Low Income Energy Assistance Program

[bluegourami3]

Do not at this time worry about the credit card debt. Priorities should be mortgage, utilities, food and gas. And DON't let the credit card companies talk you into consolidating into a loan, because then this becomes a loan that is tied to the equity you've built up in your house. If you have to file bankruptcy later on down the road, this will only remain on your credit report for 7-10 years. If you think your going to stay in the residence that long, and most likely most people will, as it will probably take that long for the economy to fully come around. Then dont' worry about the credit card debt. Let them sit.

Check with all charities to see if you can get some help with the utility bills. Some chartiies only do a one time payment, some give you a grant. Start with your local Division of Social Services Office.

[Admin - Jon McNamara]

We do not provide direct assistance. We just provide information. But we have places you and your cousin can call to apply for LIHEAP in New Britain Connecticut. That particular town is in Hartford County, and the plaes you want to call be be found here at Hartford assistance programs and agencies. A number of non-profits and charities are listed on this main site, and offer grants, energy conserving programs, and much more.

I live in New Britain CT. Me and two of my family members had decided to live in a one family house as we work in town and we are thinking we would be able to afford the cost. We moved in the one family in the beginning of August and since then we were able to afford everything; from rent and utilities to the cost of food. It's now winter and our house is heated with oil and with the expensive prices,we unfortunately can't afford to put up the money to keep the house warm. I did some research and saw that LHEAP is providing to help for people in such predicament. I wonder and hope that my cousins and I qualify your assistance.

[MerkelyMAgic]

I live in New Britain CT. Me and two of my family members had decided to live in a one family house as we work in town and we are thinking we would be able to afford the cost. We moved in the one family in the beginning of August and since then we were able to afford everything; from rent and utilities to the cost of food. It's now winter and our house is heated with oil and with the expensive prices,we unfortunately can't afford to put up the money to keep the house warm. I did some research and saw that LHEAP is providing to help for people in such predicament. I wonder and hope that my cousins and I qualify your assistance.

[Admin - Jon McNamara]

LIHEAP does have strict income guidelines. Sometimes utility companies offer grants or other financial aid, and the guidelines are not as strict. Other options like weatherization may be available to you as well. Regardless find a listing of energy assistance, and we have every state listed. Many programs focus on winter help too, for items like heating oil.

I am a first time home owner. I work full time in a doctors office. I come home and then watch my 2 great nephews and my great niece, I am having a very hard time. I look for assistance, and because I work no one will help. But if I was an illegal I'd have everything paid for. I have yet to be able to afford a full tank of oil. Yet I cannot get LIHEAP because I am over. I want to apply for assistance with utility bills. I pay on my light, but i am behind because of the oil and now the electrics is $235.00 I can cry. Plus the town I live in does not participate in low income utility help at all. Where does a poor working American go for help? Do I move across seas so I can get help (we seem to help those in foreign lands) or do I go on welfare then I can have everything even better health care and food. Please Please help me even for my electric bill to be paid I'd be grateful.

[Eli34]

I am a first time home owner. I work full time in a doctors office. I come home and then watch my 2 great nephews and my great niece, I am having a very hard time. I look for assistance, and because I work no one will help. But if I was an illegal I'd have everything paid for. I have yet to be able to afford a full tank of oil. Yet I cannot get LIHEAP because I am over. I want to apply for assistance with utility bills. I pay on my light, but i am behind because of the oil and now the electrics is $235.00 I can cry. Plus the town I live in does not participate in low income utility help at all. Where does a poor working American go for help? Do I move across seas so I can get help (we seem to help those in foreign lands) or do I go on welfare then I can have everything even better health care and food. Please Please help me even for my electric bill to be paid I'd be grateful.

[Admin - Jon McNamara]

Why not qualify for LHEAP? Income too high, or what is the issue? We are not sure where Hudson electric is, but find a listing of energy assistance programs by state here.
http://needhelppayingbills.com/html/ene ... tance.html Select your state from the list, and then apply for and call about the various energy bill assistance programs. Hudson Gas will be covered in the correct state from the list below.

I have applied for LHEAP and do not qualify, what other programs are available for someone like me struggling to pay my central Hudson gas and electric bill. My husband hasn't worked in almost 2 years because of a major illness, disability is slow coming (currently waiting on a decision), he does receive spousal Medicaid. I was told by HEAP last year my income was too much for a family of 4. Any suggestions on where I could get help?

