• Emergency Help        • Credit and Debt

Georgia COMPASS, a way to find out if you qualify for state assistance.

Travel. If you are stranded in Atlanta, contact Travelers Aid of Metropolitan Atlanta. Young runaways may be able to get a free ride home by contacting the National Runaway Switchboard.

Shelter. Search the 2-1-1 page at United Way of Metropolitan Atlanta to find local services such as emergency shelter and food, and counseling. If you are in danger of losing your home due to foreclosure, look for help through the Making Home Affordable program. Protect yourself from Foreclosure Rescue Scams. Men and women in the armed services should read about the special protections from foreclosure provided by the Servicemembers Civil Relief Act.

Seniors are encouraged to contact Fulton County's STARline at (404) 613-6000 to ask about assistance and services.

Utilities. Federal and other funds are available to help eligible households meet their home heating and/or cooling needs. See Georgia's Energy Assistance Program page for details. Utility assistance programs of the Georgia Public Service Commission and other state and local entities. City of Atlanta Care & Conserve Program may be able to help with a water bill or plumbing repairs. The Federal Universal Service Fund's Lifeline/Link-Up program provides discounts to income-eligible consumers. Get more information from the Georgia Public Service Commission or search to see if this benefit is offered through your current phone provider.

Food. U.S. Dept. of Agriculture food assistance programs. Find out if you or someone you know is eligible and get tips on the most effective way to use your benefit with the Expanded Food and Nutrition Education Program, a food and nutrition education program. Find Georgia distribution points for the U.S. Department of Agriculture's Commodity and other food distribution programs.

Health Care. Learn if the Partnership for Prescription Assistance can help you get your medicines for free or nearly free. MedlinePlus' page on Financial Assistance offers leads on assistance programs. A listing of Georgia assistance programs from Needymeds. Help paying for vaccinations.

Childcare. Georgia subsidizes child care costs through its Childcare and Parent Services (CAPS) program for low-income families.

Legal. Fulton County State & Magistrate Court operates a Self-Help Center (SHC) to help litigants who represent themselves in those courts. The SHC does not provide legal advice. It informs litigants about court procedures and choices,  assists in completing legal forms, and provides referral to agencies and nonprofits who can provide additional help. Ground floor, 185 Central St., open M-F 9-4.

Established by Congress in 1974, the Legal Services Corporation operates as an independent 501(c)(3) nonprofit corporation that promotes equal access to justice funds civil legal assistance to low-income Americans. Fulton County residents are served by the Atlanta Legal Aid Society Inc., located at 151 Spring Street N.W. Atlanta, GA 30303-2097 or call (404) 524-5811.

Checking Account. Credit unions are democratically owned and controlled institutions based on a “people helping people” principle. Most stayed solvent during the 2008 economic crisis. Find a state-chartered credit union in Georgia, or Find a federal credit union.

Taxes. IRS page The “what ifs” of an economic downturn.

FDIC Consumer News offers easy-to-understand information about billpaying, banking, how to recognize current scams, and more.

Find up-to-date information on bankruptcy law and forms from the Federal Judiciary.

Use Treasury Direct to get information about Treasury securities you hold, have inherited, or would like to buy. Also check out the Frauds, Phonies, and Scams section of this site. 

Prevent financial elder abuse. Learn how to protect yourself and loved ones.

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