Assistance with Utility Bills
- Adam Garrett
- Jul 13, 2023
- 4 min read
Updated: May 16
Nationally Available Assistance:
Assistance Available to HIV+ Households Below 80% AMI
HIV+ Household & below 80% Area Median Income
Housing Opportunities for Persons With AIDS
HUD Site on HOPWA (Throughout US)
HOPWA Short-Term Rent, Mortgage, and Utility Assistance Throughout US (Link that provides secondary PDF link w section quoted below)
"3.3 Utility Assistance
To be eligible for utility assistance, an applicant must reside in the unit legally and have an account in his/her name with a utility company or proof of responsibility to make utility payments, such as cancelled checks, money orders, or receipts in their name from a utility company. Individuals who have prior criminal histories, poor credit or lack of rental history often do not have utility accounts in their name; however, they may be responsible for paying these housing expenses. Such households must demonstrate proof of responsibility to make such payments by documenting a history of making payments and should not be excluded from receiving STRMU assistance based on the utility account not being in their name. (page 9 of HOPWA: Short-Term Rent, Mortgage, and Utility (STRMU) Assistance - November 2015 - accessed as latest available on HUD website on 6/14/24)."
LIHEAP (Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program)
"The Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) is a state benefit program that assists eligible low-income households with their heating and cooling energy costs, bill payment assistance, energy crisis assistance, weatherization and energy-related home repairs. To find out whether you are eligible to receive LIHEAP benefits, contact your state or tribal LIHEAP office. For help applying for LIHEAP benefits, you may also call this toll-free number: 1-866-674-6327."
Home Internet
"If a member of your household had their work or schooling moved to an online format but cannot afford home internet access, the following providers offer affordable options:
Emergency Broadband Benefit is an FCC program that will provide a discount of up to $50 per month towards broadband service for eligible households and up to $75 per month for households on qualifying Tribal lands.
Access from AT&T is a low-cost home internet package for qualifying individuals and households.
Comcast Internet Essentials is a similarly priced package for qualifying individuals and households. Due to COVID-19, it is currently available for free for the first two months.
Mediacom Connect 2 Compete offers internet access to students at a reduced rate.
Verizon Lifeline provides reduced-fee internet services at a 3-tier level for low-income customers.
EveryoneOn, through partnerships with local internet service providers, is able to offer free on reduced home internet service in 48 states and the District of Columbia.
If you have an existing provider, they may be making special accommodations in response to the pandemic. Visit their website or contact them via phone for more information."
Phone Service
"Lifeline is a Federal Communications Commission (FCC) program. It helps low-income individuals and families get discounted landline or cell phone service. Some people also qualify for a free phone.
Lifeline can also provide internet service discounts for low-income households. Individuals can apply for either a phone or internet discount, but not both."
Weatherization Assistance
Weatherization assistance is available to those of low income in some cases to increase the energy efficiency of their home, such as by looking at areas of incoming air into the home & improving them. "Under DOE guidelines, households at or below 200% of the poverty income guidelines are considered eligible for weatherization services or if they receive Supplemental Security Income or Aid to Families with Dependent Children. In addition, each state or territory may elect to use the U.S. Department of Health & Human Services (HHS) Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) criteria of 60% of state-median income.
WAP Grantees also give priority to the elderly, families with one or more members with a disability, families with children, or high-energy users."
Statewide Assistance in Virginia
"Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) - fuel and weatherization assistance
Virginia Department of Housing and Community Development - weatherization assistance program
Citizens Energy Oil Heat Program - discounted home heating oil
EnergyShare Cooling ($300) w/ No Income Restrictions
Contact Your Utilities Provider
"Many utilities providers offer programs to assist households when they cannot pay their bills on time. Companies may offer a payment plan or temporary discount on your bill if you can pay some, but not all, of what you owe. Some companies also work with local non-profits to provide additional financial assistance to qualifying households.
Contact your utility provider, explain your situation, and ask about options to help you pay. If you are unsure how to contact them, this information is usually included on your monthly bill (211)."
Additional Forms of Assistance & Other Means of Getting the $
See:
See the "Options for Getting Finances Prior to Listing/Closing" section in Financing Repairs/Renovations Prior to Sale which includes details on the following methods:
Home Equity Line of Credit
Credit Cards (particularly 0% APR for 6+ Months)
Personal Loan
Secured Debt (i.e. Reverse Auto Loan <12% APR but not >12% APR)
Borrowing from others
Selling Items of Value
Non-Profits
Tap Your Retirement Account
Options I Don't Recommend
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