Do you need help paying bills or putting food on your family’s table? Sometimes cash assistance can help you make it to your next paycheck or keep the heat on throughout the winter. Fortunately, you can find financial assistance to help cover living costs and other expenses.
What about help to pay off debt from loans, credit cards, or medical expenses? Debt can have a snowball effect, causing your debt amount to increase even if you pay the minimum. Check out different options and programs that can help you pay bills and get out of debt.
Government assistance programs can reduce your water bills if you qualify. The Low Income Household Water Assistance Program (LIHWAP) gives funds to low-income households that need help paying bills for drinking water and wastewater.
States determine the minimum and maximum benefit amounts and set the monthly income limits. Water costs will vary by area, and the amount to obtain drinking water and dispose of wastewater will influence benefit amounts.
Eligibility requirements for LIHWAP benefits typically include being a citizen, U.S. National, or legal alien and:
- Having a household income less than the income limit. Your household size changes your income threshold. Households with more family members can earn more and still qualify.
- Participate in other government assistance programs, such as:
- Home Energy Assistance Program (HEAP)
- Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP)
- Temporary Assistance (TA)
You must have an account with a water vendor. If you are a tenant who does not pay the water bill directly, you may not qualify for financial assistance through the program.
The Salvation Army also has housing assistance programs. The organization has funds to help pay bills like utilities, rent or mortgage, medicine, food, clothing, and transportation costs.
In some cases, the Salvation Army works directly with utility providers. In Maryland, for example, the Salvation Army administers the WSSC Water Fund, which helps customers reduce their water bill up to $500 annually.
You may seek cash assistance or resource guidance from charity organizations. American Water is an organization that connects you with local water emergency programs. By means of example, Tennessee American Water can help you seek funds from the Tennessee Housing Development Agency, Project Water Help, and United Way if you live in the state.
If you need help paying bills, you should check for state programs. For instance, Indiana has a special water assistance program for rural communities. You can also ask your water provider directly about available cash assistance programs or payment plans.
Do you need help with your electricity bill? Find out where to get cash for other utility bills or have a portion of your invoice paid on your behalf next.
