How to Get Help with Utility Bills

Stop Electric Bill Shut Off.   Can’t pay your electric bill or utilities?  If you have ever been sitting in your home and suddenly your lights shut off, you know the feeling.  You know that without electricity you are unable to heat your home, take a hot bath, cook, watch TV or use the internet.  This can be devastating, especially when you don’t have the money handy to have your electric services turned back on right away.  So, what do you do when are suddenly and literally thrown back into the dark ages?

How to Prevent Shut Off By Electric Company

Before you lose your utility services, know what to do to possible delay this action.  Water, gas and electric companies can not turn off your service if:

• Be aware of your rights
• Arrange for a payment plan
• Sign up for LIHEAP assistance
• Let your utility company know you will be late
• Inform you utility is you have someone has a serious illness or using life-saving medical equipment

Don’t risk being in the dark and cold. Contact your doctor to have them call the utility company and fax proof of illness.  Many states have some type of turn off restrictions based on the temperature in Winters months (32° F and below) or illness. Go to your utility provider website to check for their exceptions.  (State Disconnections Policies)

Other Things You Can Do to Keep your Services On

Contact your electric company as soon as you begin to fall behind in your payments.  Do not wait to receive a disconnection notice.  This is what you want to do.

• First, tell the utility company you are having difficulties paying  the bill
• Ask for a payment plan to break the bill into  predictable 12 monthly payments
• Request an extension.  Ask for the extension before a turn-off notice is sent
• Finally, put in a financial hardship claim. You may qualify for financial assistance  

State Assistance Programs

There are state assistance programs that can help prevent the loss of your services as well as help you to get them turned back on.

LIHEAP Energy Assistance

If you receive SNAP, WIC, TANF you may qualify for Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP)  If you want to apply for assistance, contact the Department of Human Services or a community poverty agency.  Each participating agency receives a budget each year. Funding is limited and families with children and elderly, have preference over single adults with no children.  You can receive help with,

• Electric, water, gas bills
• Stop the loss of your services
• Home Weatherization Grants and energy-saving home repairs

National Energy Assistance Referral Project:   866-674-6327

Website

LIHEAP Energy Assistance Program
Aerospace Building, 5th Floor West
370 L’Enfant Promenade, S.W.
Washington, D.C. 20447
(202) 401-9351 

Home Weatherization Assistance

This program’s goal is two-fold.  They provide necessary home repairs to low-income.  They can make or replace broken or faulty water heater, repair leaking roofs as well as doors and window that lose heat.  Their goal is to make home energy efficient. They help save on energy so the homeowner can save on utility bills.  Additionally, they make repairs to the home safe for the elderly and disabled.   (more)

Charities That Help Pay Electric Bills

Salvation Army

Families in crisis can get help with electric, gas and water bills.  They work with the government to screen and pay mandatory household bills like rent, and utilities.  Salvation Army can provide assistance to those who qualify when funding is available.  If monies are unavailable they can give referrals to other agencies who can help. (more)

St. Vincent de Paul Catholic Church

St. Vincent de Paul, provides outreach to the community on many levels. They try to meet important and is dedicated to serving the poor.  For that reason, they support families, individuals, seniors, disabled, the homeless, as well as providing social services, and financial assistance and counseling to the needy.  Above all, if you are in danger of having your utilities disconnected or being evicted contact this organization.  (more)

Catholic Charities

Catholic Charities, is a faith-based organization that gives aid to the poor, disabled and immigrants to help maintain the stability of families.  They provide feeding programs, like, grocery distribution and feed home-bound elderly.   For that reason, you are facing eviction or disconnection of utilities, they can pay some or all of the rent or utility bill.   (more)

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Government Assistance for Low-Income Families