I got a call today because I forgot to pay one of my bills last month. Rather than get an attitude with them for calling me, I simply explained what my situation was. And guess what....they are working with me. But I told them that I absolutely cannot pay anymore than what I already pay them. They dropped the late charge and stretched out my due date.
Ask and you shall receive. I'm learning how to ask for what I need, too. Sorry you're having such a hard time these past few weeks. This may be the perfect opportunity to create a "Jenny list," you know the system Jenny uses to manage her life when things get out of whack.