How to get utility bill assistance in Los Angeles.
Low-income families in Los Angeles will get help paying utility bills, including electric, power and energy, from a number of financial assistance as well as discount programs. Some of the resources are offered by government run agencies, and other payment plans or assistance programs are administered directly by the utility companies themselves. Find where and how to get help with paying utility bills in LA below including contact information.
How does LADWP help with bills
The leading utility provider in the city (and county) is Los Angeles Department of Water & Power (LADWP). They administer resources for the low income, seniors and vulnerable people. There are several targeted programs to help low-income and medically vulnerable customers (in particular senior citizens) keep service on and bills manageable.
Discounts are provided by EZ-SAVE. This is LADWP utility’s income-qualified discount (formerly LIDP). Enrolling lowers electric charges and also reduces the City’s residential sewer service charge; EZ-SAVE enrollment also unlocks access to related savings programs. No proof of income is required at sign-up, though LADWP may verify later. Apply online at https://www.ladwp.com/residential-services/assistance-programs/ez-save-program.
For seniors citizens (62 or older) and people with disabilities, the Lifeline program is an option. It is run by the City of Los Angeles Office of Finance. This will give seniors and the disabled an exemption from the City’s Utility Users Tax and a special electric & water “Lifeline Rate,” which together can materially cut monthly bills. Customers apply with the Office of Finance and dial phone (844) 663-4411.
Families in Los Angeles who have a member who is disabled or 62 years of age or older can apply for another type of monthly discount on their utility bills. This one is known as the Life-Support Device Discount. It is for people who rely on qualifying devices (e.g., dialysis machines, respirators).
- If you use medical equipment for a serious health or medical condition or life saving event and need power to operate it, then a discount is offered for those medical conditions. Or customers with a serious medical condition or life threatening illness may also qualify. The Life-Support Device Discount as well as the Physician Certified Allowance Discount provides savings on electric bills to customers who can show proof of their need. In addition to above, the Physician Certified Allowance Discount adds an extra electric discount for specific diagnoses (e.g., paraplegia, multiple sclerosis, scleroderma). Both require a doctor’s certification.
If you’re behind or facing seasonal spikes, LADWP’s Level Pay evens out charges into a stable monthly amount and can roll past-due balances into the plan. It is a form of payment extension. In general it is 12 months by default with 24 36 months available for larger arrears). This budgeting tool won’t erase debt, but it prevents bill shocks and can pair
If you can pay only a portion of your LADWP electric bill, then the best option for you may be Partial Payment Arrangements. Customers who are faced with an unexpected financial hardship or crisis are the ones who usually enter into a partial payment type plan. However you do need to call customer service in advance to make this occur, and you just can’t short pay your utility bill. Call (contact number is below) before the bill is due to learn more about it and to enter into this plan.
Additional government, non-profit and charity programs that can help pay utilities
If you have no other options available to you and are not qualified for other assistance programs, then a United Way sponsored program known as Project ANGEL, or Assist Neighbors by Giving Energy for Living, may be your best option. The United Way is based at 515 S Figueroa St #900, Los Angeles, CA 90071. Both elderly and low income customers can get help for paying electric or even water bills bills from it.
- While the Los Angeles United Way administers the program, the funds and applications are managed by other local organizations, including the LA County Community Action Board. It is generally a last option for income qualified people that are close to a shut off - ask a local non-profit about it or dial the United Way at (213) 808-6220.
Local government organizations and non-profit agencies across Los Angeles California run the federal government funded Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP). This grant program offers emergency cash assistance for paying air conditioning, heating, and other utility bills. A crisis component is offered for people faced with an immediate disconnection.
- LADWP steers customers to LIHEAP agencies serving Los Angeles. Or call the State of California Department of Community Services and Development at 1-866-675-6623. Or find more details on California LIHEAP.
While not direct financial assistance or a discount, the Weatherization Assistance Program, which is offered free of cost for income qualified families, can in effect help people save money on their utility, heating, and cooling bills. This is usually offered by community action agencies across Los Angeles and can be effective for income qualified Department of Water & Power customers. The main goal is to improve people’s home by adding energy conservation measures. This will reduce the amount of the customer’s monthly utility bills.
There is also financial help for low-income families in Los Angeles from Southern California Edison, or SCE. They also help people keep their gas, electric and power on. Learn more on financial assistance for SCE bills.
Contact information for help
Not sure what program you qualify for, whether a discount or direct financial help? Use LADWP’s Financial Assistance Qualification tool to get a tailored list based on age, disability, and income, then complete the relevant applications. For general guidance and links to all programs in one place, another option is to call customer service at 1-800-342-5397.
Related Content From Needhelppayingbills.com
|
