Consumer Resources
We understand how financial struggles can impact many areas of your life. In addition to the resources we provide at Take Charge America, we’ve compiled a list of other organizations offering consumer services and support.
No matter what situation you’re in now, you can take comfort in knowing there is a way out of debt, and you won’t be in this situation forever. Please call us at 866-528-0588 if you need additional help or guidance.
-
Bankruptcy/Legal
FindLaw
www.findlaw.com
FindLaw provides a lawyer search in addition to detailed information about legal issues like bankruptcy, family law, and employment law.National Association of Consumer Advocates (NACA)
consumeradvocates.org
NACA is a non-profit association of lawyers committed to promoting justice for consumers. Its members represent those victimized by fraudulent, abusive, and predatory business practices. -
Consumer Information
findhelp.org
www.findhelp.orgSearch by zip code for free or reduced cost services in your community such as medical care, food, job training, utility assistance and more.
2-1-1 United Way
211
www.211.orgSpearheaded by the United Way and the Alliance for Information and Referral Systems, 2-1-1 is a telephone number that connects consumers with community services.
American Association of Retired Persons (AARP)
888-687-2277
www.aarp.orgAARP is a non-profit, non-partisan membership organization that helps people 50 and over improve the quality of their lives.
Credit Bureaus
Experian – Trans Union – Equifax
888-397-3742 | 800-916-8800 | 800-685-1111
www.experian.com | www.transunion.com | www.equifax.comThese are the three major credit reporting agencies in the United States.
Annual Credit Report
877-322-8228
www.annualcreditreport.comAnnualCreditReport.com is a centralized service for consumers to request free annual credit reports. It was created by the three nationwide consumer credit reporting agencies.
Do Not Call Registry
888-382-1222
www.donotcall.govRegister your phone number on the Do Not Call Registry to be removed from telemarketing lists.
U.S. Department of Education
www.ed.govThis comprehensive website offers information on financial aid, student loans, scholarships and education grants and more.
FICO
800-319-4433
www.myfico.comYou can obtain your FICO score (the credit score used by most creditors) at this web address.
Government Benefit Programs
800-333-4636
www.benefits.govGovBenefits.gov is the official benefits website for the U.S. government. It contains information on more than 1,000 benefit and assistance programs.
Opt-Out Pre-screen
888-567-8688 TDD: 877-730-4105
www.optoutprescreen.comOpt-Out Pre-screen enables consumers to opt out of receiving credit card applications and offers in the mail. Registration is active for five years.
Social Security
800-772-1213 TTY 800-325-0778
www.ssa.gov/onlineservices/ | www.benefits.gov/ssaSocial Security benefits vary from state to state. Locate your local office to determine your benefits. You can use the eligibility screening tool.
United Way
703-836-7112
www.liveunited.orgUnited Way helps create opportunities for a better life through education, income and health care.
-
Employment
Job Bank Information
877-872-5627 TTY: 877-889-5627
www.careeronestop.org/Operated by the U.S. Department of Labor, regional offices of Career One Stop provide resources and training programs to individuals facing serious barriers to employment. The centers offer workshops in interview skills and resume writing.
U.S. Department of Labor (DOL), Career One Stop Centers
877-872-5627
www.servicelocator.orgYou can find local career one stop centers with this locator.
U.S. Department of Labor (DOL)
866-487-2365
www.dol.gov -
Food
Feeding America Food Bank Network
800-771-2303
www.feedingamerica.orgFeeding America is the nation’s largest charitable hunger-relief organization. Its 200+ member food banks and food-rescue organizations serve all 50 states, the District of Columbia and Puerto Rico.
Food and Nutrition Service (FNS)
800-221-5689 | 703-305-2062
www.fns.usda.govFNS offers resources and advice on good nutrition and food shopping. Information on food stamp services is also available.
-
Housing
Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD Counseling Line)
800-569-4287
www.hud.govHUD’s website is a comprehensive resource for buying and selling homes, consumer rights and help for the homeless.
Enterprise Community Partners, Inc.
