Felons who are experiencing difficult financial times may find it challenging to pay their electric bill. Yet, electricity is something that none of us want to go without. Felons who fall behind on paying their electricity bills may end up getting a shutoff notice. If that happens, it’s time to get help paying the bill or face losing your electricity. The good news is that there is electric bills assistance for felons.
Monthly electric bills vary, depending on where you live in the country. In January, for example, the average electric bill in Alaska is $177, while it’s $77 in Louisiana, and $109 in Ohio. No matter what your average electricity bill is, you may find that it’s still difficult to pay if you are having financial problems. There may be a time when you need help paying the electric bill in order to keep it from being turned off.
Electric Bills Assistance for Felons
Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) – If your heating and cooling is electric you may be able to get assistance paying the bill through LIHEAP. This program pays for one heating bill per year for those who qualify. To qualify, you have to have a low income, be a citizen or legal alien, and be the person responsible for paying the bill. This is a federally funded program that is administered locally through social service offices around the country. To apply for a LIHEAP grant to pay your electric bill, click here.
Catholic Charities – This organization has locations around the country. They will help with electric bills assistance for felons. You will need to contact your local chapter and inquire about receiving the help. They do not typically have strict requirements regarding who can receive the financial assistance. To find a Catholic Charities near you, click here.
Federal Emergency Management Food and Shelter Program (FEMA) – FEMA is a federal agency that helps people around the country. While they mostly focus on emergency situations and disasters, they will also help provide electric bills assistance for felons. They will pay for one month’s utility bill for those who qualify. To learn more about the FEMA program or apply for assistance, click here.
Florida Power and Light (FPL) – Felons who live in the state of Florida may be able to get electric bills assistance from FPL. This electricity provider takes up a collection of donations from employees and customers, using that money to help pay for electric bills for those who are struggling. Felons who qualify for their electric bills assistance may be able to get up to $500 over a one-year period to help with paying their FPL electricity bill. This program has limited funds and is given out on a first come basis. To qualify, you have to have the bill you are behind on and show you have an economic need for the help. To get more information or apply for assistance, click here.
Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) – This program offers monthly cash grants for felons who qualify. The cash grant can then be used to pay bills, including your electric bill. To qualify for the program, you have to have at least one minor child you are providing for. Some states offer General Assistance, which is a cash grant given to those who do not have any minor children they are caring for. Additionally, you have to have a low income and be a legal citizen in the country. To get more information or to apply for TANF, click here.
Duke Energy – Felons who live in Florida, Indiana, Kentucky, North Carolina, Ohio, and South Carolina, may be able to get help with their electric bills from Duke Energy. They have a variety of funds that provide electric bills assistance for felons. These include an energy neighbor fund, community partnerships, and programs for felons who have special medical needs. Felons who have Duke Energy and need electric bills assistance should contact them to inquire about getting help. To learn more about their program or get assistance, click here.
Salvation Army – This organization offers numerous helpful programs for felons in the community. They will help provide electric bills assistance for felons, too. You will need to find a location near you and then inquire about if that service is available at that location. The programs they offer vary by location around the country. To get more information and find a location near you, click here.
In addition to the above programs that provide electric bills assistance for felons, be sure to check with your local churches. Many local churches offer helpful programs, including helping to pay bills. This service varies by church and location, so you will need to contact your local branches and go from there to see what is offered at each one and how you qualify.