How to Get Help to Pay for your Electric Bills

As a single mom, if you are having a hard time with your finances than making payments on your utility bills can become a challenge. Keeping your house warm or cool can be very expensive on a single income. Fortunately, there are programs that recognize that many families and individuals can have a hard time paying their electric bill and is willing to offer payment assistance. So if you need help paying for your electricity bills, look for payment assistance from your local utility company, private organizations, and federal government. If you need immediate financial assistance, you can get a cheap cash advance.

Help from your Utility Company to Pay your Electric Bill
First, you should contact your local utility company because payments cannot be late. Let them know about your financial situation and ask for help. Usually the utility company can offer a payment plan that can be spread out for smaller upfront payments. Make sure to make timely payments because late payment can result in the entire balance becoming due.

Help from your Private Organizations to Pay your Electric Bill
Your local non-profit organizations such as United Way and Salvation Army are other sources that offer assistance for paying your electric bill. Review eligibility requirements from each organization to make sure you qualify and submit an application for assistance. Usually, the organization will want to see your financial records as well as your electric bill.

Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP)
The government has a program called the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) to help low income households and in particular those with the lowest incomes that pay a high proportion of household income for home energy. LIHEAP is offered in the 50 States, the District of Columbia, Indian tribes or tribal organizations, and the U.S. territories. The program in your area determines if your household’s income qualifies for the assistance. In some instances, additional eligibility requirements may need to be met before receiving LIHEAP assistance.

To apply for LIHEAP, the following information needs to be submitted:

Recent copies of your utility bills.
Recent payroll stub or other documents to show proof of income.
Documentation showing income from Social Security, Unemployment Insurance, Pension Funds, disability, etc.
Final Utility Termination Notice (if you’ve received a shut-off notice from your energy company).
Proof of present address (e.g., rent receipt, lease or deed, property tax bill).
Proof of total members living in your household (e.g., birth certificates, school records, etc.).
Social Security cards for all persons living in your household.
Proof of U.S. citizenship or permanent residence.

For more information on LIHEAP, you can:

Call 1-866-674-6327 Monday through Friday, from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. MST
Visit Local LIHEAP
Email energy@ncat.org