This is the question that sounds impossible but actually has real answers. If you have zero extra dollars right now, you're not stuck. You just need to sequence things differently than someone with cash on hand.
First, call your creditors directly. Most credit card companies have hardship programs that can lower your interest rate or reduce your minimum payment for 6 to 12 months. You don't need money to make a phone call. Be honest about your situation. Say you're struggling and ask what options they have. The worst they can say is no.
Second, look into nonprofit credit counseling. Agencies accredited by the NFCC offer free counseling sessions where a certified counselor reviews your full financial picture. If a debt management plan makes sense, monthly fees start as low as $7 at some agencies. But even if you don't enroll in a plan, the free advice alone can help you see options you didn't know existed.
Third, increase your income before you try to cut expenses further. If you're already living lean, there's a floor to how much you can cut. But income has no ceiling. Selling items you don't need, picking up gig work, asking for overtime, or freelancing a skill you already have can generate the first $500 that starts the snowball.
Fourth, check if you qualify for any assistance programs. 211.org connects you with local resources for utilities, food, and housing. Every dollar you save on essentials is a dollar you can redirect toward debt. SNAP benefits, utility assistance programs, and community aid exist specifically for situations like this.
The key insight: getting out of debt with no money is less about the debt itself and more about stabilizing your cash flow first. You can't pour from an empty cup. Get your basic expenses covered, find any additional income, then direct every spare dollar at the debt using either the snowball method (smallest balance first) or avalanche method (highest interest first).