Paying Bills

Paying bills is a big concern for most people with significant vision changes, and with good reason. Traditionally, the job required that you sort the mail, identify which items are bills, determine the amount to be paid and the due date, write out a check for the amount, and mail the payment. Each of these steps has its own set of logistical problems for someone who is newly blind or low vision.

A trusted family member or friend can help you pay your bills.

You can work through these problems successfully or bypass them altogether if you’re comfortable using a computer. Here’s how:

• Most utilities and retailers can send your bill statements electronically via email. In fact, some now charge a fee for mailing printed statements, making electronic billing the less expensive option in addition to being the most convenient.
• If you have talking software installed, it can read the statements. (It’s always best to print statements for your records.)
• In addition to receiving bills electronically, you can pay them electronically, as well. Most banks provide online banking that allows you to pay bills directly from your checking account. Some utility fees can be deducted automatically from a checking account by the utility company, eliminating the need for writing a check or setting up electronic banking.
• If you prefer, you can pay most bills by phone. All you need is a check number and a routing number—or you can pay by credit card.

Of course, not everyone is comfortable with doing their finances this way. You may prefer to handle bills in the conventional manner—writing your own checks. If you wrote checks prior to vision changes, you may be able to continue doing so by touch using a check writing guide. In some cases, bills may be paid at the place of business. For example, a monthly pharmacy bill can be paid while picking up a prescription. Gas and electric may be paid in a similar manner. Whenever possible, you should fill out the check in advance.