Life has a way of throwing curveballs when we least expect them. Sometimes, these unexpected events come with a hefty price tag, and you’re left scrambling for a financial solution.
A hardship loan can be a lifeline when times get tough. They’re designed to provide financial relief during challenging circumstances, such as medical emergencies, job loss or natural disasters.
But before taking out a hardship loan, it’s important to understand what you’re getting into and compare your alternatives. After all, borrowing money is a serious commitment, and the last thing you need is to add financial stress to an already difficult situation.
So, let’s explore what a hardship loan is, how it works, and when it might be the right choice for you.
What is a hardship loan?
A hardship loan is a type of personal loan designed specifically to help people get through tough financial times. Unlike a loan you might take out to buy a car or a home, a hardship loan provides quick relief for urgent needs like medical bills, emergency home repairs, or even basic living expenses if you suddenly find yourself without a job.
What sets a hardship loan apart is its accessibility and purpose. Banks, credit unions, and other financial institutions might offer hardship loans with flexible terms to accommodate the borrower’s situation. This could mean lower interest rates, extended repayment periods, or deferred payments. The idea is to help you get back on your feet without adding to your financial troubles.
How does a hardship loan work?
When you apply for a hardship loan, the process usually starts with a straightforward application that asks for details about your financial situation and the reason for your need. Lenders understand that you’re already under stress, so they usually try to keep the process as simple as possible.
Once they approve your application, they can disburse the funds quickly –usually within a week – to cover your urgent expenses.¹
While hardship loans often come with more lenient terms like lower interest rates or deferred payments, terms vary from lender to lender. Because these loans are designed for emergencies, there may be restrictions on how you can use the money.
Make sure you read the fine print and understand the repayment terms to avoid any surprises.
How do you qualify for a hardship loan?
Knowing how to qualify for a hardship loan will help you access funds when you need them most. Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you navigate the process and improve your approval chances.
Review your credit
Before you apply, check your credit score and review your credit report. Understanding your credit health will give you an idea of what loans you might qualify for and what terms you can expect.
There’s no universal minimum credit score for a hardship loan, but you have a better chance of approval with a credit score of 600 or higher.²
Pre-qualify with multiple lenders
Pre-qualifying with multiple lenders allows you to compare terms, interest rates, and repayment options without impacting your credit score. This step helps you find the best deal tailored to your financial situation.
Estimate your monthly payment
Determine how much you need to borrow and use a loan calculator to estimate your monthly payments. This can help you avoid over-borrowing and ensure you can manage the repayments without additional stress.
Prepare your documentation
Gather your documentation. The requirements vary by lender, but you typically need:
- A photo ID
- Pay stubs
- Tax returns
- Bank account statements³
Having your documentation ready streamlines the application process and helps you get the funds faster.
Submit the application and get funded
Once you’ve chosen your lender and prepared your documents, submit your application. If approved, review the loan agreement carefully before signing to make sure you understand the terms, rate, and when your first payment is due.
Lenders usually disburse the funds quickly so you can deal with your financial situation right away.
What are the alternatives to hardship loans?
While hardship loans can provide essential relief during tough times, they’re not the only option. Here are some viable alternatives to hardship loans that might better fit your financial situation.
Payday alternative loans (PALs)
Federal credit unions offer Payday Alternative Loans (PALs) as a safer, more affordable option than traditional payday loans and payday advance apps.
PALs typically come with lower interest rates and more favorable terms, helping you avoid the high costs and short repayment periods associated with payday loans.
You can borrow anywhere from $200 to $1,000 with a PAL, and loan terms range from one to six months.⁴
Ask for bill extensions or payment plans
Many utility companies, landlords, healthcare providers, and service providers offer bill extensions or payment plans for customers experiencing financial hardship.
Contact your creditors to explain your situation and negotiate a manageable repayment schedule. This can provide immediate relief without taking on additional debt.
Retirement account hardship withdrawal
If you have a retirement plan at work, like a 401(k), 403(b), or 457(b) plan, you might be eligible for a hardship withdrawal.
Not all employer-sponsored retirement plans allow hardship distributions. If yours does, you may need to provide documentation proving you have an “immediate and heavy financial need,” like medical or funeral expenses, avoiding foreclosure, or repairs to your home after a natural disaster.⁵
While hardship withdrawals allow you to access funds during an emergency, it’s crucial to understand that the money is taxable income, and you may also have to pay a 10% penalty for early distributions.⁶
Withdrawing from your retirement savings can also affect your long-term financial security, so consider this option carefully.
Retirement plan loan
Another alternative to hardship loans is taking a loan from your 401(k). Unlike a hardship withdrawal, a 401(k) loan allows you to borrow against your retirement savings with the intent to repay it, usually within five years.
When you take out a 401(k) loan, you borrow money from your retirement account. The loan amount is generally limited to 50% of your vested account balance or $50,000, whichever is less.⁷
You’ll need to repay the loan with interest, typically through automatic payroll deductions. The good news is that the interest you pay goes back into your 401(k) account, effectively paying yourself.
However, there are some caveats. If you leave your job for any reason, you must repay the loan balance in full — usually within a short period. Failing to repay the loan can result in it being treated as a distribution, which may trigger taxes and penalties if you’re under age 59½.
Borrowing from your retirement savings also means losing out on potential investment growth during the loan period.
Credit card cash advance
A credit card cash advance is another emergency loan option. You can withdraw money from your credit card’s available balance at an ATM or by using a convenience check issued by your credit card company.
Credit card cash advances are simple and often readily available but come with high costs. They typically carry higher interest rates than regular credit card purchases — sometimes as high as 36% — and interest starts accruing immediately, with no grace period.⁸
Your credit card company may also charge a cash advance fee, which can be a percentage of the amount withdrawn or a flat fee.
Should a hardship loan be your financial lifeline in tough times?
A hardship loan can provide much-needed financial relief when unexpected challenges come knocking. But before taking on debt, consider whether a retirement hardship distribution or negotiating bill extensions or payment plans will work for you.
If borrowing is the right choice, compare the rates and terms available on a hardship loan to alternatives like a PAL from your credit union or a 401(k) loan.
Remember, the goal is to find the best solution for your situation without adding to your financial burden.
If a lack of credit history makes it tough to qualify for a loan, find out how to get a loan with no credit.