Consumer Resources
You're Not Alone in Your Financial Journey
At Take Charge America, we recognize that financial challenges can affect every part of your life—from your home and health to your peace of mind. That’s why we not only provide trusted credit counseling and debt solutions, but we also connect you with a wide range of additional resources for extra support.
We’ve carefully curated a list of reputable organizations that offer guidance and services across legal help, credit management, employment, and more. No matter where you are on your financial path, know this: there is a way forward, and you don’t have to walk it alone.
Need personalized guidance? Our certified credit counselors are ready to help. Call us at 866-528-0588 — you’re never alone in your journey to financial freedom.FindLaw
www.findlaw.com
Provides lawyer search and info on legal issues like bankruptcy, family law, and employment law.
National Association of Consumer Advocates (NACA)
www.consumeradvocates.org
A nonprofit of lawyers promoting justice for consumers against abusive practices.
Findhelp
www.findhelp.org
Search 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.org
Spearheaded 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.org
AARP 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.com
These are the three major credit reporting agencies in the United States.
Annual Credit Report
877-322-8228
www.annualcreditreport.com
AnnualCreditReport.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.gov
Register your phone number on the Do Not Call Registry to be removed from telemarketing lists.
U.S. Department of Education
www.ed.gov
This comprehensive website offers information on financial aid, student loans, scholarships and education grants and more.
FICO
800-319-4433
www.myfico.com
You can obtain your FICO score (the credit score used by most creditors) at this web address.
Government Benefit Programs
800-333-4636
www.benefits.gov
GovBenefits.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 877-730-4105
www.optoutprescreen.com
Opt-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 800-325-0778
www.ssa.gov www.benefits.gov
Social 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.org
United Way helps create opportunities for a better life through education, income and health care.
Job Bank Information
877-872-5627 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.org
You can find local career one stop centers with this locator.
U.S. Department of Labor (DOL)
866-487-2365
www.dol.gov
Feeding America Food Bank Network
800-771-2303
www.feedingamerica.org
Feeding 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.gov
FNS offers resources and advice on good nutrition and food shopping. Information on food stamp services is also available.
Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD Counseling Line)
800-569-4287
www.hud.gov
HUD’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.org
Working 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.gov
FEMA provides emergency relief for disaster victims.
Hope Now
888-995-4673
www.hopenow.com
Hope 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.org
The 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.gov
Making 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.org
The Red Cross provides disaster relief in crisis situations.
Benefits Check Up – National Council on the Aging
www.benefitscheckup.org
The 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.gov
The 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.gov
The CMS website offers detailed information on Medicare, Medicaid, and SCHIP (State Children’s Health Insurance Plan).
Finding Health Insurance
www.usa.gov
Get 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
www.healthcare.gov
A 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
hospicefoundation.org
The 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
877-543-7669
www.insurekidsnow.gov
InsureKidsNow.gov provides information on free and low-cost health insurance for children up to age 18.
Needy Meds
www.needymeds.com
Needy 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.helpingpatients.org
The 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.gov
The 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.
Alcoholics Anonymous (AA)
212-870-3400
www.aa.org
AA is a twelve-step program for men and women who wish to stop drinking alcohol.
National Domestic Violence Hotline
800-799-7233
www.thehotline.org
The 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.org
Gamblers Anonymous is a twelve-step program for problem gamblers.
Narcotics Anonymous (NA)
818-773-9999
www.na.org
Modeled after Alcoholics Anonymous, NA is a twelve-step program for recovery from drug addiction.
National Crisis Lifeline (Suicide hotline)
800-273-8255
www.save.org
National Institute of Mental Health (NIH)
866-615-6464
www.nimh.nih.gov
The 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.gov
NMHIC 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.org
These resources vary from state to state. To locate your state resources please go to the web address.
Need Help? Contact Us
Have questions or need support? Our team is here to assist you.
Have Questions? We’re Here to Help
Is your credit counseling really free?
Yes. Our initial credit counseling sessions are confidential and free, giving you clarity on your finances without pressure.
How can Take Charge America help me with my debt?
We explain your options, including credit counseling, debt management, consolidation, and settlement, so you can make informed decisions for your situation.
Do I have to enroll in a program to get help?
No. You can access guidance and educational resources without enrolling in a repayment program.
Need a clear plan for your debt?
Talk with a certified counselor!
- Sessions are free, confidential and no pressure to enroll.
- Personalized review of your situation
- No obligation
