by the US Administration on Aging provides a search for a variety of older adult services across the U.S., or call 1-800-677-1116.

Long-term care for Alzheimer’s patients – in other countries

• In the UK, the Alzheimer's Society provides information on care services, or call 020 7423 3500.
• In Canada, the Alzheimer Society offers information on care options, or call 1-800-616-8816.
• For other countries, visit Alzheimer's Disease International for a directory of worldwide Alzheimer’s associations.

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Hospice Care

Hospice & Palliative Care - in the U.S.

• Find a Hospice Program – Searchable web directory of hospice organizations; you can search by geographic location or by hospice name. (National Hospice & Palliative Care Organization Database)
• National Association for Home Care and Hospice – An extensive web directory allows you to search for home care and hospice by location, payment types, services offered, and more. (National Association for Home Care and Hospice)
• The National Hospice and Palliative Care Organization – Searchable directory for finding a hospice, as well as guides on issues related to palliative care.

Hospice & Palliative Care – in other countries

• UK Hospice and Palliative Care Services – Searchable database of hospice and palliative care services in the UK and Ireland. (Help the Hospices)
• Canadian Directory of Hospice Palliative Care Services – Searchable database of hospice and palliative care services in Canada. (Canadian Hospice Palliative Care Association)
• International Hospice Care Directory – A worldwide directory of hospice and palliative care services. (Help the Hospices)

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Respite Care

Finding quality respite for children and adults with disabilities requires a combination of effective homework and the use of community resources.

• Talk to support groups or advocacy groups that deal with your loved one’s specific disability. They may be able to make recommendations or provide you with guidance to the resources available in your community.
• Check to see if your county or province has mental health or developmental disability resources.
• Talk to your loved one’s medical team and see what services they may be able to offer.

In the U.S.:

• Day care and respite services for children with special needs - Provides tips on finding respite care, from day programs to overnights. (Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center)
• Therapy/Respite Camps - Provides a state by state directory of summer camps in the U.S. and Canada geared towards the special needs of children and adults with disabilities. (Will Moore)
• Easter Seals Services for Younger Adults - Easter Seals is a nonprofit organization that provides different types of services and guidance for younger adults with disabilities. (Easter Seals)
• Respite Locator – Fact sheets and a national respite care directory that covers everyone from children to older adults. (Arch National Respite Network and Resource Center)

In the UK:

• Looking for Local Carers’ Services? NHS services available to UK carers of disabled children and adults, including respite care. (NHS)
• Essential Breaks – UK charity organization that provides respite care and holidays for disabled children and adults, and their carers. (Vitalise)

In Australia:

• Commonwealth Respite and Carelink Centres – For Australian residents, provides information and support services for older people, people with disabilities and those who provide care and services. (Australian Government)

In New Zealand:

• Carers New Zealand – Offers help and advice for New Zealand carers, including guidance on respite care services. (Carers NZ)

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Meals on Wheels

In the U.S. :

• Meals on Wheels: Find a U.S. Program – A searchable database that allows you to find a Meals on Wheels program in your area of the U.S. (Meals on Wheels Association of America)

In the U.K. :

• Meals at Home Services (UK) – In the UK, find out if you qualify to receive meals delivered to your home and access a directory of providers in your area. (Directgov)

In Australia:

• Meals on Wheels Australia – Find your local Meals on Wheels service in Australia. (Meals on Wheels Australia)

In Canada:

• Find a Meals on Wheels Location in Canada – Find a Meals on Wheels and other senior meal programs in your area of Canada. (MealCall)

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Assisted Living Housing

Finding an assisted living facility in the U.S.

As you search for a facility, be aware that commercial sites may not provide a comprehensive directory of all assisted living facilities in an area. Assisted living facilities may have paid to get a listing in a commercial site. While these sites can be a starting point for your search, be sure to cross check by visiting the facility yourself and asking questions. Use sources like your local senior center, healthcare professional, or peers to generate additional leads in your search. You can also consider using a geriatric care manager to facilitate your search, although they do charge fees for their services.

• National Center for Assisted Living – Offers resources for helping select an assisted living facility.
• Assisted Living Facility Search (commercial site)
• A Place for Mom (commercial site)
• Assisted Living Federation of America (commercial site) – Offers a searchable database of assisted living facilities.

If you are a US veteran, you can also investigate assisted living support through the Department of Veterans Affairs. While your rent will not be fully paid, some options may be covered. The VA also may have agreements with some facilities providing additional services. State veterans’ homes may also be an option. For more information, visit Guide to Long Term Care.

