How to Get Help With Electric Bills
If you are having problems with your finances, you may not have the ability to make your utility bill payments or to make them on time. Heating and cooling a home can be expensive. Utility companies, the federal government and private organizations recognize that many families and individuals have difficulty paying their bills and have made it possible to receive assistance. If paying the bills has become difficult, you should consider how to get help with electric bills.
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Instructions
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Getting Help with Electric Bills
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Contact your local electric company. Do not be afraid to ask for help. It is important to maintain communication with your utility company is your payment will be late or cannot be made at all.
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Ask about payment plans, such as a balanced payment option or spreading your payments across the next three to six months.
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Make your payments on time. Know that if you take a repayment option that spreads the amount due over a specific time period and you do not stay on track with your payments, you may owe your entire balance immediately.
Energy Assistance Programs
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Gather some of your personal information, including a copy of your driver's license, income statements, expenses and copies of your utility bills.
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Print an application or request one from the Health and Human Services office located in your county.
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Submit your completed application and personal information to the local Health and Human Services office. Your application will be reviewed to determine your eligibility for assistance. A specialist will review your income, the number of people in your household and the type of utilities that you have.
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Follow up on your energy assistance application if you do not receive a response by mail within two weeks.
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Provide additional information, if requested, in a timely manner to ensure that your electric assistance application is processed.
Private Foundations
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Contact local nonprofit organizations for help with your electric bills. Organizations such as the United Way, Catholic Charities and Salvation Army often provide programs to provide financial assistance for electric bills.
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Review the foundation's specific requirements for submitting a request. This often differs based on the foundation; some require that you submit a letter, while others want you to complete a full application. Include a copy of your electric bills for their review.
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Prepare your application for an electric bill and gather your financial documents, such as your income and expenses. Your application should include the utility bills, shut-off notices and any other pertinent documentation.
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Submit a formal request in person or by mail to get help with your electric bills.
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Follow up with your request for assistance by calling the organization from which you requested help.
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Tips & Warnings
If you receive assistance from an organization, such as United Way, they will most likely provide the payment directly to your electric company.
If you receive a denial letter for assistance, keep it for your records.
Most organizations, such as United Way, will want you to request assistance from the federal Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) before you request assistance from them.