[Admin - Jon McNamara]

Yes, LIHEAP is for low income families, and millions of people get grants from it during the winter to help pay heating and fuel bills. There is a crisis component, as well as more regular cash payments. You can read an extensive amount of information here. http://needhelppayingbills.com/html/lhe ... tance.html We suggest calling your local community action agency to apply, as these groups are more than often the non-profit organizations that run the programs for the low income and working poor.

Hi there,
I was trying to find out information on some programs for low income families? I need help with my electric bill. Every month we are threatened to have our bills shut off. Some are shut off and we have to scramble to find a way to get them back on. I'm interested in the LHEAP? I need a bill paid on the the 8th of Nov. I don't have enough to cover it and while my husband is training in the Army right now, he won't get paid until 2 weeks after he gets back on the 2nd. I would also be interested in any other programs available to us. Thank you for your time,

[1Liza2]

I have applied for LHEAP and do not qualify, what other programs are available for someone like me struggling to pay my central Hudson gas and electric bill. My husband hasn't worked in almost 2 years because of a major illness, disability is slow coming (currently waiting on a decision), he does receive spousal Medicaid. I was told by HEAP last year my income was too much for a family of 4. Any suggestions on where I could get help?

[Saban]

Hi there,
I was trying to find out information on some programs for low income families? I need help with my electric bill. Every month we are threatened to have our bills shut off. Some are shut off and we have to scramble to find a way to get them back on. I'm interested in the LHEAP? I need a bill paid on the the 8th of Nov. I don't have enough to cover it and while my husband is training in the Army right now, he won't get paid until 2 weeks after he gets back on the 2nd. I would also be interested in any other programs available to us. Thank you for your time,

[Admin - Jon McNamara]

We do not understand what you are looking for, or trying to share with us. But here is information on LIHEAP crisis program. This provides information on imminent disconnections, and how the emergency component works for people and families in a crisis.

Good Afternoon,
I am sending this e-mail in reference to some information I found on LHEAP Assistance Low Income Energy Program website. I am currently 3 months pregnant and unemployed and I just do not have the money to get my gas turned on for the winter and I also do not have the money to get my home weatherized before it gets very cold. So if some one could please help me I will greatly appreciate it. I am looking forward to hearing from some one soon.
Thanks,

[Bobbyt]

Good Afternoon,
I am sending this e-mail in reference to some information I found on LHEAP Assistance Low Income Energy Program website. I am currently 3 months pregnant and unemployed and I just do not have the money to get my gas turned on for the winter and I also do not have the money to get my home weatherized before it gets very cold. So if some one could please help me I will greatly appreciate it. I am looking forward to hearing from some one soon.
Thanks,

[Admin - Jon McNamara]

Of course you can't apply for LIHEAP, or any program, on our website. We just provide information. That $2300 may or may not qualify you for LIHEAP. Some states will automatically sign up food stamp recipients for LIHEAP, but we are not sure about Pennsylvania. What we can say is here are non-profits and government programs to call for advice in Bucks County Pennsylvania. One of he main ones is Bucks County Opportunity Council, Inc. and they can be reached at 215) 345-8175.

To Whom It May Concern:
It seems that the website is taking me around in circles and I am unable to obtain needed information. I am a 33 y/o wife and mother who is permanently disabled. Although you need not know the back story, an independent long-term disability company stopped my payments and took my son's social security payments from us (and back pay). My current monthly SSD payment is $2300 and I was recently divorced too to make things worse. I have cashed in all previous retirement accounts and we are left with a savings of only $4 K. I don't know where to start. For example, I cannot determine whether we qualify for LHEAP. We have a ton of credit card debt that I have been paying off until my money was taken away. I believe legal action is warranted, but have no money. We live in Bucks County, Pennsylvania. What do we qualify for food stamps, LHEAP, anything? I should mention that I have many chronic illness and medications and require comprehensive medical coverage. Can you PLEASE direct me to someone who can help? I'm desperate.

