How to get help paying bills and how the H&R Block’s Emerald Advance® Loan could help

Financial hardship stress can happen at any time of the year, but for many, the end of the year can seem particularly challenging. Maybe it’s an unexpected car repair or a medical bill that was more than anticipated — all at a time when holiday spending is everywhere! Whatever unforeseen or emergency expenses come your way, it can be a real struggle to cover even day-to-day expenses.

So, what are your options to get help paying bills? If you’re looking to simply make ends meet, but also want to make thoughtful choices for your financial future, it’s important to weigh the options. Read on as we outline some considerations to factor in when you need help paying bills.

How to get help paying bills

Payment assistance programs. There may be assistance programs offered by your local government agencies, community organizations or even churches that can offer financial assistance. These government programs or community services could provide utility assistance, emergency assistance, rental assistance, and more. Need help paying your utility bill or electric bill? Some utility companies may offer ways to help you pay specific types of bills, such as your gas or energy bill. Depending on the type of program, you may need to qualify for temporary assistance. In some cases, assistance may not pay your bills directly, but programs may help in other ways or provide additional resources. For example, utility assistance may help reduce your gas, electric or water bill – or stop them from being disconnected.

Loans to help pay bills. In some emergency situations, you may consider a short-term loan to help cover unexpected expenses or help you address a specific concern (for example, a debt consolidation loan to help convert several bills into one loan payment).

Generally, you can apply for these at a bank or credit union. One example of a short-term loan is the Emerald Advance® Loan, which is originated by Pathward®, N.A., and can be applied for at participating H&R Block offices. See below for more information about how the loan could help you if you’re approved.

Help from family and friends. This is a common way to get help paying bills that families and individuals have used for ages. While it may be easy to ask those close to you for money, paying it back can get tricky if you’re not all on the same page. Be sure to talk about expectations for if and how quickly any borrowed money should be paid back.

How to catch up on bills going forward

Falling behind on bills can put a major snag in your financial wellbeing. It can feel like you’ll never catch up. But if you’re looking for a helpful way to get back on track, get to know Spruce and the Spruce app. Spruce is a mobile banking platform supporting a Spending and a Savings account, plus a debit card, that includes an automatic budgeting tool, allowing you to easily monitor your spending. Getting a handle on spending can help you identify places to save, which could help you with paying bills.

How the Emerald Advance^® Loan could help with paying bills

With an H&R Block Emerald Advance® Loan, you could get up to $1,300 to help with unexpected bills and more. You can apply from Nov. 1 to Dec. 31, 2024. There are no required monthly payments — or any payments due at all — until March 31, 2025, when the full payment of the loan is due. Plus, there’s no impact to your credit to apply; if you are approved and take a loan, the loan will be reported to one or more credit bureaus, which may affect your credit score.

With Emerald Advance Loan, you could get the boost you need to make it through the holiday season.

Get the details about the Emerald Advance® Loan or make an Emerald Advance Loan appointment to apply now.

H&R Block Emerald Advance® Loan originated by Pathward®, N.A. Subject to eligibility and credit approval. Annual Percentage Rate (APR) is 35.9%. Loan amounts vary from $350-$1300. If approved, loan proceeds will be disbursed as directed to prepaid card or checking account at Pathward. Additional terms and conditions apply, see account agreements for details. Offered for a limited time at participating locations.

Spruce fintech platform is built by H&R Block, which is not a bank. Spruce℠ Spending and Savings Accounts established at, and debit card issued by, Pathward®, N.A., Member FDIC, pursuant to license by Mastercard®. Mastercard and the circles design are registered trademarks of Mastercard International Incorporated.