When one of those television gurus claims to be able to show you how to get money from the government to pay your bills, this is what they are referring to. Your application for one or more of the Wyoming electric bill assistance programs may be what keeps your power on this winter.
If your family earns less than 60% of the state median income level, then you can tap into the largest source of aid. The federal government sends over $12 million a year to Wyoming to reduce the power bills of families who cannot afford the rising costs of electricity. This Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program, or LIHEAP provides energy credits primarily during the winter months to reduce your bill. In cases of extreme financial hardship, you could get a large portion of your bill paid. LIHEAP funds are distributed through the Wyoming Low Income Energy Assistance Program (Wyoming LIEAP). Electric bill assistance and other fuel supports may be provided to help you stay warm.
In addition to ongoing payments for those who cannot afford to pay normal electric bills, some funding is also reserved for emergency cases. Emergencies include situations where you are at risk of having your power disconnected. If you have received a shut off notice, you should contact your local Department of Family Services office and ask for help.
One other program that Wyoming LIEAP manages is the Weatherization Assistance Program. You could potentially see your monthly power bill drop by 5-25% with energy efficient upgrades to your home. The Weatherization Assistance Program provides help in the form of insulation, weather stripping, sealant or any other improvement that can help you lower your future energy bills.
Call 307-426-4250 or 1-800-246-4221 to request an application for one of the above Wyoming LIEAP programs.
The State of Wyoming helps permanent Wyoming residents who are age 65 and above, or are legal adults who are 100% disabled. You must also be considered low income to qualify. If you meet this description, you may request a check of up to $600 as a part of the Senior Tax Rebate. Call the Division of Aging at 307-777-7986 or visit your local senior center for an application.
If you do not qualify for any of the above programs, you may still be able to qualify through the Salvation Army. The Salvation Army distributes funds obtained from your utility company as well as from donations through Energy Share of Wyoming. Visit your local Salvation Army office to apply.
Finally, don’t forget about limited assistance that may be available from small local charities and churches. You just might get enough electric bill help to keep your lights on through the winter, even if you can no longer afford your bills.
Long is a graduate of the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill with a B.A. in Industrial Relations. He subsequently received his Certificate in Nonprofit Management from Duke University. His Certificate in Financial Planning was issued by Florida State University.
Long has achieved the Accredited Credit Counselor and Accredited Financial Counselor certifications through the Association for Financial Counseling, Planning and Education. Long originally achieved the Certified Credit Counselor designation through the National Institute for Financial Education.
In addition to years of nonprofit leadership, Long has been an innovator in the field of volunteer tax return preparation programs. He assists volunteer associations and nonprofit organizations who seek to integrate credit counseling and asset-building programs with free personal income tax preparation. His approach to using free credit reports as both an incentive and a screening tool for placement into asset-building programs has been shared with members of the National Community Tax Coalition, the EITC-Carolinas Initiative of MDC, Inc. and nonprofit groups across the Carolinas.
Long assists members of our armed forces in the Carolinas, Iowa, Rhode Island, Georgia and Germany with financial readiness. Please support our Soldiers, Marines, Airmen and Sailors!
Favorite quote:
"The democracy will cease to exist when you take away from those who are willing to work and give to those who would not."
Thomas Jefferson
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