LIHEAP Assistance

• Every year the federal government provides grants for energy assistance in all 50 states, the District of Columbia and all Indian tribes and U.S. territories via the low-income energy assistance program (LIHEAP). This program caters to households that contain elderly, infant or seriously ill members, notably during the winter season. Applicants usually must be at least 150 percent below the poverty level to apply. When you apply, you must provide copies of your power bill, pay roll stubs, Social Security cards or any other forms that provide proof of income, and the total number of members of your household.
  
  

Power Bill Discounts

• In states such as Massachusetts, recipients of government assistance benefits such as Social Security, food stamps and Section 8 automatically qualify for utility bill discounts. Some states require government-regulated power and utility companies to provide discounts for these individuals. Contact your particular public assistance department or your power company and ask whether public-assistance recipients are entitled to discounts.
  
  

Nonprofit Assistance

• Nonprofit organizations such as the American Red Cross and the Salvation Army supply emergency assistance funds for power bills, utility bills and other types of expenses and basic needs. In addition, various local community action agencies across the nation provide bill assistance for elderly and low-income families. Check the National Association of Community Action Partnership website to confirm whether an organization is nationally certified (see Resources). Many of these programs depend on donations from individuals and local companies to provide assistance to low-income families, so apply for assistance as soon as possible; funds are usually available on a first-come, first-served basis.
  
  

Energy Shutoff Protection

• If your household contains seriously ill, elderly or infant members, you may be eligible for utility shutoff protection. States such as Massachusetts legally prevent utility companies from shutting off services to families that contain members in situations such as these. If your state doesn't have utility shutoff protection laws, contact your power company and explain your inability to pay your bill. Ask for a payment extension to gain extra time to pay your bill, or arrange an agreement for partial payment to prevent shutoff of your services.