The rent is due.

The fridge is nearly empty.

The electricity bill is sitting on the counter.

There is another shift to get to, and there’s no gas in the car.

You are working. Perhaps at more than one job. And you are still falling behind.

What do you do? Do you pay the crisis bill first? But if there’s no gas, there’s no getting to work?

Money intended for one bill goes toward another, depending on which feels most urgent.

When there isn’t enough money, these decisions can become a daily routine. Before making the next one, there are some questions worth asking.

Are your taxes up to date?

Tax filing belongs near the beginning of addressing a financial crisis conversation.

Have you filed every year? Has your return been assessed? Are the benefits and credits you qualify for actually arriving in your bank account?

Depending on your circumstances, tax filing can help you access benefits such as the Canada Workers Benefit, Ontario Trillium Benefit and Canada Child Benefit.

Filing does not guarantee a refund, and missing payments can take time to resolve. But money you are entitled to should be part of your household income.

If you need help catching up, call 211 to find a tax clinic. Explain whether you have employment income, gig work or self-employment income so you can be connected with an appropriate service.

If CRA has questions and benefits are delayed, contact your MP to see if they can help speed up the assessment.

Can food supports free up money for rent?

Food banks, community meals and other free food programs can help reduce the amount you need to spend at the grocery store.

If a food program replaces $50 of groceries you would otherwise buy, that may leave $50 available for rent or gas, or utilities.

Ask 211 about the food supports available in your community and how to access them. You can ask for help even if you are working. Some supports need you to qualify by an income level, some do not, ask.

And if you already have no grocery money left, food support helps you eat. It does not magically create another $50 in your budget.

Are you receiving help with electricity costs?

The Ontario Electricity Support Program, or OESP, provides an ongoing credit on eligible households’ electricity bills.

You need to apply. If your income has dropped or your taxes are not current, we may be able to help you apply using current income documents.

Check your bill to see whether you are already receiving the credit. If you are unsure, call your utility and ask.

Can one payment safely wait?

Sometimes keeping housing means considering a smaller payment toward another bill.

This needs a plan.

Ontario’s annual winter disconnection ban runs from November 15 to April 30 for residential electricity and natural gas utilities. During that period, covered services cannot be disconnected for non-payment.

The bills still accumulate, and late charges can continue. The ban also does not automatically cover companies that meter and bill individual apartments or suites, known as unit sub-meter providers.

Before redirecting utility money toward other bills speak with your provider and an assistance agency. Ask:

• Does winter disconnection protection apply to my account?
• Can we arrange an affordable repayment plan?
• Am I eligible for utility assistance?
• What will I owe after another month of charges?
• How will I repay anything I postpone?

The Low-income Energy Assistance Program, or LEAP, may help eligible households with electricity or natural gas arrears. Meeting the income guidelines is part of the assessment; it does not guarantee a grant. Assistance goes directly to the utility.

Do not build up a bill on the assumption that a program will pay it later.

Moving $100 from electricity to rent reduces the rent shortfall by $100. It also adds approximately $100 to the electricity balance, plus any applicable charges. Both amounts need to be in the plan. Getting disconnected in May, can result in eviction for having the utilities disconnected. Go carefully.

If rent is already overdue, ask for help now

Gather your rent information, any letters or notices, and the dates involved.

Ask about housing assistance through your County and legal help if you have received a notice or are facing eviction. A worker can help you make those connections and understand what needs attention first.

A possible tax refund or a pending assistance application cannot be treated as money available today. Keep track of what is confirmed, what is still being assessed and what remains unpaid.

Make the next step manageable

You do not have to solve every problem in one sitting.

Start with three actions. That might mean booking tax help, arranging food support and calling the utility provider. Write down who you spoke with, what was agreed and when to follow up.

If you are supporting someone else, make the calls together where possible. A list of phone numbers can be a lot to manage when someone is exhausted, unwell or fitting appointments around several jobs.

At United Way of Bruce Grey, our Financial Literacy program is currently paused while we seek funding.

We do not have rent money available.

We are sharing these questions because checking for missing income and accessible supports can still make a difference.

But we also need to recognize when the numbers simply do not work.

No amount of financial literacy will help you take $1,300 in income and pay $1,600 in rent.

When someone’s essential costs exceed their income, a payment strategy can buy time. Lasting stability requires enough income and affordable housing.

If you are struggling, call 211 and ask what support is available where you live.