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Help for a Crying Baby

Find help for a crying or colicky baby:

In the U.S:

• State Locator for Early Intervention Services (NICHCY)
• ZERO TO THREE: National Center For Infants, Toddlers and Families
• The New York Foundling 24-Hour Parent Helpline: 1-888-435-7553

In the UK:

• Crying Baby? A Guide to Coping - Cry-sis helpline 08451 228 669
• Babies, Crying – Information and advice from the NHS.

In Australia:

• Helpline Services - a directory of parent helplines in Australia
• Pregnancy, Birth & Baby Information – Including a helpline 1800 882 436

In Canada:

• Pregnancy and Babies – Information from the Canadian Paediatric Society, including help finding a doctor

Other countries:

• La Leche League International offers worldwide support groups for breastfeeding mothers.

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Attachment Disorders

Help for reactive attachment disorder or insecure attachment:

In the U.S.:

• State Locator for Early Intervention Services (NICHCY): 1-800-695-0285
• ZERO TO THREE: National Center For Infants, Toddlers and Families: (202) 638-1144
• The New York Foundling 24-Hour Parent Helpline: 1-888-435-7553

In the UK:

• OAASIS: Helpline for Parents and Professionals 0800-197-3907

In Canada:

• Attachment Association of Canada

In Australia:

• Early Childhood Australia: Helpline 1800-356-900

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Separation Anxiety

Find help for separation anxiety disorder in children:

In the U.S.:

• State Locator for Early Intervention Services (NICHCY): 1-800-695-0285
• ZERO TO THREE: National Center For Infants, Toddlers and Families: (202) 638-1144
• The New York Foundling 24-Hour Parent Helpline: 1-888-435-7553

In Canada:

• Anxiety Disorders Association of Canada: 1-888-223-2252

In the UK:

• Anxiety UK: Helpline 08444-775-774

In Australia:

• Early Childhood Australia: Helpline 1800-356-900

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Advocacy Organizations

Advocacy organizations often have local chapters or affiliates who may be able to inform you about social service options in your community. Support groups can also be helpful for referrals from people with firsthand knowledge of a service or organization. Try a web search on a specific disability or social service requirement to see if you can find an appropriate organization. Look for nonprofit organizations. Below are examples of advocacy organizations for mental health in the U.S.:

• Mental Health Affiliate - Mental Health America affiliates provide public education, information and referral, and support group information.
• NAMI Helpline - The National Alliance for the Mentally Ill has a helpline providing information, referral, and support. NAMI also has numerous chapters across the United States.

Advocacy organizations for elder care in the U.S.:

• AARP – Offers member discounts on services for seniors, consumer advice, and health care, housing, and caregiving information and directories.
• Center for Medicare Advocacy – National nonprofit organization that provides education, advocacy and legal assistance to help older people and people with disabilities obtain fair access to Medicare and health care.
• Medicare Rights Center – A nonprofit consumer service organization that works to ensure access to affordable health care for older adults and people with disabilities.
• National Association of Area Agencies on Aging – Offers resources on caregiving and links to eldercare service agencies.

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Legal Aid

Legal aid clinics can be a good starting point for getting help with a variety of issues, from housing to restraining orders to disability benefits advocacy. Try doing a search for legal clinics in your state or county.

In the U.S.

• Legal Services Corporation provides a searchable directory of free/low income legal clinics by state.
• National Academy of Elder Law Attorneys offers resources for the elderly to find legal help.

In Other Countries:

• In the UK, Legal Services Commission provides information on how to access legal aid.
• In Australia, find your state’s legal aid commission.
• In Canada, find a legal aid office in your province.

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Government Benefits

If you’ve been in a challenging situation, you may not realize that you are eligible for some benefits. The websites below offer a starting point for researching benefits.

In the U.S.:

• Benefits.gov outlines government benefits and eligibility, from housing to food and healthcare needs.
• BenefitsCheckUp offers a tool to determine seniors’ eligibility for benefit programs to help pay for medications, health care, utilities, and other services.

In Other Countries:

• In the UK, Benefits and Financial Support offers information and advice about benefits.
• In Canada, search the Benefits Finder to find government benefits.
• In Australia, find Benefits, Payments and Services.

