These are the same steps our staff use when they help someone. "They" means the person who needs help: you, or someone you are helping. Go in order, and call ahead when you can.
1Measure the gap
List reliable monthly take-home income and necessary expenses. Example: $900 income and $1,050 essentials leave a $150 gap. Do not fill it with an imaginary savings amount.
2Find out whether the shortage will repeat
Is it one repair or a continuing rent or income problem? Write the dates of eviction, shutoff or other urgent notices. Do not ignore legal deadlines while working on a budget.
3Work on both sides of the gap
Review fees, plans and subscriptions you can change without harming safety or work. Search the help directory for food, utilities, benefits and employment assistance. Confirm eligibility and availability before counting assistance.
4Call before making promises
You can say"My income is ____. I can afford ____ after basic needs. Is there a hardship plan? What will the total cost be, and can you send it in writing?"
Do not agree to payments you cannot sustain just to end a call.
5Make a short-term plan and a review
Choose one application and one call. Write who you contacted and when to check back. A continuing income gap needs assistance or a larger change; borrowing every month usually adds another bill.
6Check the numbers before cutting essentials
Make sure monthly costs are compared with monthly income, not one paycheck. Check whether an annual bill was counted as though it happens every month, or whether a card purchase and its repayment were counted twice. Correcting a bookkeeping error can change the apparent gap.
Then separate a timing problem from a true shortage. Moving a due date may help timing; it does not make $900 pay $1,050 of recurring expenses.
7Ask about help using a concrete list
Bring or write down the bill, amount, deadline, take-home income and household size. Ask which assistance is open now, what documents are required and when a decision is expected. Do not hand original documents to an unverified person.
New Mexico benefits starting point: https://yes.nm.gov/; 1-800-283-4465. Ask about eligibility rather than assuming that working disqualifies you. For housing, food or utility needs, use the relevant local directory category and confirm availability.
8If the shortage continues
Choose one larger question to work on with a trusted helper: a more affordable plan, job hours, childcare, transportation, housing options or a benefit you may be missing. Check the side effects before changing something that keeps you safe or employed.
For debt/budget counseling, the National Foundation for Credit Counseling can connect you to member agencies: https://www.nfcc.org/contact-us/ or 800-388-2227. Ask about costs and services before enrolling; a debt-management plan is a separate decision, not a requirement just to ask questions.
9Sources and more help
Reviewed November 1, 2026. General money education; individual circumstances differ.
https://www.consumerfinance.gov/consumer-tools/educator-tool/your-money-your-goals/toolkit/
More help like this
Was scammed or had their identity stolenUse when someone lost money to a scam, someone used their name or card, or they are getting threatening calls about money.Needs help filing taxes or getting a tax refundUse when someone needs free help filing taxes, or may get money back from tax credits even with little or no income.Behind on debts, payday loans, or getting calls from debt collectorsUse when someone is overwhelmed by debt, has payday or title loans, or debt collectors are calling or suing.Federal checks went electronic: set up Direct Express or direct depositUse when someone gets Social Security, SSI, VA or another federal payment and still got paper checks, lost a check, or has no bank account. Since Sept 30, 2025 most federal payments must go to a bank account or a Direct Express card.Money basics: choose a starting pointStart here for budgets, bills, banking, saving and debt. No paid app or bank account is needed.Not enough money to get through the monthUse when food, medicine, housing or transportation money will run out before the next payment.
See all guides in Money and benefits →
This guide is general information only, not medical, legal or other professional advice. Places and rules change, so please call before you go. In an emergency, call 911; in a mental health crisis, call or text 988. Disclaimer
Know a better way? Is something out of date?
If a number or place here is wrong, you know a better resource, or you know a better way to help, tell us. We automatically check reliable sources and update supported routine details. Unclear changes and safety guidance go to our staff for review.
Suggest a change
📞 We need volunteers to keep this guide up to date. You can help from home, an hour a week.
See how →
Questions, or want someone to walk through this with you? The Silver City Gospel Mission, 111 S. Texas St., Silver City,
575-388-5071, weekdays 9:00am-1:45pm. Everyone is welcome.