How to Get Help Paying Your Heating Bill

Sometimes paying all your bills may seem overwhelming.

People struggling during periods of economic downturn may find themselves unable to meet their monthly financial obligations. There are food pantries that will provide you with food donations and secondhand stores for inexpensive clothing, but where do you turn for help with your heating bills? There are both federal and state programs available for those meeting specific guidelines. Churches and charitable organizations may also provide limited assistance. And some utilities may have discount programs for low-income residents as well.

Things You'll Need

• Recent heating bills
• Proof of annual income
• Proof of residence
• Picture identification

Instructions

1. Contact your heating provider or utility company before your bill becomes severely overdue. Explain your situation -- you are out of work or have unexpected medical bills, for example -- and ask if there are any payment programs available. The heating company may be willing to reduce your monthly payment or offer a discount for a limited period in exchange for a commitment from you to make at least a good faith payment on a regular basis. Some utilities, such as the Los Angeles Department of Water and Power and Southern California Gas Co., have discount programs for low-income residents.

2. Contact your mayor's or governor's office and ask about help paying utility bills. They may be able to tell you about local programs available for this purpose. Ask them if your state participates in the Home Energy Assistance Program (HEAP). This is a federally funded program designed to provide relief for those who need help with heating bills, weatherization improvements, replacing air conditioners and other home energy-related costs. If your state offers the HEAP option, ask for the contact information.

3. Get in touch with the office that administers the HEAP program for your state. In most states, this will be the department of social services. You can also get a HEAP application by calling 800-282-0880; some local libraries also have the application. There are two major components of the heating assistance program: one is a regular benefit component that helps low-income families with their heating bills during the winter months; the second is an emergency plan that provides further assistance in extenuating circumstances or medical emergencies. You must meet certain federally established income guidelines to be eligible for HEAP assistance.

4. Call large churches or community action agencies in your area; many offer limited or temporary assistance to families struggling with their bills. Go to the organization's main office with your bill and a picture identification. Those with utility assistance programs will typically offer to pay a portion of the bill directly to the utility company; most have a limit of one assistance payment per family every four to six months.

Tips & Warnings

• Do not ever leave a fire, candle or portable heater unattended. This can lead to overheating and fires.

References

• Help With Electric Bill: Home Energy Assistance Program (HEAP)
• Help With Heating Bills: Help and Assistance with Heating Bills
• Help With Heating Bills: Charities and Other Organizations Can Also Provide You Heating Bill Assistance and Help
• New York State: Office of Temporary and Disability Assistance: Home Energy Assistance Program (HEAP)