What if I can't pay my rent or mortgage during cancer?

If paying your rent or mortgage is becoming hard during treatment, you are not alone, and there are steps that can help. The National Cancer Institute suggests talking to your bank or the companies you owe. They may be able to set up a payment schedule to keep you from falling behind.

Timing matters. It is important to reach out to creditors as soon as you think you could have financial problems, rather than waiting until you have missed a payment. Getting ahead of the problem usually gives you more options.

Beyond your creditors, a hospital social worker can point you to programs that help with housing and other everyday costs, and free tools like the National Council on Aging's benefit-finder can help you see what you may qualify for. Money stress can affect your health, so it is worth asking for both practical and emotional support early. This is general information, not financial advice, so a social worker or financial counselor is the best guide for your situation.