Last Updated on April 27, 2022 by Anne-Sophie Reinhardt
Electric bill payment isn’t always as simple as it seems, particularly when money is tight, and you need emergency help.
Fortunately, various agencies and assistance services may support single moms. We’ll go into some of the most beneficial services and projects below.
Emergency Electric Bill Help for Single Moms
LIHEAP Energy Assistance Programs
LIHEAP, or the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program, is a federal program that assists households and individuals with their home energy bills in most states and territories in the United States. If you meet the LIHEAP eligibility criteria, you might be eligible for financial assistance with your heating and cooling service costs. Visit your local or state LIHEAP office for more details and apply for assistance. Call the toll-free call center at 866-674-6327 if you need assistance with the application process. For more information, contact the Department for Children and Families, which administers LIHEAP, at 202-401-9351 or go to the website.
Weatherization Assistance Programs
The US Department of Energy offers WAP assistance to low-income community members who want to improve the energy quality of their homes. The DOE provides states with the support they need to provide services to community action groups, local governments, and non-profits, who distribute the service across all United States states and territories. Families and individuals aged 60 and up are given priority when applying for help, but you can visit the website for more information and eligibility criteria.
Utility Companies that offer grants
Electric bill payment assistance is available from a variety of utility providers. NJ Universal Service Fund is a clear example of a company like this. If you are a low-income user, the New Jersey Board of Public Utilities-owned corporation will assist you. They can be reached by phone at 1-800-510-3102 or in person at one of their 16 walk-in Customer Service Centers.
Many utility providers, like this program, provide single mother support, discounts, or flexible payment options to their customers. Find out if the provider has services for single mothers by calling them.
Local Charities and Community Action Groups
CAAs (Community Action Agencies) are public and private organizations. Therefore, their mission is to help low-income single moms, individuals, and communities become financially self-sufficient. With over 1,000 CAAs throughout the country, these non-profit organizations represent all states and territories. Call the CAA Head Office at 202-265-7546 to find out where the nearest Community Action Agency is located, or visit their website for more information on single mother assistance.
Other organizations that may be able to help you with electric service bill grants include:
Society of St. Vincent De Paul
Energy Efficient Mortgage Insurance
The US Department of Housing and Urban Development provides an Energy Efficient Mortgage Insurance policy that assists property owners in lowering their utility bills. In essence, the initiative offers loans to individuals and families to install energy-efficient features in their homes as part of a refinance or guaranteed home purchase through the Federal Housing Administration. Visit the HUD website or contact the Federal Housing Administration office for information on single mother assistance at 1-800-225-5342 for more information on eligibility criteria and the application process for the EEM program.
FHA PowerSaver Home Energy Retrofit Loan Program
The FHA PowerSaver Home Energy RLPP works similarly to the EEM Program mentioned earlier. The program provides customers with loans to install energy-efficient features in their homes, lowering their electricity bills. To determine whether you qualify for the FHA Powersaver program, contact a lender who participates in the program and is approved by the FHA. You can find the lender’s contact information here. Visit the HUD’s website or call the office at 1-800-225-5342 for more information about the service.
As you’ll see, there are many groups and services aimed at supporting low-income single mothers. Therefore, they can help cover their energy bills and lower their electric service rates.
