Can you receive cash to help you pay your light bill? Normally these types of suggestions are hints at scams. However, there actually are legitimate Hawaii electric bill assistance programs that can give you the cash you need towards your power bill so that you can keep your lights on.
| Local Power Bill Help |
|---|
| Hawaii |
| Kaua’i |
| Maui |
| Oahu |
Many of these programs are federally funded through the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP). LIHEAP was created by Congress in 1980 to help lower income families cope with rapidly increasing energy costs. In a nutshell, you can get help with your electric bill, and here is how to do it.
First, you need to determine your eligibility. Add up the total number of family members that live in your household. Calculate the total household income and check to see if it is below the threshold for eligibility. Income restrictions change annually, so you will need to check current program restrictions. Second, you need to file the application. Applications must be filed with the Department of Human Services agency in your county.
Federal assistance comes in two versions. Regular assistance can be used to offset ongoing electric bills. Emergency disconnection relief can provide up to $100 maximum credit toward helping you restore service. You may have additional options if you are disabled.
Beyond federal programs, you may also get help through charitable programs established for island residents. Catholic Charities Hawaii is one such charity serving the island of Kauai. There are additional programs that serve other island residents.
If you are not familiar with the 211 service, understand that it is a lifeline for families struggling with crises. It is operated by the Aloha United Way. By calling 211, you can get information on programs that provide help to lower income families. You can find information on government and charitable programs that meet your many needs, including electric bill assistance.
Most importantly, make sure that you are only requesting help from reputable sources. Any company that tries to charge you for providing information or any other promise of help may be looking to scam you out of your last dollars. Government agencies, your utility companies (gas and electric) or bona fide charities such as churches are generally the safest and most likely sources of help. Instead of being a victim and doing without power, apply for relief through one of the Hawaii electric bill assistance providers today.
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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