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Alcohol & Drug Abuse

Support groups for alcohol abuse & addiction

Most of these organizations have worldwide chapters:

• Secular Organizations for Sobriety - SOS is a similar organization to AA but without the religious affiliation. (Secular Organizations for Sobriety)
• Women for Sobriety - A non-profit organization dedicated to helping women overcome alcoholism and other addictions. (Women for Sobriety, Inc.)
• Alcoholics Anonymous – Learn more about AA, including the 12 steps, and find a support meeting in your area. (Alcoholics Anonymous)
• SMART Recovery – Self-Management and Recovery Training (SMART) is a program that aims to achieve abstinence from alcohol through self-empowerment and self-directed change. (SMART Recovery)

Alcohol treatment programs:

• In the U.S., search a directory of alcohol treatment programs across the country, from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.
• In the UK, find local alcohol addiction support from the NHS.
• In Australia, find alcohol services in each State/Territory from the Department of Health & Ageing.
• In Canada, find treatment services from Canadian Centre on Substance Abuse.

Drug treatment in the U.S.:

• Substance Abuse Treatment Facility Locator – An online resource for finding private and public drug and alcohol treatment facilities by location. (U.S. Department of Health and Human Services)
• Which Treatment Should I Pursue? – Tips for what types of drug treatments to pursue, based on the severity of your addiction and your readiness for change. (HBO.com)
• A Quick Guide to Finding Effective Alcohol and Drug Treatment – Twelve points to consider when choosing an alcohol or drug treatment program. (Center for Substance Abuse Treatment)

Drug treatment in other countries:

• In the UK, find local drug addiction support from the NHS, or call the 24-hour Frank helpline on 0800 776600 for more information about drugs and the different options available for help and support.
• In Australia, find drug and alcohol services in each State/Territory from the Department of Health & Ageing.
• In Canada, find treatment services from Canadian Centre on Substance Abuse.

Support groups for drug abuse & addiction:

• Narcotics Anonymous
• Cocaine Anonymous

• Crystal Meth Anonymous
• Marijuana Anonymous

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Dual Diagnosis

Dealing with substance abuse, alcoholism, or drug addiction is even more difficult when you’re also struggling with a mental health disorder, such as depression, bipolar disorder, or anxiety

Treatment for dual diagnosis substance abuse and mental health disorders

In the U.S.:

• SAMHSA Substance Abuse Treatment Facility Locator – Provides a searchable database of private and public substance abuse treatment facilities. SAMHSA also operates a helpline: (800) 662-HELP (4357) with help in English and Spanish, or TDD at (800) 487-4889. (Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration)
• Local State Substance Abuse Agency. Many states have their own listings of substance abuse treatment resources, toll-free hotlines, and information about accreditation. (SAMHSA)

International:

• Dual Recovery Anonymous – Independent, twelve-step, self-help organization for people who are chemically dependent and also affected by a mental health disorder. (Dual Recovery Anonymous)

Support for veterans with dual diagnosis

Specialized programs can address the unique stresses veterans face:

In the U.S.:

• SAMHSA Veteran Resources
• Vet Centers

Canada:

• Operational Stress Injury Social Support (OSISS)

UK:

• Combat Stress

Australia:

• Veterans and Veterans Families Counselling Service (VVCS)

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Bipolar Disorder

Bipolar disorder support groups in the U.S.

• About Support Groups and Chapters– Learn about DBSA (Depression and Bipolar Support Alliance) support groups and how they can help. Includes a Support Group Locator. (Depression and Bipolar Support Alliance)
• Find a Support Group – Search for a support group for children and adolescents with bipolar disorder. (Child & Adolescent Bipolar Foundation)

Bipolar disorder support groups worldwide

• Support Groups Outside the U.S. – Search for bipolar disorder support groups located outside the United States. (Depression and Bipolar Support Alliance)
• Self-Help Groups in the UK (MDF The Bipolar Organisation)
• Advocacy Support Groups in Australia (Bipolar Disorder)
• Finding Help in Canada (Mood Disorders Society of Canada)

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Depression

Support groups for depression – in the U.S.

• Find Support – To locate a depression support group in your area, visit the Depression and Bipolar Alliance directory.

Support groups for depression – international

• In the UK, Depression Alliance provides a list of self-help groups.
• In Canada, Finding Help in Canada (Mood Disorders Society of Canada) or Community Support (Canada.com) offer lists of local support groups.
• In Australia, Blue Pages offers treatment and support group information in your state or territory.
• In New Zealand, Blue Pages provides a directory of resources.

