If some of those bills are for credit cards, know that you have options. One option is that you can simply default. If you don't own valuable assets, like real estate or stocks and bonds, there is not a heck of a lot they can do to you. Do you know that almost no one can sue you, if your only income is SSDI? (Well, they can, but they won't get anything. No judge is going to have your SSDI check garnished to pay off creditors, like banks. If you owe on a car, the bank can repossess it for non-payment of a loan.)

Your rent and utilities are another story. Make paying rent a first priority. For utilities, you can probably work out an arrangement with the gas and electric companies. Send them written notice about your situation and ask for a phone meeting with a representative. They will try very hard to work with you. Be sure to apply for the LIHEAP program at your income support office (Welfare.)

If you're on food stamps, you are eligible for a free smart phone through T-Mobile. It comes with unlimited free minutes, texts and data. (You actually have a choice between a subsidy to your land line or the free cell phone. You can have one or the other. The cell phone is the way better, more valuable option.)

If you owe any medical bills, you can pretty much treat them like credit card bills. This is assuming that you will eventually get SSDI.

Yes, your credit rating will go down. Over time, you can repair that.