Local services through 211
Find food banks, housing programs, social services and community assistance.
Understand debt relief, discover help you may have missed, and find a practical next step—without sharing your SIN, banking details or identity.
A short, non-judgmental assessment built to show possible next steps rather than make promises about eligibility.
Start with organizations that help people access essential services. If a shutoff or eviction is imminent, contact the provider or local legal/community service promptly rather than waiting for a loan decision.
Find food banks, housing programs, social services and community assistance.
Use the government finder to discover available programs and provincial links.
Ask your utility about hardship arrangements. Ontario residents can check ongoing OESP credits or emergency LEAP support.
There is no universally “best” debt solution. Consider affordability, total cost, asset risk and legal protections—not just a smaller monthly payment.
| Option | How it works | Potential upside | Main trade-off |
|---|---|---|---|
| Consolidation loan | Replace some debts with a new loan. | One payment; possible interest savings. | Requires approval; fees, longer terms or collateral may increase risk. |
| Debt management plan | A counselor helps arrange payments with participating creditors. | May reduce interest and simplify payments. | Usually repays principal; fees apply; not the same legal protection as insolvency. |
| Consumer proposal | Formal offer to creditors through a Licensed Insolvency Trustee. | May settle eligible unsecured debts for less than the full balance. | Credit impact, ongoing obligations and legal criteria; outcomes vary. |
| Bankruptcy | Formal insolvency process administered by a Licensed Insolvency Trustee. | May discharge many debts, subject to exceptions. | Serious credit effects; assets, surplus income and obligations can matter. |
Look beyond the advertised rate and compare total repayment.
Learn about counselor fees, voluntary creditor participation and principal repayments.
Explore the LIT-administered alternative to bankruptcy.
Understand the process, exemptions and the need for professional advice.
Official reference: Office of the Superintendent of Bankruptcy debt comparison.
Compare today’s debt repayment plan against a potential consolidation loan. Both assume fixed rates and fully amortizing monthly payments.
Calculated with monthly compounding and end-of-month payments. Excludes taxes, insurance, variable rates, penalties, default, changes in balances and many real-world loan terms. Fees shown as additional upfront costs; if financed, include them in the loan amount instead. Not a consumer proposal or bankruptcy quote.
A new loan is not always the first answer. Check official information about tax credits, income replacement and community assistance before borrowing.
Review the Canada Benefits Finder and CRA benefit programs. Eligibility varies.
If work ended or your hours changed, review current EI application and eligibility guidance quickly.
211 can direct you to local providers for housing, food and social services.
Browse links to government information and community services. The directory is maintained by the site editor; a working link is not proof that a program is open or that you qualify.
Connect with local food, housing, social and other community support.
Explore tax benefits and credits; application rules vary.
Official information on EI eligibility and applying after job loss.
How to assess credit counselling agencies, fees and debt management plans.
Free official guidance on debt, collections, consolidation and budgeting.
OSB information about licensed and federally regulated insolvency professionals.
Official federal benefits search, with links to provincial and territorial programs.
Ontario electricity bill credit for eligible households; application required.
Emergency financial assistance for certain households facing electricity or gas disconnection.
Official comparison of debt management plans, consumer proposals and bankruptcy.
Understand formal consumer proposals administered by licensed trustees.
Official overview of formal debt options and what Licensed Insolvency Trustees do.
No resources match these filters. Try another category or province.
Some provincial programs are not individually listed yet. Use the government Benefits Finder and 211 to explore localized support. Directory entries have editorial dates and link-check status in your WordPress admin.
Yes, assistance may include government benefits, tax credits, community services or hardship arrangements. Check official sources because eligibility and availability vary.
No. The assessment only suggests options to research. A Licensed Insolvency Trustee determines whether a formal insolvency option fits your circumstances.
No. A debt management plan is generally a voluntary arrangement with participating creditors. A consumer proposal is a formal process governed by insolvency law.
No. Longer terms, fees and a higher effective interest rate can increase the overall cost even if the monthly payment falls. Use the calculator to test illustrative scenarios.
Not necessarily. Certain obligations may survive; assets and income obligations can also matter. An LIT can explain the details.
No. HYJ is independent and links to official government and community resources for verification.
No. The self-assessment is calculated in your browser without submitting responses. The optional AI question box sends your question to the site server and its OpenAI provider.
No. No credit report is obtained and no SIN, banking credentials or credit card numbers are required.