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Eating Disorders

Treatment & support groups for eating disorders

• Eating Disorder Treatment Finder – Directory of eating disorder treatment providers, including doctors, therapists, nutritionists, and support groups. (The Something Fishy Website on Eating Disorders)
• EDReferral.com – Comprehensive, easy-to-search database of eating disorder treatment providers, including specialists for anorexia and bulimia. (The Eating Disorder Referral and Information Center)
• Information & Referral Helpline – Eating disorders helpline offers advice and referrals. Includes an online directory of treatment providers and support groups. (National Eating Disorders Association)
• HelpFinder – Searchable database of treatment and help for anorexia and bulimia in the United Kingdom and abroad. (beat, UK)
• Overeaters Anonymous – Find an Overeaters Anonymous group in your area and learn how the 12-steps apply to binge eating recovery. (Overeaters Anonymous)
• Eating Disorders Anonymous – Find support and group meetings with other eating disorder sufferers in your area. (Eating Disorders Anonymous)

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Schizophrenia

Schizophrenia services and support

• Find Your State and Local NAMI – Locate the nearest branch of the National Alliance on Mental Illness, an organization that offers support, education, and referrals for people coping with mental illness. You can also call the toll free HelpLine at 1-800-950-NAMI (6264).
• State and Local Programs for Families, Young Families, and Providers – Directory of education, training, and support programs for the caregivers of people with mental illness. (National Alliance on Mental Illness)
• Schizophrenia Support Groups and Related Resources – Provides links to patient and family support groups located in different countries around the world. (Schizophrenia.com)

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General Therapy

Therapists - in the U.S.

• Mental Health Professionals: Who They Are and How to Find One – Offers an overview of different types of mental health professionals, and practical resources for finding them. (NAMI)
• Mental Health Providers: Find One to Suit Your Needs – Discusses how to find a therapist, insurance considerations and what to expect during therapy. (Mayo Clinic)
• Finding Help: How to Choose a Psychotherapist – Fact sheet on how to find a therapist and evaluate how therapy is working for you. (American Psychological Association)

You can also search by category:

• Search for a Psychologist; Search for a Social Worker; or call the American Psychiatric Association: 1-888-35-PSYCH

Therapists - international

• Search for a Marriage or Family Therapist in your country by clicking on “Search Overseas”.
• In Canada, Search for a Psychologist or Search for a Marriage or Family Therapist by clicking on “Search Canada”.
• In the UK, Relate offers relationship and family counseling; you can Learn about Psychotherapy, including where to find a therapist, or Find Psychological Therapy Services in your local area.

In Australia:

• Lifeline's Service Finder (1300 13 11 14) offers a directory of low-cost mental health services; or you can Find a Psychologist or Find a Mental Health Practitioner.

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Therapy for Anxiety

Anxiety disorder therapists – U.S. & Canada

• Find a Therapist – Search for anxiety disorder treatment providers in your area and find advice on selecting the right doctor or therapist. (Anxiety Disorders Association of America)
• Find a Therapist – Searchable directory of licensed professionals who belong to the Association for Behavioral and Cognitive Therapies. (Association for Behavioral and Cognitive Therapies)
• The Therapy Directory – A directory of therapists in the US and Canada. (Psychology Today)

Anxiety disorder therapists – Other Countries

• UK Therapy Services– Provides a database of therapists and self-help groups in the UK. (Anxiety UK)
• Therapist Directory – Therapists in South Africa specializing in anxiety and panic disorders (Therapist Directory)
• SANE Helpline – Telephone helpline offering information about where to find treatment for anxiety disorders in Australia. (SANE Australia).
• Find a Psychologist in Australia – List of psychologists specializing in anxiety disorders in select areas of Australia. (Anxiety Treatment Australia).

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Therapy for PTSD & Trauma

Trauma Therapists – U.S.

For help locating a trauma therapist in the U.S., treatment center, or support group in your area, contact the Sidran Traumatic Stress Institute by email or by phone at (410) 825-8888 ext. 203.

Trauma Therapists – Other Countries

• In Canada, visit Canadian Mental Health Association.
• In the UK, visit UK Trauma Group.
• In Australia, contact Australian Centre for Posttraumatic Mental Health.
• In other countries, visit International Society for Traumatic Stress Studies for more resources.

Help for U.S. veterans with PTSD

• Vet Centers offer free counseling to combat veterans and their families. To find out more about the resources and benefits available to you, you can also call the VA Health Benefits Service Center at 1-877-222-VETS.
• Click here for a nationwide directory of facilities for veterans, including VA hospitals and Vet Centers, provided by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs.

