Finding Help
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Household billsIf a chronic disease leaves you unable to work or if high medical bills make it difficult to pay for basic expenses such as groceries and utilities, most communities have programs that offer help. Check with your individual utilities to ask if they offer assistance or, at the very least, will work with you on budget billing and an easier-to-manage payment plan. Some places of worship also offer assistance short-term with expenses such as mortgage and utility payments and even automobile repairs. If yours doesn’t, check with some of the larger churches in your area. In many cases, you don’t need to be a member to receive help. Community and church-based food banks may also provide groceries and sometimes toiletries such as deodorant and toothpaste.
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EducationIf you are considering a new career that would be more fulfilling or offer more flexibility, education may be more affordable than you think. Many state and federal programs, including the Pell Grant and Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant (studentaid.ed.gov) offer assistance with tuition for adults returning to college. Community associations, foundations and societies offer scholarships and grants to older students. If you are 55 or older you may be able to return to college for free, as many state colleges, technical colleges and universities waive tuition for older students.
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