Do you remember how much you wanted to be an adult when you were a minor? You couldn’t wait until you are all grown up and be able to do all the “fun” things grown-ups get to do. Now that you are a grown up you realize that it’s not all fun. The word “responsibility” has become a staple in your life; so does the words “obligations”, “job”, “bills” and “stress”.
What do you do when you lose your job and aren’t able to pay your bills? For a typical debtor-creditor relationship it is easy to quip “negotiate with your creditor for a feasible payment schedule or plan”. But how do you go about it when your creditor is a utility company?
There are federal and state programs, organizations and agencies that are in place and might be of help if you are in financial distress and not able to pay a utility company. Please note that the application process, and eligibility requirements, will vary among states. To verify if these programs are available in your State, check the links provided below, or Google the program and type the name of your State.
1. Agencies – Non-profit and community agencies such as the Salvation Army and the United Way help address basic human needs whenever funds are available. United's Way Information hotline is 211 where operators answer calls 24 hours a day, seven days a week and can refer you to the appropriate program. The Salvation Army has office locations nationwide. Specific programs are offered in each district, and one of this is the HeatShare program which awards funds to needy homeowners during the winter season. Salvation Army locations are known to provide one-time funding to cover a mortgage payment, rent or a utility bill; they provide food, clothing and shelter to the needy, and can also help an unemployed find a job through training and job placement services.
2. American Water – American Water operates dozens of companies across the nation, including in Florida, Pennsylvania, California, Texas, and Massachusetts; however, is not available on all states. If it is available in your state, American Water provides up to $500 for the H20 program or up to 20% of the total bill, depending on eligibility, family size and income. Income limits vary and will depend on the state in which you are located.
3. Catholic Charities – The Catholic Charities is an nonprofit Roman Catholic organization that provides a variety of social services (food, clothing and housing) without discriminating against a person’s religious beliefs. A beneficiary need not attend or be a member of the church You do not have to be a church member or attend church to receive aid. Programs may vary depending on your location.
4. Citizens Energy – As stated in it’s website, Citizens Energy’s mission is “to help make life's basic needs more accessible and affordable. To further this goal, Citizens Energy has created a number of assistance programs that help people afford energy, reduce health care costs, and serve a variety of other social and educational needs.” The program helps by delivering gallons of heating oil to those in need by working with heating and fuel dealers throughout the United States. Deliveries are either low or no cost deliveries. This program does not operate in all states. Check out their website to find out if your state is a participant in this program.
5. Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) – It is a federally funded program that “helps keep families safe and healthy through initiatives that assist families with energy costs.” LIHEAP provides assistance in managing costs associated with: home energy bills, energy crises, and weatherization and energy-related minor home repairs. Consequently, beneficiaries of this program “stay warm in the winter and cool in the summer through programs that reduce the risk of health and safety problems that arise from unsafe heating and cooling practices.” As in majority of the States, LIHEAP pay the utility company directly, normally two or three times a year; it does not pay your heating bill on a monthly basis. Except in rare cases of seniors with medical conditions where air conditioning bills may be covered, LIHEAP pays for heating bills only. It does not cover water bills or other utilities. Unless your State has a weatherization program home repairs are not covered, even if the housing flaws cause heat loss. Moreover, propane bills are paid only if propane is the main energy source for heating your home. Your State administers the program and sets specific requirements for qualification. Contact your state for more information.
6. Lifeline (http://www.fcc.gov/lifeline) – Access to a telephone line is important when applying for work, contacting family, and to ask for emergency services (especially seniors, caregivers, and the disabled). Lifeline ensures that everyone has access notwithstanding one’s financial station in life. It is a program that provides a discount on phone service for qualified low income consumers in every state, territory, commonwealth, and on Tribal lands. Low income means income that is at or below 135% of the federal Poverty Guidelines or the consumer-applicant must participate in a qualifying state, federal or Tribal assistance program (Medicaid, Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (Food Stamps or SNAP), Supplemental Security Income (SSI), Federal Public House Assistance (Section 8), Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP), Temporary Assistance to Needy Families (TANF), National School Lunch Program's Free Lunch Program, Bureau of Indian Affairs General Assistance, Tribally-Administered Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TTANF), Food Distribution Program on Indian Reservations (FDPIR), Head Start (if income eligibility criteria are met), or State assistance programs (if applicable). Federal rules prohibit eligible low-income consumers from receiving more than one Lifeline discount per household. A consumer whose household currently is receiving more than one Lifeline service must select a single Lifeline provider and contact the other provider to de-enroll from their program. Consumers violating this rule may also be subject to criminal and/or civil penalties. Lifeline applies to traditional landline service and pre-paid wireless service plans as well but a consumer cannot apply for both lines.
7. Utility Company Programs – Most utility companies allow you to negotiate payment of your bill; all you have to do is call them. Just like other programs mentioned above, procedures and requirements vary per state. Contact your utility company for more information.
Do not be embarrassed to ask for help when you need it. These programs and organizations were created to help people who are in need, and sometimes all we need is a helping hand to get back on our feet.
This blog is not legal advice, but shares information on the law. We are living in hard times; people lose their jobs and many are struggling to make ends meet. Legalbargain.net gives back to society by sharing it’s knowledge and producing advocacy videos to put justice within the reach of those who believe justice is only for those with money.
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