Need emergency help with an electric bill? If you live in the US, national programs assist with utilities. You may qualify for a government grant to help pay past-due utilities, electric, and oil bills.
You may also qualify for assistance from community organizations and churches that help with utility bills—charities like Goodwill Industries, Catholic Charities, and other non-profit agencies. If you are a low-income wage earner, you may need financial help with rent or utilities.
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Get Help with Utility Bills and More
The first place you want to seek help is your utility company. Many utility and electric companies work with the government. These organizations help the government by screening applicants and distributing money for bills. You must qualify financially or be low-income to receive help with utility bills.
To prevent your services from being turned off, contact your utility company as soon as you know you have a problem paying. They can set up a payment plan by splitting a 12-month bill cycle into equal amounts.
Talk to your utility company to see how they can help you. The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) also helps with utilities, rent, and security deposits.
10 Organizations that Help with Utility Bills
Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP)
The LIHEAP Program grant helps low-income consumers with a one-time check to help with heating or utilities. You may qualify even if you work as long as your income meets Federal Poverty Guidelines. Checks are sent out the first week of January and made out in the consumer’s name.
They also provide emergency help with heating bills. This money can help consumers to begin the new year with a zero balance. Other locations, such as churches, schools, and community agencies, can enroll.
The Heating System Repair and Replacement Program (HEARTWAP)
HEARTWAP is a program that helps low-income residents repair or replace heating and cooling systems and water heaters. Eligibility for HEARTWAP is based on gross family income. Your income cannot exceed 60% of the Estimated State Median Income. Services are only available to homeowners. Landlords do not qualify.
Repairs or replacements of heating systems are done in the Winter and must be an emergency. To apply for HEARTWAP, contact the Fuel Assistance agency in your city to apply for more information.
Home Weatherization Assistance Program (WAP)
Weatherization Assistance (WAP) offers grants for necessary home repairs to help low-income customers’ families remain in their homes. The program allows homeowners to make home repairs. Repairs must make the home more energy-efficient and lower energy bills. WAP is funded by the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE).
DSS Emergency Assistance to Adults (EAA)
Emergency Assistance to Adults (EAA) – These benefits help adults receive Supplemental Security Income. They help with emergencies, such as rent, electricity, or utility payments.
EAA helps already fragile people to maintain stability and prevent homelessness. They can receive support such as paying utilities, emergency housing, and moving expenses.
Emergency Assistance to Families (EAF)
These benefits help low-income families facing financial, physical, or family emergencies. The family must have a child under 18 or 19 and attend school full-time. A pregnant woman is eligible to apply for EAF benefits. Finances are provided to help with the following:
- Rent
- Childcare
- heating fuel
- Stop evictions
- Utility disconnection
- safe housing for domestic violence
Energy Crisis Interventions Program (ECIP)
The Energy Crisis Interventions Program helps families with low-income families prevent electricity and utilities from being disconnected. They also help with the reconnection of services. Many families have members who have disabilities or are older who use electric-powered medical equipment. However, lifesaving equipment like oxygen, chair lifts, hospital beds, and dialysis is mandatory.
Accordingly, when you are about to have your electricity disconnected, they can intervene by contacting your power company and informing them that they will be handling the past-due amount. Contact DSS to find out what local community organizations give out and receive applications for.
Catholic Charities
Catholic Charities can help you keep your utilities on or turn them back on. You can receive help when you qualify financially, have a disconnection notice, and have finances available. Call or go to your local chapter for help. The organization will also help with groceries and give referrals to other agencies for help with clothes, furniture, etc.
Modest Needs
This non-profit organization offers temporary financial assistance to at-risk families and single adults who work and earn too little to qualify for government assistance. If you live in the U.S. or Canada, you can apply for a grant.
The Salvation Army
The Salvation Army helps with utility bills, and local agencies and charities offer emergency help with utility bills. If your electricity or utilities are disconnected, these agencies can help you stop the disconnection or get your services restored. Additionally, organizations provide financial assistance to low-income families. Most of these organizations are nationwide but also located in most communities in the United States.
State Assistance Programs
If you are too late to register for LIHEAP this year, other government programs may help with heating and utilities. Always check with your power company to see what programs they offer to help you manage and save on your bills—the advantage of the energy-efficient light bulb program. You can receive free energy-saving bulbs to help lower electricity usage.
Charities that Help with Utility Bills
Charities, churches, and community programs assist you in maintaining the stability of your family. They help prevent eviction, utilities, food, or clothing. These non-profit organizations and charities work all year round to bring support and emergency assistance to the less fortunate. These financial grants are given out based on gross family income and the availability of funds.
You will receive a portion of the amount needed to keep your lights on or get services restored. Sometimes you must go to multiple organizations to pay the bill. Funding is not infinite, and there are types during the year, like the Winter, when many require services and funding may run out.
Do you Quality a Home Weatherization Grant?
You can receive a weatherization grant if you receive Supplemental Security Income and VA disability Aid to Families with Dependent Children. Finally, contact the government agencies above for a full list of qualifications for the program. Apply Here.
Who is eligible for help with utility bills?
- Families with children
- A household with disabled people
- People over 60 years of age and older
- Gross family income at or below Federal Poverty Guidelines (see above)
In conclusion, following up with the organization listed here, you may receive help when you qualify financially and if funding is available.
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