Single Mom Help With Household Utilities

It’s difficult enough being a single mom with all the extra bills and food and payments you have to make just to stay afloat, but did you know there may be some assistance for you for heating and cooling your home? Those utilities can get very expensive.
Most likely the quickest way for you to find out if you can get energy assistance is to contact your local utility company. They will most likely know what programs are available at the present time.
There are also numerous programs available in each state. The Low Income Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) for your particular state is also a good source of information to start with. This program falls under the US Dept of Health and Human Services for your state.
If you fall within certain low income guidelines according to the state you live in, you may be eligible for this help. There are state median income guidelines that also come into play in your state.
If you don’t qualify for any of the available programs at the present time, alleviate stress by working out a payment plan with your utility company rather than risking having your utilities shut off. There are specific guidelines utility companies must follow before they can shut off your heat for non-payment.
There is what is called the Cold Weather Rule (CWR) in some states. This protection can help you throughout the winter from having your utilities shut off, but you do have to apply for it. The cold weather rule in the state it applies to typically runs from mid October through mid April. This CWR applies specifically to senior citizens and families with young children. Natural gas and electric utilities follow some level of the CWR.
There are other rules in regard to each states public utility guidelines that can help you to know exactly what you can do to protect yourself and your family if you don’t have enough money to pay your utility bills. Do research online by your individual state.