Charities, corporations and government agencies provide utility assistance near you. There are a number of financial aid programs, grants, payment plans from utility or gas companies as well as other solutions available. Government low income energy bill assistance programs (LIHEAP), emergency utility bill help from charities or the company near you as well as other resources, such as churches, listed below can help low-income families keep their electric, lights, or heat on.
Some of the utility bill assistance programs can provide immediate relief, such as crisis LIHEAP grants. However most the financial help will take time to apply to. There is generally priority given to people who would be at risk if they lose their power, such as the elderly, homebound, disabled, sick or single mothers or fathers. It is always recommended to apply for electric, energy bill or light bill help in advance, before a disconnection notice has been received.
There are different programs that may offer utility or electric bill help. It is depends on the local community, such as county, state, or city. Also, funding (especially from charities or churches) is very limited and is often first come-served.
LIHEAP near you is the primary federal government, low income energy bill assistance grant program. Community action agencies or local government human (or social service offices DSS) usually take applications.
Churches that may be near you also offer utility assistance. Funding is limited, and some of the organizations may include St. Vincent de Paul, Catholic Charities, United Methodist, or even local parishes.
Emergency electric or heating bill help may be offered from charities. They generally help low income families with a disconnection notice, and Salvation Army, community action and other organizations may assist.
Most utility companies also offer their own customers assistance. There may be free energy conservation resources, payment plans to stop a shut off or give the customer more time, discount services as well as other programs available.
Low income families have a number of emergency and long term assistance programs for paying their utility bills. There may also be financial help for paying a utility deposit or connection fee near you. Whether a payment plan or abatement from a utility company, grant from LIHEAP, or charity or non-profit assistance, various organizations try to help customers keep their lights and heat on.
Local utility bill assistance programs
There are financial assistance programs, government LIHEAP, and utility company resources near you, listed below. Select the state as well as type of electric or utility bill help needed. Note that emergency help for energy bills may be offered from charity financial assistance programs.