Government Assistance To Help Pay Bills

Home Energy Assistance Program

HEAP Components for the program year 2020-2021 has ended.

Customers can continue to apply for the following benefits:

• Heating Equipment Repair and Replacement
• Clean and Tune

The new HEAP Program Year 2021-2022 re-opened on October 1, 2021. For additional questions, please contact the HEAP Conference line at 212-331-3126.

Utility Moratorium Lifting

Starting December 31, 2021, utility companies can start sending utility shut-off notices to those who owe utility arrears, unless the state of emergency is lifted prior, and for a period of 180 days after for those who suffered a change in financial circumstances due to the emergency. If you get a utility shut-off notice, help is available. You can apply for an emergency assistance grant to help pay utility expenses owed using ACCESS HRA.

The Home Energy Assistance Program is a federally funded program that helps low-income homeowners and renters pay for utility and heating bills.

If you have received an electric, gas, or heating disconnect notice, you can apply for emergency financial help. You may also qualify for help if you have a low supply of heating fuel or a broken boiler or furnace.

Active SNAP/Cash Assistance clients and clients receiving SSI who live alone are automatically eligible for HEAP benefits. HEAP consists of two seasonal components.

Qualifications for HEAP assistance include:

Qualifications for HEAP cooling assistance* include:

Need Help Paying Bills

Many people need help paying bills and debt in today?s challenging economy. Families need help so that they do not have to decide between paying their mortgage, credit card debt, food, rent, utility, or medical bills.

Find information on assistance programs, charity organizations, and other resources that will provide you with help paying your bills, mortgage and debt, show you how to save money, as well as provide some tips and ways to pay bills when money is tight. Many American families are struggling under an increasing number of bills, debts, and financial obligations. When you and your family are experiencing this stress, you need to reevaluate the situation, set priorities, and look for assistance.

Ways To Get Free Money From The Government

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Whoever said nothing in life comes free didnt take into account government programs that help people pay for things like college, day care and a new home. And during the coronavirus outbreak, there is even more assistance available to you.

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Paying Debts Help Emergency Financial Assistance

free government grants to pay off debt Student loan debt, credit card debt, medical bills, and other debt can get overwhelming. Because you lost your earnings Many times, a crisis occurs. There are if you are having difficulty making your monthly payments. This could happen because you have lost your job or had your work hours cut. Beware of scammers who request money to attempt and resolve your debt use only reputable businesses.

Free Assistance For Seasonal Living Expenses

There are many organizations that offer free items year round. Some government agencies will offer money for paying bills, transportation costs or housing needs. Other charities help by offering free furniture, household stuff, or appliances. Charities also offer everyday items, including free diapers, hygiene items, and more to the needy. All sorts of assistance is provided. Find how to get stuff for free.

Low income households with children often struggle to buy their children the school supplies they need or Christmas gifts for the holidays. It can be challenging to add this expense to other seasonal bills that families may already be faced with paying, such as escalating heating costs or additional food. Many charity and non-profit organizations want kids to experience holiday joy, so they provide free Christmas gifts.

In addition to those resources, families can turn to the regional holiday meal, food as well as localized free Christmas toy or presents programs. There will tend to be assistance given to children, infants, and teenagers from low income households or whose parents are in a financial crisis. Find programs that may offer help for the holidays.

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Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program

LIHEAP is a federally funded program aimed to assist low-income households that pay a high portion of their income to meet their energy needs. LIHEAP is funded by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Administration for Children and Families, Office of Community Services.

You may be eligible for low-cost internet and computers.

Learn more at everyoneon.org/getconnected

or call .

How To Qualify Help With Money For Bills & Other Things

If you receive help from a government assistance program, you may also qualify for additional financial assistance with bills. You will qualify because you have already been financially screen by a government agency or community organization and they have already confirmed your financial status. There are several reasons someone enrolled in a government program may need help with bills.

A national disaster, home break-in, a missed appointment because of illness, lost or stolen services check, not managing cash benefits, interruption of for various reasons such as failure to return required documents, lost or stolen EBT card. So as you can see just like anyone else, unfortunate things can also happen to someone receive government assistance.

