How to Get Help with an Electric Bill in Murray, Kentucky

There are numerous programs available for help with electric bills in Murray, Kentucky.

Facing an electrical shutoff does not have to occur just because of an unexpectedly large electrical bill or financial difficulties. Many programs allow individuals and families who are struggling to pay their utility bills in Murray, Kentucky, to receive assistance, whether for a one-time payment or a longer period of help. Certain qualifications must be met to receive aid for any of the programs available, but assistance may be found with a bit of diligence and willingness to seek help.

Instructions

1. Notify the electric company that you have a financial concern regarding your bill, and ask what programs it may have in place to resolve the problem. Many companies offer low monthly payments on past-due amounts, a fixed monthly payment plan to allow for no surprises on billing, or assistance programs through donations from other customers.

2. Call the Department of Social Services Preventive Assistance Program at 502-564-5497. This department can offer a one-time payment of up to $300 if nonpayment of an electric bill would prevent a family from reuniting with a child that was removed from the home, or would cause a child to be removed from the home.

3. Contact the the Division of Family Support at the Cabinet for Health and Family Services Department of Policy for a one-time assistance subsidy to help with costs during the months of November and December each year. At the time of publication, guidelines require applicants be at or below 130 percent of the federal poverty level, and cannot have liquid assets in excess of $2,000; or $4,000 if a family member has an illness that requires extensive medical and living expenses. A summer cooling program is also provided for eligible applicants. This program may be reached at 502-564-3440.

4. Apply for K-TAP, known as the Kentucky Transitional Assistance Program, through the Calloway County Department of Community-Based Services. This program can provide assistance for up to 60 months to parents or guardians of children under 20. Qualifications include being a resident of Kentucky, a citizen or "qualified alien" of the U.S., and meeting certain financial and employment requirements. Call 270-753-1871.

5. Call the Murray Family Resource Center at 270-759-9592 or the Calloway County Family Resource Center at 270-762-7333. Ask for assistance with your electric bill. You must meet eligibility requirements.

Tips & Warnings

• Contact the City of Murray (Murrayky.gov) to check on further programs if you find you do not qualify for any already listed.

• Churches often offer aid to parishioners or community members; contact a local church to inquire about any assistance program it may offer.

• It is advisable to notify the electric company immediately if there is a problem paying the bill, rather than waiting until a shutoff notice is sent; many assistance programs have a waiting period before payment can be issued.

References

• The Beehive: Help Paying Your Utility Bills in Kentucky
• Kentucky Cabinet For Health & Family Services: Contact CHFS
• US Government Benefits: Assistance For Low Income Families In KY
• Benefits.gov: Kentucky Transitional Assistance Program (K-TAP)
• Calloway County Govt: Where do I go to ... ?
• City of Murray, KY: Home

Resources

• HUD.gov: Help With Your Utility Bills: Kentucky
• US Dept of Health & Human Services: LIHEAP Clearinghouse
• Kentucky Cabinet for Health & Family Services: The Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program
• Kentucky Cabinet of Health & Family Services: Kentucky Transitional Assistance Program
• Kentucky Government: Community Resource Manual