Help for other nations’ veterans with PTSD

• Canadian veterans: visit Operational Stress Injury Social Support (OSISS) or call 1-800-883-6094 to talk to a peer who has been through similar experiences.
• UK veterans: visit Combat Stress or call the 24-hour helpline 0800 138 1619.
• Australian veterans: visit Veterans and Veterans Families Counselling Service (VVCS) or call 1800 011 046.

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Credit Counseling

A good credit counseling service will meet with you to develop a budget and plan, and offer education to help you learn the best way to manage your money.

Finding a reputable service

• Start with referrals. While there are many good services out there, unfortunately there are also dishonest agencies as well. See if your bank, university, hospital, or community center offers referrals to services.
• Aim for fiscal independence. Any financial plan should set a time when you won’t need to rely on the credit counseling service anymore. Does the agency offer a solid budgeting plan? Do they provide education on how to manage your situation, and how to avoid problems in the future?
• Watch out for hidden fees and protect your information. One red flag is agencies wanting too much personal information up front before they can provide you initial information. Make sure you understand exactly what costs are involved. If the agency claims to be able to reduce interest rates, confirm that with the creditor.

In the U.S.:

• Fiscal Fitness: Choosing a Credit Counselor describes what credit counselors do, tips on finding a reputable service, and when to consider services such as debt management. (FTC.gov)
• Knee Deep in Debt provides tips on moving forward in reducing debt, including working with creditors directly, when to consider credit counseling, and scams to avoid. (FTC.gov)

In the UK:

• Step Change Debt Charity and Debt Support Trust provide free, independent, and impartial debt advice.

In Australia:

• Financial Counselling Australia assists people with a wide range of financial problems including debt management.

In New Zealand:

• Budgetline offers free debt and financial advice.

In Canada:

• Credit Counseling Canada is a nationwide association of not-for-profit credit counseling agencies.
• NoMoreDebts.org offers free credit counseling and debt advice for residents of Western Canada.

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Medical Bills

Medical bills can often increase rapidly, and it can be especially difficult to focus on bills when you are dealing with a serious or chronic illness. Here are some tips on working with medical bills:

• Make sure you understand all of the charges. Ask for itemized bills. If there is a charge you don’t understand, appears to be in error, or you think should be covered by your insurance, don’t hesitate to call. If you have insurance, check your provisions carefully to make sure you understand what is covered and what is not.
• Understand your payment options, opportunities to negotiate, and if you are eligible for charitable care or reduced fees.
• Community organizations such as senior centers or health centers may offer helpful resources. If you’re dealing with a specific disability, contact the organization or find a support group that may help you with real world advice.

In the U.S.:

• Managing High Medical Bills. Tips on getting a handle on medical bills, from negotiating with the hospital or clinic to getting outside resources and support. (Nolo.com)
• Financial Management during Crisis. Written for parents of children with disabilities, the page has useful information for all ages on managing finances, from advocacy to working with medical clinics and insurance companies. (Nemours Foundation)

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Government Benefits

In the U.S.:

• Benefits.gov outlines government benefits and eligibility, from housing to food and healthcare needs.

Some examples of potential benefits include:

• Supplemental Security Income (SSI). Cash benefit to disabled or elderly people with little to no income.
• Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI). Disability income for those who are no longer able to work, and previously worked in a job covered by social security benefits.
• Temporary Assistance to Needy Families (TANF). Federally funded program administered by individual states, provides financial assistance to low income families with dependents or in the last few months of pregnancy. The name of the program varies from state to state.
• Food Stamps. Program that helps low income residents get food. Normally administered by states.
• Veteran’s Benefits. Military veterans have a variety of potential benefits, from healthcare to housing to education.
• Medicare. Health insurance for those over 65, or under 65 with certain disabilities.
• Medicaid. Limited health coverage for those with low income or who meet certain eligibility requirements. Each state administers its own Medicaid program.
• Children’s Health Insurance Program. Provides health coverage for children whose families meet certain income requirements; specific requirements vary by state.

In other countries:

• In the UK, Benefits and Financial Support offers information and advice about benefits.
• In Canada, search the Benefits Finder to find government benefits.
• In Australia, find Benefits, Payments and Services.
• In New Zealand, search A-Z Benefits.

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Student Aid

In the U.S.:

• Financial Aid offers information on paying for college and financial aid such as loans, grants, and work-study options. (US Department of Education)

In the UK:

• Student Finance details grants and loans available to students.

In Australia:

• Financial Aid offers information on loans and scholarships,

In New Zealand:

• Student Financial Support provides details on loans, scholarships, and allowances.

In Canada:

• Canada Student Loans and Grants offers financial assistance for Canadian students.

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