Suggested Pay-What-You-Can Scale (Self-Select)

If you are having trouble assessing how much to pay for services, you can review this list and choose the amount that most closely reflects your current financial reality. These examples are not exhaustive, you do not need to agree with what is listed for each of the bullets listed in your chosen price bracket, and you do not need to explain your choice.

  • You may choose any amount between $5 and $250

  • Your choice does not affect the care, time, or attention you receive.

  • Choosing a lower amount does not require justification.

  • Choosing a higher amount helps support access for others, but is not expected.

$250

  • I own my home and/or a reliable car outright, or with payments that do not cause stress

  • I have no significant debt, or my debt is easily manageable

  • I can replace or repair items immediately when they break

  • I can afford medical, mental health, and accessibility costs without delaying other needs

  • I can buy what I want, not just what I need

  • Paying this amount does not require any trade-off

$175–$200

  • My housing is stable and affordable for me

  • I can handle most unexpected expenses without crisis

  • I have savings or financial cushion

  • I may have debt (student loans, credit cards), but it does not dictate daily decisions

  • I can afford occasional travel, dining out, or non-essential purchases

  • Paying this amount feels comfortable, not risky

$100–$150

  • My basic needs are met, but money requires active planning

  • Unexpected expenses are stressful but usually manageable

  • I may have ongoing medical, disability, or caregiving costs that limit savings but am able to save some

  • I can afford some non-essential spending, but not freely

  • Paying this amount is possible, but noticeable

$50–$75

  • My financial resources meet my basic needs, but there is little margin

  • One unexpected expense could cause disruption to betting all my needs met

  • I may delay medical care, repairs, or rest because of the cost

  • I have limited or no savings

  • Paying this amount requires careful budgeting

$25–$40

  • Limited financial resources mean I may be behind on bills or relying on credit to get by

  • I regularly worry about money

  • Unexpected expenses can mean something else goes unpaid

  • I often have to choose between attending to competing needs

  • Paying more than this would create significant stress

$5–$15

  • My current financial resources are unable to meet all my basic needs reliably

  • I experience food insecurity or housing instability

  • If something breaks, I cannot afford to fix or replace it

  • I sometimes choose between feeding myself and feeding someone else, or between food and other essentials

  • Paying more is simply not possible (for whatever reason you have)