Can’t Pay Your Utility Bill? Make These Moves

If so, then these are moves you should make so you can keep those lights on and keep more cash in your pocket.

A utility bill isn’t like a credit card bill. You can’t just ignore it or not pay it one month without having it directly impact your life. Why? Because if you don’t pay that utility bill, your lights will get shut off for nonpayment. And as you call your company to get those lights turned back on, you’ll probably have to pay a reconnection fee that puts you even deeper into a financial hole.

What should you do if your electricity is about to be turned off because you can’t afford to pay your utility bill? Here are some options for utility bill assistance, as well as other tips to make room in your budget, so you don’t run into this issue in the future.

Contact Your Company

Before making any other moves in this list, give your utility provider a call. Let them know your situation, and ask if they can postpone a shutoff and put you on a repayment plan. Since so many people are struggling, it’s a request they’ve probably heard a thousand times, so don’t be afraid to talk to them.

Apply For LIHEAP

What usually makes up a considerable chunk of your utility bill every month? Cooling or heating costs, as you need to run your AC or furnace to make your home comfortable and livable. The Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) can take care of your monthly cooling and heating costs, which can make your utility bill a lot more manageable.

What does it take to qualify for LIHEAP? That depends on where you live, but typically you can qualify if you receive SNAP, TANF, SSI, or some other form of government assistance, and if your income is below a certain level, that can get you in the door too.

Beyond taking care of your cooling and heating costs, LIHEAP can keep your lights on if you’re being threatened with a shutoff for nonpayment. And if you ever need your cooling or heating equipment replaced or repaired, LIHEAP can help with that too.

To see if you qualify for LIHEAP, find your local office here.

Talk To A 211 Operator

LIHEAP is great for ensuring your utility bill becomes manageable in the long term. But if you need emergency assistance, making a quick call to 211 may be your best bet. Ask the local operator if they know of any utility assistance programs in your area, and they should be able to help.

Find Help Via The U.S. Department Of Health And Human Services

This link can help you find low-income energy assistance from various avenues.

Get Help With Other Utilities

Since they’re such necessities nowadays, many consider phone and Internet utilities. Cut those costs, and you’ll find more cash to pay your electric bill on time.

You can lower your phone costs by applying for the Lifeline program. To get cheaper Internet for as little as $10 per month, look into these programs:

• Access from AT&T
• Comcast Internet Essentials
• Mediacom Connect 2 Compete
• Verizon Lifeline
• EveryoneOn