800-624-4298
www.enterprisecommunity.orgWorking with a national network of 2,500 non-profit partners, Enterprise creates opportunities for affordable homes, safer streets, and access to jobs and childcare.
The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA)
800-621-3362
www.FEMA.govFEMA provides emergency relief for disaster victims.
Hope Now
888-995-HOPE (4673)
www.hopenow.comHope Now represents a group of lenders, housing counselors and others who are available to help homeowners struggling with their mortgage payments.
Loan Modification Scam Alert
888-995-4673
www.loanscamalert.orgThe Loan Modification Scam Alert is an online resource where seniors can learn how to spot mortgage scams and how to report them.
Making Home Affordable
www.makinghomeaffordable.govMaking Home Affordable is a federal program aimed at curbing foreclosures. It offers modifications and refinances to qualified homeowners, as well as localized resources. The site provides tools to empower homeowners to determine relief options.
Red Cross
800-733-2767
www.redcross.orgThe Red Cross provides disaster relief in crisis situations.
-
Medical
Benefits Check Up – National Council on the Aging
www.benefitscheckup.orgThe Benefits Check Up website houses an online directory where seniors can locate and enroll in programs to help pay for prescription drugs, utility bills, meals, health care and other needs.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)
800-232-4636
www.cdc.govThe CDC provides information to enhance health decisions, and it promotes health through partnerships with state governments and other organizations.
Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS)
877-267-2323
www.cms.hhs.govThe CMS website offers detailed information on Medicare, Medicaid, and SCHIP (State Children’s Health Insurance Plan).
Finding Health Insurance
www.usa.govGet information on how to find and sign-up for health insurance including the ACA, COBRA, long term care and health care for people with disabilities.
HealthCare.gov
www.healthcare.govA federal government website designed to help people find insurance, learn about prevention, compare care quality, and understand the new healthcare law.
Hospice
202-223-0204
www.americanhospice.orgThe American Hospice Foundation, a 501(c)(3)non-profit organization, supports programs that serve the needs of terminally ill and grieving individuals of all ages.
InsureKidsNow.gov
877-543-7669
www.insurekidsnow.govInsureKidsNow.gov provides information on free and low-cost health insurance for children up to age 18.
Needy Meds
www.needymeds.comNeedy Meds helps consumers locate patient assistance programs in their respective states. It also offers valuable coupons and discount cards to assist with cost reductions on medications.
Partnership for Prescription Assistance (PPA)
888-477-2669
www.pparx.orgThe PPA helps qualifying patients without prescription drug coverage get the medicines they need for free or nearly free.
U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS)
877-696-6775
www.hhs.govThe HHS is the federal government’s principal agency for protecting the health of all Americans and providing essential human services, especially for those who are least able to help themselves.
-
Mental Health
Alcoholics Anonymous (AA)
212-870-3400
www.aa.orgAA is a twelve-step program for men and women who wish to stop drinking alcohol.
National Domestic Violence Hotline
800-799-7233
www.thehotline.orgThe hotline provides immediate crisis intervention for those in need. Callers can receive counseling and can be referred directly to help in their communities, including emergency services and shelters.
Gamblers Anonymous
888-424-3577
www.gamblersanonymous.orgGamblers Anonymous is a twelve-step program for problem gamblers.
Narcotics Anonymous (NA)
818-773-9999
www.na.orgModeled after Alcoholics Anonymous, NA is a twelve-step program for recovery from drug addiction.
National Crisis Lifeline (Suicide hotline)
800-273-8255
www.save.orgNational Institute of Mental Health (NIH)
866-615-6464
www.nimh.nih.govThe NIH is the largest scientific organization worldwide dedicated to researching the understanding, treatment, and prevention of mental disorders.
National Mental Health Information Center (NMHIC)
800-789-2647
www.mentalhealth.govNMHIC was developed as a resource for users of mental health services and their families, the general public, policy makers, providers and the media.
Salvation Army
www.salvationarmyusa.orgThese resources vary from state to state. To locate your state resources please go to the web address.