What Heating Help is Available for Low Income Families?
It seems the cost of heating a home goes up every winter, but the income of many families does not increase as much as expenses. Low-income families may struggle to pay winter heating bills and, of course, they must have heat during the coldest months. Many programs offer heating help for low-incomes families. When you request help with heating bills, you'll usually need to provide documentation of all family income as well as recent or current utility bills.
Other People Are Reading
-
Home Energy Assistance Program
-
The Home Energy Assistance Program (HEAP) is available in all states, although it's administered by different government agencies in different states. Low-income families can receive an annual sum to help pay heating costs. The program pays the sum directly to utility companies rather than sending a check to the families in need. In some states, you can apply at your local welfare office. If not, staff at your local welfare office can probably tell you where to apply or you can look it up online. Your utility company may also be able to direct you. Apply early in the fall or winter if you can, because it often takes a few months for approval of your application and disbursement of funds.
Local Social Service Agencies
-
Local social services agencies often offer heating help for low-income families. Some agencies that may offer this kind of assistance include community action agencies and Catholic charities. The available assistance varies from area to area as do the eligibility criteria. You can contact your local United Way to find out what agencies in your area offer heating help. Your local welfare office may also be able to provide information. Sometimes utility companies can direct customers to sources of assistance.
-
Grants for Medical Needs
-
Some foundations offer grants for low-income families with medical needs, and sometimes this grant money can be used for living expenses like home heating as well as health-care costs. Such foundations include the Kelly Anne Dolan Memorial Fund in Pennsylvania and the Brenda Mehling Cancer Fund in California. If your family member with serious health problems is receiving treatment from a hospital, the social worker there may be able to tell you about other grants for which your family might qualify.
Other Sources of Help
-
Churches and other religious congregations sometimes offer assistance with heating bills for low-income families, and in many cases, they will offer help even if you don't attend services there. Sometimes utility companies offer assistance for low-income families, so call your company and ask.
-
References
Resources
- Photo Credit snow image by cherie from Fotolia.com
