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.
1Count what is available until the next payment
Write down today's usable cash, money available in your account and the next confirmed payment date. Subtract payments you have already promised that have not cleared. Keep SNAP and other restricted benefits in a separate column for permitted purchases.
2Protect the next few days
List food, medicine, a safe place to sleep and the rides or phone access you need to keep work and appointments. Then list deadlines with serious consequences. Do not pay the loudest caller first just because they pressure you.
3Close one gap today
Choose one meal plan, pantry visit or call about a bill extension. Search the help directory for food, rent or utilities. Ask what assistance is actually available before counting it in the budget.
You can say"My next payment is on ____. I can pay ____ then. What hardship options do you have? Please explain any fees."
4Try the numbers
Example: $90 available minus $25 transportation and $20 medicine leaves $45 for the other needs before payday. If groceries need $60, the gap is $15. Ask for help with the gap; do not pretend the total balances.
5Make one written plan
Write: Today I will ____. My next money arrives ____. I will check the plan on ____.
Open the guide "Plan for your next paycheck". If housing or utilities are at immediate risk, ask for assistance now rather than waiting for the budget to be perfect.
6Make a today, this week and later list
Today: identify whether anyone lacks food, medicine or safe shelter. Ask for help with those needs first. This week: mark deadlines that could interrupt housing, utilities or work. Later: list less urgent purchases and bills that may have a hardship option. This is a way to organize calls, not a rule to ignore a court deadline.
Write the gap as a dollar amount and a date: "I need ____ by ____." That makes an assistance request easier to explain. If the amount is an estimate, say so.
7Ask exactly what an extension changes
Ask the bill provider: "What date will you accept payment? Will service continue? Is there a late fee or extra interest? Does this arrangement cover the past-due amount and the next bill? Can you give me a confirmation number or send the terms?"
Write the answer and the next action. An unanswered voicemail is not an approved extension. If help is unavailable, ask what other agency to try rather than repeatedly promising money you do not have.
8Use a real assistance starting point
For New Mexico food, medical or cash-assistance questions, use https://yes.nm.gov/ or call the benefits contact center at 1-800-283-4465. Ask which program and documents fit your situation; eligibility and processing time vary. Assistance is not guaranteed same-day cash.
For local meals or pantry options, use the public food and free-meals calendars and confirm details before traveling. Keep a small note: agency, date, requested help, missing document and next contact date.
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.Wants help making a budgetMake a first budget on paper, even with very little money. Include a plan for what to do if essentials do not fit.
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
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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.