Having trouble paying your gas bill? You’re not alone. Rising energy costs have made it difficult for many households to keep up with their utility payments. The good news is that there are programs and resources that can provide financial assistance. In this comprehensive guide, I’ll overview the various ways to get help paying your gas bill, from government aid to utility company programs.
Government Assistance Programs
Several government initiatives exist to help low-income families afford their energy bills. Here are some of the major ones:
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LIHEAP The Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program provides grants to help pay heating and cooling bills Households must meet income requirements Grants vary by state,
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WAP: The Weatherization Assistance Program funds upgrades like insulation to make homes more energy efficient for low-income households. This helps lower bills.
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State Programs Many states have their own assistance funds to supplement federal help. New York recently launched a major COVID-19 gas bill relief program
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Local Aid Cities and counties may offer programs These are often administered by community action agencies.
Utility Company Programs
Gas companies themselves run bill assistance programs and discounts:
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Payment Plans: Most allow ratepayers to spread balances over months through payment plans. This helps avoid disconnection.
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Hardship Funds: Some have special assistance for those facing crises like job loss that leave them unable to pay.
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Budget Billing: This averages out bills over the year so amounts are more consistent month-to-month.
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Discounts: Low-income households can get discounted rates through programs like SoCalGas’s CARE initiative.
Additional Ways to Save
Along with financial help, you can take steps to cut energy costs:
- Lower thermostat temperatures and use blankets to stay warm
- Seal air leaks and add insulation to improve efficiency
- Upgrade to a high-efficiency furnace and ENERGY STAR appliances
- Enroll in utility budget plans to even out seasonal spikes
Finding Available Assistance
With many potential sources of aid, where do you start?
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Contact your gas company to ask about discounts and programs
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Check Benefits.gov or call 2-1-1 to find local and state help
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Visit LIHEAP.gov to locate your state LIHEAP agency
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Ask about WAP through state weatherization offices
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Search “[your city] utility bill assistance” to find local programs
Applying for Help
Once you’ve identified programs, follow these tips to secure assistance:
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Gather required documents like ID, income info, bills
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Complete all sections of the application accurately
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Apply early before funds run out
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Provide any requested proofs promptly
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Reapply annually as eligibility expires
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Appeal any denials you believe are wrong
While paying gas bills can be challenging, assistance is out there. With some research and planning, you can obtain the financial help your household needs this winter. Don’t hesitate to use multiple programs if eligible. Every bit helps provide some warmth and peace of mind.
More Help and Information
211 is a free service that helps you find help. You can call 211 anytime, 24/7 to speak with a Community Resource Specialist who will help you identify needs and connect you to the programs in your community that help with those needs. 211 helps people find help paying bills, getting food for their family, find health or mental health care services, tax preparation assistance, and more, with most programs being free or low cost. To talk to someone now, call 211. For help by text, text your zip code to 898-211.
A complete list of National Grid phone numbers for customers in Upstate New York.
National Grid offers many easy ways to pay your energy bills, including at no-fee cash locations near your home.
Pay by mail, over the phone, or receive and pay your bill online through paperless billing and automatic payments.
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Where can we help you today?
If you need help, we are here for you.
More people than ever are struggling to make ends meet, and that could make it challenging to pay your home gas and electric bill on time. We understand and want to make it as easy as possible to get the assistance you need, when you need it.
If you received a Disconnect Notice in the mail visit Grant Programs for information on available financial assistance and more.
Grants may be available to help you pay your bills through the Home Energy Assistance Program (HEAP), Hope & Warmth Energy Fund, Hearts Fighting Hunger, Temporary Assistance, and Care & Share.
Save on your National Grid gas and electric bill with a monthly bill credit available through our Energy Affordability Program (EAP).
Speak with a Consumer Advocate
Not sure what assistance program is right for you? A National Grid Consumer Advocate will be happy to help.
Upgrade the efficiency of your home and start saving energy and money. We offer a variety of rebates, services and tips.
Divide your annual energy costs into 12 balanced, monthly charges to keep the peaks and valleys out of your bills.
More Time to Pay
If you need more time to pay your gas or electric bill, you may qualify for payment extensions.
Homes with seriously ill, injured, or life support residents may be protected from having their service turned off in the event of non-payment.
Save Money on Your Gas Bill with Our Customer Assistance Program
FAQ
How do I get help paying my utility bill in NY?
How can I get help paying my gas bill in Illinois?
What is the NYS utility arrears relief program?
What if I can’t pay my gas bill?
Never miss a payment! Set up Automatic Monthly Payment Plan from your bank account. Monitor your consumption, predict your next bill, and avoid surprises! Get personalized recommendations, find rebates, compare bills, and more! If you’re having trouble paying your gas bill, our customer assistance programs may be able to help.
Can I pay my gas bill online?
want to pay in-person, we got you covered. Manage your account from anywhere you are. You can pay your bills online, track your natural gas usage, and more! Online payments are quick and easy, but we understand you have choices. Find a payment location if you prefer to pay in person.
How do I get help paying my utility bill?
Calls are confidential and answered 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year. If you have questions about utility payment relief and assistance programs, dial 2-1-1 or click the green button. If you need immediate help paying your utility bill, explore programs that may be able to help.
How do I apply for a gas assistance grant?
Our online application only takes a few minutes, and no additional documentation is needed. The Gas Assistance Fund (GAF) may be able to provide a one-time grant of up to $200.00 to cover your gas bill. You may qualify for an energy assistance grant through the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program.
How do I get a $100 gas bill?
Apply through a referral partner for up to $100 in one-time gas bill assistance. Households must be a SoCal Gas customer and 200% under federal poverty line * (view chart above). Additionally, households with older adults (55+) are currently able to apply for an addition $100 (up to $200 total).
Where can I get help with my energy bill?
At Consumers Energy bill payment offices. Call 2-1-1 if you need assistance filling out the claim, to connect with a local certified tax professional – at little or no cost to you. Supported by the United Way, 2-1-1 is a free service that links people with information or agencies that can help with energy assistance and other needs.