Help Paying Bills

Financial difficulties can strike anyone at any time, and it can be a challenging and stressful experience to figure out how to make ends meet. Fortunately, there are various assistance programs available to help those who are struggling to pay their bills, from phone bills to housing costs and more. These programs are designed to provide temporary relief and support to individuals and families in need, and they can make a significant difference in easing the financial burden on those who are struggling. Whether you are facing a temporary setback or a more long-term financial challenge, there are resources available to help you stay afloat. In this article, we will explore some of the assistance programs available in the USA that can help you pay your bills and get back on your feet.

ENERGY BILLS

If you are not able to afford to pay your home heating or cooling expenses, you may be able to get help from the federal, non-governmental organizations, or your local social services agency in your state. One of these programs is the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP).

Benefits of LIHEAP

• Help to afford cooling and heating expenses
• 7/24 Emergency Help Line if you are facing an energy crisis
• Weatherization services to make sure that you use your energy more practical and income

Eligibility Requirements of LIHEAP

Even though eligibility criteria may differ based on your area, there are standard rules that each district has to follow.

• If you are already a receiver of federal government programs such as SNAP, SSI, or TANF, you are automatically qualified for this energy help.
• You need to prove that you are having financial difficulties. To learn more information and to apply, please follow the link https://www.acf.hhs.gov/ocs/low-income-home-energy-assistance-program-liheap.

WATER BILLS

One of the most well-known programs for water bills is the Low Income Household Water Assistance Program (LIHWAP). People with financial challenges may receive help with sewer services and water consumption.

Benefits of LIHWAP

• Up to $2,500 financial support for sewer or water provider
• Up to $5,000 financial support per applicant household

Eligibility Requirements of LIHWAP

• Proof of low income
• Number of people in the household
• The amount owed to sewer or water providers
• Being a U.S. Citizen

If you are already benefiting from HEAP, SNAP, TA, or SSI Living Alone, you may be qualified. Please click the link to apply, https://www.acf.hhs.gov/ocs/programs/lihwap.

MEDICAL BILLS

Apart from medical bills, the government offers various insurance options for low-income citizens. MEDICAID has different opportunities for persons in need.

Benefits of MEDICAID

• Free or Low-Cost Health Coverage, particularly for low-income households, families in need, pregnant women, senior citizens, children, and people with disabilities.
• Outpatient and Inpatient Hospital Services
• Laboratory Services
• X-Ray Services
• Home Health Services
• Physician Services
• Prescription Drugs
• Case Management
• Occupational Therapy
• Physical Therapy
• Regular Doctor Visits
• Immunizations
• Relevant Medical Supplies and Equipment
• Vision Services
• Dental Services
• Hospital Stays

Eligibility Requirements of MEDICAID

• Low-income people 
• Seniors, Low-income Children, Single Moms, and Pregnant women are prioritized.

Although there might be different criteria in each state, there is a significant number of benefits. Find out more information at https://www.usa.gov/medicaid.

TELEPHONE BILLS

Lifeline is a federal program that helps with paying for landline or wireless services for low-income people.

Benefits of Lifeline

• Discounted Cell Phone or Landline services
• Free Phone for some qualified applicants
• Certain Amount of Monthly Financial Support 
• More affordable internet services

Eligibility Requirements of Lifeline

• Having less income than the federal poverty regulations
• Being a participant of Head Start, Federal Public Housing Assistance (Section 8), Supplemental Security Income, Supplemental Nutrition Assistance, SNAP, Medicaid, or similar governmental programs

You need to consult a company for a Lifeline application in your area. They will be asking for general information. To read more, please visit https://www.fcc.gov/general/lifeline-program-low-income-consumers.

DENTAL BILLS

As much as health bills, dental bills can also be a burden for low-income citizens. The Donated Dental Services (DDS) provides quite a few dental services, particularly for the elderly, pregnant women, low-income women, and children.

Benefits of the Donated Dental Services

• Free Dentist Visits
• Free Dental Labs Services
• Dental Therapies
• Comprehensive Dental Treatment

Eligibility Requirements of the Donated Dental Services

• Not being able to afford necessary dental treatment
• Not being able to receive public aid
• Having a permanent disability
• Being medically fragile

Please follow the link to learn more and apply, https://dentallifeline.org/donated-dental-services-dds-application/.

The above programs may be beneficial for low-income people, but it is better to keep in mind that anyone can call 211 in case of an emergency. A vast amount of people in the United States have a hard time paying their different bills; 211 is an easy way to find out the most available benefits in your area.