[Happygolucky]

To Whom It May Concern:
It seems that the website is taking me around in circles and I am unable to obtain needed information. I am a 33 y/o wife and mother who is permanently disabled. Although you need not know the back story, an independent long-term disability company stopped my payments and took my son's social security payments from us (and back pay). My current monthly SSD payment is $2300 and I was recently divorced too to make things worse. I have cashed in all previous retirement accounts and we are left with a savings of only $4 K. I don't know where to start. For example, I cannot determine whether we qualify for LHEAP. We have a ton of credit card debt that I have been paying off until my money was taken away. I believe legal action is warranted, but have no money. We live in Bucks County, Pennsylvania. What do we qualify for food stamps, LHEAP, anything? I should mention that I have many chronic illness and medications and require comprehensive medical coverage. Can you PLEASE direct me to someone who can help? I'm desperate.

[Admin - Jon McNamara]

We here that quite a bit, in that someones income is too high for government aid. In these cases we usually recommend calling your utility company directly and ask about their programs, enter into a payment plan for electric bill, etc. Find the list of programs by state here.
http://needhelppayingbills.com/html/ene ... tance.html
Usually the income limits are not as strict as say a program from the state or federal government, so more people can receive support.

I am needing help to pay my public service energy bill, I am the only one working and I have my father, my boyfriend and right now 4 kids in our home and our public service is ready to be turned off today. The actual disconnect day was 9/15/11 and I tried everything I could to get them to give us a little more time but they will not, please let us know if you can help.

[Ditka]

I am needing help to pay my public service energy bill, I am the only one working and I have my father, my boyfriend and right now 4 kids in our home and our public service is ready to be turned off today. The actual disconnect day was 9/15/11 and I tried everything I could to get them to give us a little more time but they will not, please let us know if you can help.

[Admin - Jon McNamara]

Well if you may get a job in Richmond in a week that is great news. Just hang in there. So you just need some short term help until that job starts? Here are the Richmond rent programs and agencies to call for guidance, grants, and aid. Eastern Henrico FISH Inc. runs an emergency help/assistance program that people can apply to up to once every 6 months. Dial 804-257-7730. Commonwealth Catholic Charities can help with back rent if you have an eviction notice.

My husband is an independent contractor, just slayed off by his home builder due to lack of building. He has one check coming for $1300.00. Our rent in Richmond Virginia is $800.00 and our electric bill is $257.00 both due this week. I just received my bachelors degree and had a job interview at the local hospital, but they are not going to hire anyone for a week. We also have a car payment $350.00, this is our only working vehicle. We have never struggled like this, but 2 years ago the recession really hurt us and we haven't been able to save money like we used to. Any help would be appreciated, hopefully just for this month. Thank You.

[Conting]

My husband is an independent contractor, just slayed off by his home builder due to lack of building. He has one check coming for $1300.00. Our rent in Richmond Virginia is $800.00 and our electric bill is $257.00 both due this week. I just received my bachelors degree and had a job interview at the local hospital, but they are not going to hire anyone for a week. We also have a car payment $350.00, this is our only working vehicle. We have never struggled like this, but 2 years ago the recession really hurt us and we haven't been able to save money like we used to. Any help would be appreciated, hopefully just for this month. Thank You.

[Admin - Jon McNamara]

Is Lodi in the Stockton and San Joaquin California region? Honestly I am not sure. Sounds like a lot of administrative issues and delays, which I hate to say is life. You should start the process for LIHEAP much earlier next time. I would just continue to try to work with Lodi and see what they say. Maybe they can be reasonable for you.
Also try calling the following in San Joaquin California for help or utility assistance.
Call the Human Services Agency at (209) 468-1000. Tracy Interfaith Ministries is another option. Phone 209-836-5424