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Other Utility Paying Bills Programs

Your first step should be to get the power company if you can not manage your home heating and electric bills. LIHEAP is. It could have the ability to help you in unique ways. There are Each month based on your earnings get. Some states have applications, run with state money, to assist people Who do not qualify for LIHEAP? Some companies have programs that spread your utility costs out to make them more manageable. Some states have programs to give energy credits for folks. Gives households a $150 credit toward their gasoline bill. The business may also be inclined to let you put off paying your invoice per month. Your state and your utility company LIHEAP office can help you find programs. They can provide you discounts on products which can allow you to lower your home energy costs in the future. American Water provides water and wastewater services Gives aid bills.

Additional Assistance Programs Available To You

These community, county, and government plans are here to assist you and your family.

California LifeLine

A state program providing discounted home or cellular phone services to eligible households. For more information, or to see if you qualify, visit California LifeLine Program.

Social Security Administration

Social Security Administration programs are a great resource for qualifying customers, helping with retirement planning, Medicare prescriptions, and financial assistance. Visit social security.gov for more information.

2-1-1

Free, confidential phone service available 24/7 to assist you and your family during emergencies and with everyday needs. Dial 2-1-1 for free help or visit 2-1-1.org. Services vary by community, but the list below gives a well-rounded sampling of the help that may be available to you:

• Financial / Public Assistance Programs
• Housing Assistance / Emergency Shelter Programs
• Parenting Resources
• Food Bank / Hot Meal Center Information
• Employment Services
• Transportation Services

Income Qualified and Want Solar?

Homeowners may qualify for a free home solar system from our partner, GRID Alternatives. Find out if the Single-family Affordable Solar Homes program, a state of California program for low- or fixed-income families, can help you. Learn more at GridSolar.org.

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Hire A Patient Advocate

If you lack the time or understanding to navigate the healthcare system yourself, you might consider hiring a patient advocate, agents trained in how the system works and negotiating on your behalf. Patient advocates typically charge between $100 and $165 and hour and will often charge 20% to 30% of whatever savings they might realize for you. Qualified advocates are experts at analyzing medical bills and can ferret out irregularities. They can also conduct negotiations for you. The Claims.org website can help you find an advocate in your area.

Local And State Government Financial Assistance Programs

for more details on programs or grants that your state, federal, local government, or non-profit agencies may offer. There is immediate financial help to assist families through a difficult period. The list will also provide details on community action agencies, charitable services, local government assistance as well as public aid programs. These resources are in addition to the national programs listed above.

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Am I Eligible For Liheap

This chart from Benefits.gov shows the average LIHEAP eligibility requirements. Actual requirements may vary by state, city, or region. Each local LIHEAP office sets its own eligibility requirements.

• A person or family participating in certain other benefit programs, such as the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program , Supplemental Security Income , Temporary Assistance for Needy Families , or certain needs-tested veterans benefits may be automatically eligible.
• Being qualified for LIHEAP does not guarantee that you will receive help. Whether or not you receive help depends on how much LIHEAP funding is available for the year.
• On average, about 20% of households that are qualified for LIHEAP receive benefits. When LIHEAP funds run out for the year, no more benefits can be given until Congress makes more funds available.

Update Your Information For The Advance Child Tax Credit

Or you can use the Child Tax Credit Update Portal to:

• Confirm if youre enrolled to receive payments
• Un-enroll from the Child Tax Credit program to stop payments
• Provide or update your bank account information

To manage payments with the Child Tax Credit Update Portal, you may use an existing IRS username. Or, if youre a new user, create an account with ID.me.

Learn all about the child tax credit at childtaxcredit.gov.

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Before You Seek Assistance

If you are having trouble paying your bill, speak to your energy company first. All energy retailers in NSW have programs to help customers in financial difficulty manage their bills more effectively.

If you are unable to make arrangements with your supplier, contact Service NSW or an approved EAPA provider . If you can’t get an appointment right away, let your supplier know you made an appointment for EAPA assessment. Your supplier is not allowed to disconnect you if they know you have an appointment booked for an EAPA assessment.

Look For Organizations That Provide Financial Aid For Bills

You might also want to consider asking for financial assistance for your monthly bills. There are numerous non-profit organizations and charities that help those in dire need of financial aid for their basic expenses. These organizations usually have limited funding, so you need to meet certain requirements to be eligible for the help they offer. Here are some of the best organizations to turn to:

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Get Down Payment Assistance

You want to buy a home but cant afford a down payment. Enter state-based down payment assistance. These grants and loans help you cover the upfront costs of purchasing a home.

