Get Help Paying for Your Light Bill

With an ailing economy, many people who once had never even thought of looking for help, are now seeking assistance. Recently, my family became one of these statistics. Help is available for food, housing and clothing, but where does one go to get their electric bill paid? There are several non profit agencies that may be able to assist.

1. LIHEAP. This is an acronym for Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program. Most LIHEAP programs are conducted by local Community Action Agencies(CAA). If your local agency doesn't help with this program or one isn't available in your community, contact your electric company. They should be able to direct you to the agency in your area who manages the LIHEAP program.

2. EHEAP. It is more difficult to find this program which is an acronym for Elderly Home Energy Assistance Program. Not all communities provide this assistance. Generally, the local Council on Aging provides the EHEAP program. Both LIHEAP and EHEAP receive funding from community service block grants, funded by the federal government.

3. Local community service agencies such as Catholic Charities, Lutheran Family Services, Salvation Army and some Jewish Community Services offer financial assistance for light bills. Contact your local agency to ensure they provide this service in your city.

4. Most communities have a help line where local advise and financial assistance information is given out. Our local number is 611, however check in your community before dialing this number to ensure this is the correct number. In Jacksonville Florida area, the 611 number is called Lifeline. They will give the number and location of agencies who assist with electric bill payments.

5. Local Churches. If all else fails, some local churches can assist with help. It is easier to receive financial help from a church that you are a member of. Some churches will only help members while others reach out to the community as funds are available. If all else fails, either use the phone book or print a list from online of churches in your area. It may take a while, but calling each one will increase your chances of getting help. Also, as some churches funds are limited, asking for a smaller amount than what you actually need, might increase your chances of a local church being able to help pay a portion of your light bill.

In difficult economic times, any financial assistance can help a family get back on their feet. It is nice to know that help is there to pay for electric bills if needed. No family should have to sit in the dark.