How To Find Emergency Assistance For Utility Bills

Have you been short on cash lately, which has caused you to put your utility bills on the back burner? If so, don’t panic, as there are solutions out there, plus you may have more time than you think.

As far as electricity bills go, they tend to hit the mail three weeks after reading the meter.

From there, you typically have 30 days before you must pay the entire amount due. If you pass that point without paying and live in an area with extreme heat or cold, the utility company may not have the power to shut off your electricity. Also, you should receive a failure to pay notice a few days before the cutoff date, which could give you days or weeks to make a payment.

Regarding water bills, they work similarly. Many states won’t let water companies shut off your service without a 10-day notice. Once you receive that notice, you’ll know it’s time to make a payment. What if you can’t make a payment because your funds have run dry? Try contacting the following resources for emergency utility bill assistance.

Your Utility Company

This may be the last resource you want to contact, but it’s a must to open a line of communication to expand your options. Will a utility company pay your bill if it’s past due? Probably not, but they may be willing to work out a payment plan so you can maintain service and pay over time. While costlier due to interest and other possible fees, a payment plan gives you time to fix your finances.

211

A quick call to 211 will put you in touch with an operator who can help you with utility bills, housing, food, and many more necessities. Calling 211 is an excellent option if you don’t know what to do and lack cash for your utility payment, as it can lead to expert advice on local resources that may be willing to help.

For example, your 211 operator may forward you to local organizations that can help prevent shut offs or even pay part of your past due bills. Examples of organizations that have offered emergency utility assistance in the past include the Salvation Army, Vincent de Paul Society, Love Inc., Urban League, Catholic Charities, Jewish Federation of North America, and Lutheran Social Ministry. Call 211 to see which organization currently offers such assistance in your area.

LIHEAP

The Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program is best known for helping families in need with their heating and cooling costs, plus repairs and replacement for non-functioning equipment. In some cases, LIHEAP also offers assistance if your utilities have been disconnected.

TANF

Temporary Assistance for Needy Families is a program that can help with such necessities as utilities, housing, food, and child care. To find your local TANF office, go here.