In Nevada, for example, prospective homeowners who qualify can pay a fee and receive a grant of up to 5% of their home loan value to put toward a down payment and closing costs. Help isnt reserved for low-income borrowers. For government loans, Nevadas grant program is available to those with an annual income below $98,500. See if you qualify.

Loans And Credit Card Relief For Covid

One thing isnt changing right away. Renters who can demonstrate theyve been economically hurt by coronavirus still cant be forced out of their homes.

Citing studies that indicate evictions lead to crowded living conditions, spreading COVID-19 and virus-linked deaths, the Centers for Disease Control extended its ban on evictions until October 3rd welcome relief to the eight million households the Census Bureau says are behind on their rent.

The COVID-19 pandemic has presented a historic threat to the nations public health, CDC Director Dr. Rochelle Walensky said. Keeping people in their homes and out of crowded or congregate settings like homeless shelters by preventing evictions is a key step in helping to stop the spread of COVID-19.

Theres welcome news for the 10 million-plus homeowners behind in their mortgage payments: Homeowners behind on their mortgage payments were granted relief through June 30 when the White House directed the Department of Housing and Urban Development, Department of Veterans Affairs, and Department of Agriculture to expand and extend forbearance and foreclosure relief programs for those with federally backed mortgages.

Additionally, Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac extended foreclosure moratoriums for an additional three months for borrowers approaching the end of their forbearance period.

An estimated 20% of homeowners missed at least one mortgage payment in 2020 and nearly half missed at least three payments since March 2020.

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Indiana Financial Assistance Programs

Learn how to find financial help, government assistance from grants, and support in Indiana. Assistance is available in all cities and counties listed below including Indianapolis and Fort Wayne. The government or non-profits offer financial help to pay bills, whether it is for rent or energy costs, child care, and even free medical care or legal support is offered.

Healthy Indiana Plan HIP is a health insurance plan for uninsured Hoosier adults between the ages of 19-64. Some of the services this plan provides includes a basic commercial health care benefit package once a patients annual medical costs exceed $1,100. It also provides for coverage for preventive services up to $500 a year at no cost to the plan participants. This is a great plan to help pay medical bills and debt. 1-877-438-4479

Indiana State Law Calls for Poor ReliefLegislation has been in effect in Indiana since 1894 that requires that Indiana’s 1,000+ towns, local governments and townships provide “poor relief” to citizens. This government relief can include many things, such as rent help, housing, food, utility bill assistance, and medical assistance. Contact your local town government and ask them about the law.

Hoosier HealthwiseHoosier Healthwise is free or low-cost government health insurance plan for pregnant women, children, and low-income working families. This plan will pay for a portion of their medical bills and health care expenses. 232-4946

#help From Free Clinics Hospitals And Care Centers

Hospitals, pharmaceutical companies, and clinics provide income-qualified patients with so-called charity care or other kinds of financial help for paying for their drugs. Find a detailed listing of national charity associations that provide aid and financial aid in all states. The National Association of Free & Gamble Clinics is a community of approximately 1,200 clinics across the nation that provide care to individuals who can not afford it elsewhere. If you dont have medical insurance, or if your insurance does not cover much, you can seek care through free clinics. Some of these treat everyone at no cost, while others charge fees on a sliding scale depending on the individuals income. There is also a larger directory of low-cost and free practices for medical care and dental hygiene in NeedyMeds.

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Help With You Energy Bill

If you need help paying for your home energy costs, the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program may be able to help with

• Paying for part of your heating or cooling bills
• Paying for some weatherization or low-cost home repairs that may lower your monthly energy bills
• Energy crisis assistance for immediate help

Find Financial Relief Right Now

Becoming debt-free doesnt need to take months or years when you can start raising funds for bills right away through crowdfunding. If you still need emergency help with bills after exploring government and charity programs, GoFundMe can support you in finding financial stability. Setting up a help pay my bills campaign is simple. Start a fundraiser today and begin focusing on what matters.

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Grocery Worker’s Appreciation Fund

The COVID-19 pandemic has impacted communities across the United States, causing business and school closures, health concerns, and staggering need. Through it all, grocery workers have been frontline heroes, risking their health and safety to keep the shelves stocked with essential food and supplies.

To show appreciation to grocery workers for their contributions during this health crisis, Kendall-Jackson has partnered with United Way Worldwide, pledging $2 million through August 2030 to create the Grocery Workers Appreciation Fund. The fund is administered by United Way Worldwide and provides emergency support to grocery workers to ease their financial challenges. If you are in need of assistance click here to apply.

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