Depending on the state one lives in, the average gas bill is around $100 per month. Some are a little higher than that, such as in Hawaii, while others are lower, such as in places like Idaho. Even though the average is around $100 per month, it may be challenging for some people to pay it each month. Those who are experiencing financially challenges need to get help. The good news is there are gas assistance programs for ex-felons.
Ex-felons who have difficulty paying their gas bill have options. Whether they need to turn to getting assistance on a monthly basis, or they need help paying the bill just one time, there are places that will help them. The important thing is knowing where to turn to when you need a gas bill assistance program for ex-felons.
Gas Bill Assistance Programs for Ex-Felons ::: There are several different programs that you can turn to in order to get help paying the gas bill. These programs are open to ex-felons. They most likely will not ask if you are an ex-felon when you apply for the assistance. If they, always be honest, because if they want to look it up they can. Felony records are typically public information, so they can have access to it and then they would see you are lying about it. Be honest if they ask about your record, but in most cases they likely will not inquire about it.
If a program asks if you are an ex-felon then provide the information to them. However, there are many programs that will likely not inquire about it. In such cases, do not volunteer the information by providing it to them. Only give the information when and if you are asked about it.
Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) – This program is available around the country. It is funded by the federal government and aims to help ensure that people have access to assistance paying their energy bills. The LIHEAP program in each state is funded by a block grant. This means that once a year, the federal government provides the state program with a lump sum of money that can be used to help people pay their energy bills. Once the funds are gone, the program will not be able to help anyone else until they get the next block grant. What this means for you is that you need to apply early into the program to make sure you get the help. You will also need to apply for the program each year that you need the assistance. If you are approved for the help, the funds will be paid directly to your energy provider on your behalf. To get more information about this gas bill assistance program for ex-felons, click here.
United Way – This organization provides helpful programs for those who need assistance. They offer gas bill assistance programs for ex-felons. They can help ex-felons find programs that will pay for their gas bill. Whether you need a program that will pay for the bill or will help you get a reduced rate they can provide you with options. They can also help you find additional financial programs to help with paying for other things, so that you can use the funds to pay the gas bill. To get more information, click here.
Department of Energy – This government agency helps people find ways to reduce the amount of energy they use. They will provide you with weatherization services, which will make your home be more efficient and lower your gas bills each month. To get more information about the programs offered through the Department of Energy, click here.
Housing and Urban Development – This is another government agency that will help people pay for their gas bills. Whether you are a renter or homeowner, they will help you pay for your gas bill, as well as other energy bills. They also provide weatherization services, which will help reduce your monthly energy bills. To get more information about their programs, click here.
Catholic Charities – This faith-based organization provides a variety of helpful programs for ex-felons at their many locations. Around the country they have thousands of locations, each offering programs to help those in the community. They provide free food, clothing, shelters, and will help with small bill payment assistance. To get more information, contact the location near you. To find the location near you, click here.
Salvation Army – This is a faith-based organization that has thousands of locations round the nation. They provide a gas bill assistance program for ex-felons. They do not require a lot of criteria that needs to be met in order to receive help from their programs. They provide such things as hot meals, free bags of food, free clothing, and more. They can help with your situation in a variety of ways. To find a location near you, click here.
One of the best gas bill assistance programs for ex-felons is offered through the energy provider itself. If you are having difficulty paying for your gas bill, contact your energy provider. Explain to them that you are finding it difficult to pay the bill. They usually have programs that can help you, including paying the bill, spreading the payments out over the months, and finding ways to reduce your monthly bill.
Another option is to contact your local churches. They nearly all have programs in place to help people in their community who need assistance. Explain to them that you are having a difficult time paying your gas bill and see if they have a program that will help you out. They may have a program, take up a collection from the congregation to help you pay it, or they are able to refer you to other local programs that will be able to help. Churches can be great resources for those who need assistance. They will not ask if you are an ex-felon and you do not need to volunteer the information.
