You may need financial assistance if you're unable to work, can't find a job or have a job that doesn't pay enough to cover your expenses.

If you're broke or low in cash you're probably feeling stressed out. Your rent and bills may be due, you may need money for transportation, food or clothing and you may not have any idea where your next meal is coming from. This can leave you feeling lonely, frustrated, angry, afraid and depressed. You may also feel embarrassed about needing money and this can make it hard for you to ask for or borrow money from a friend or family member.

If you need financial help you can contact the following agencies in your community:

• Child and Family Services
• YMCA

Depending on the agency, there may be different requirements that you need to meet in order to receive financial help. Here are some of the things they may look at before deciding if you are eligible to receive money:

• your age
• your residency status
• your living arrangements
• whether or not you attend school

If you need help managing your money, you may want to check out an agency that offers financial counselling. A financial counsellor will teach you how to open a bank account, pay your bills and even save some money.

Last checked: March 2010