Good Morning,
To Whom It May Concern: I went to HEAP for help with my city of Lodi bill. I have been in contact with Heap since 6-1-11 my application was mailed/faxed 6-4-11. On 6-23-11 I got a call from Sonny in Stockton saying that one paper with my signature she didn't get. I returned her call and asked what paper is missing and that I made copies of everything and that I would be off work the next day 6-24-11 and could walk it in at 8 am. I have no idea why it would have taken from 6-4-11 until 6-23-11 to contact me if any documents were missing. I continued to check status with the city of Lodi everyday
from 6-1-11 until 6-29-11. I was constantly told that I could be shut off at any time and nothing could be done. That Heap had not called them yet. So on 6-7-11 I called Madeline at HEAP in Stockton and she personally called the city for me. The city gave an extension until 6-20-11 which I was never told of the ext due date only HEAP knew of this. So, after leaving Sonny on Friday 6-24-11 I was told by sonny that every thing would be taken care of no problem. I get home from work last night 6-28-11 and my electricity is off.. Now what little food my children and I had is now spoiled so not only do I have to try to feed my children again I now have no electricity and my daughter and I have medical problems that require elect. equipment in which we can't use our breathing machine if needed. After speaking with Candice at city of Lodi this morning at 8 am I was told that the city of Lodi never got a call until this morning 6-29-2011 when in fact Madeline and Sonny knew of the extension they set up with a due date of 6-20-2011. So, when I left Sonny on 6-24-2011 she was already aware that it was 4 days late to be called in with a guarantee. Now, The city of Lodi wants me to pay a deposit of 300.00 plus a reconnect fee of 33.00 plus 20.00 of the new bill before they will turn it back on. This is IMPOSSIBLE for me to come up with since I have already borrowed 198.00 on 6-1-11 to
pay the city. Is there anything that can be done to turn back on my electricity without me paying that money that I don't have nor do I feel I should have to pay because I did everything I was instructed to do. It is totally out of my control when the people at HEAP make the phone calls. PLEASE HELP ME AND MY DAUGHTERS...

[Roger]

Good Morning,
To Whom It May Concern: I went to HEAP for help with my city of Lodi bill. I have been in contact with Heap since 6-1-11 my application was mailed/faxed 6-4-11. On 6-23-11 I got a call from Sonny in Stockton saying that one paper with my signature she didn't get. I returned her call and asked what paper is missing and that I made copies of everything and that I would be off work the next day 6-24-11 and could walk it in at 8 am. I have no idea why it would have taken from 6-4-11 until 6-23-11 to contact me if any documents were missing. I continued to check status with the city of Lodi everyday
from 6-1-11 until 6-29-11. I was constantly told that I could be shut off at any time and nothing could be done. That Heap had not called them yet. So on 6-7-11 I called Madeline at HEAP in Stockton and she personally called the city for me. The city gave an extension until 6-20-11 which I was never told of the ext due date only HEAP knew of this. So, after leaving Sonny on Friday 6-24-11 I was told by sonny that every thing would be taken care of no problem. I get home from work last night 6-28-11 and my electricity is off.. Now what little food my children and I had is now spoiled so not only do I have to try to feed my children again I now have no electricity and my daughter and I have medical problems that require elect. equipment in which we can't use our breathing machine if needed. After speaking with Candice at city of Lodi this morning at 8 am I was told that the city of Lodi never got a call until this morning 6-29-2011 when in fact Madeline and Sonny knew of the extension they set up with a due date of 6-20-2011. So, when I left Sonny on 6-24-2011 she was already aware that it was 4 days late to be called in with a guarantee. Now, The city of Lodi wants me to pay a deposit of 300.00 plus a reconnect fee of 33.00 plus 20.00 of the new bill before they will turn it back on. This is IMPOSSIBLE for me to come up with since I have already borrowed 198.00 on 6-1-11 to
pay the city. Is there anything that can be done to turn back on my electricity without me paying that money that I don't have nor do I feel I should have to pay because I did everything I was instructed to do. It is totally out of my control when the people at HEAP make the phone calls. PLEASE HELP ME AND MY DAUGHTERS...

[Admin - Jon McNamara]

Red Bluff California is in the county of Tehama. There are not a huge number of assistance programs in that area, but some places you can call for help with bills in Tehama. The leading agency will be the Tehama County Community Action Agency, which can be reached at (530) 527-6159. They run weatherization, may help you with LIHEAP, and other financial aid and assistance, including housing and rent help. They will also have information on other local non-profits and charities.

To whom it may concern:

I am writing you because My family and I need help paying for our utility bills! We live in Red Bluff,ca in a Mobile home that is poorly insulated.Our home is freezing in the winter,and so Hot in the summer! The vents to our home are not even properly closed,you can see the ground outside!! From some of the vents on the
floor,so we have had to cover those vents up ourselves.The windows are not insulated at all,or oven is from the 1970's,and we constantly smell gas coming somewhere in
the home! This has made our PG& E bills so high. We are on a very fixed income.Are on medical,food stamps,Etc. My husband is the only one who works right now,and we have two kids to take care of! If you could please point us into the right path on where we need to turn,on getting some assistance with our outrageous Utility Bills I would be ever so grateful! Thank you for you time! I look forward to hearing from someone soon!