Having Trouble Paying Your Energy Bill?

There are a variety of energy assistance resources available to low-income households. You can get help paying in emergent situations like a 24 hour disconnect notice or more long-term assistance like a monthly discount on your energy bill or cost-saving education.

Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP): The Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) is a federally funded program that provides energy assistance for eligible low-income households. There are several portions of the program ranging from one-time financial assistance for an energy bill, to free weatherization upgrades, to budget counseling. In 2020, funding for this program was expanded under the congressional CARES Act, which aims to assist those affected by COVID-19.

California Alternate Rates for Energy (CARE) Program: Save 20-35% every month on your electric or natural gas bill. If you are already enrolled in other public assistance programs, such as Medicaid, WIC, Food Stamps/SNAP, TANF, or SSI, you likely also qualify for the CARE program. To apply, contact your utility company.

Family Electric Rate Assistance (FERA) Program: If you are low income, but don’t qualify for CARE and your household has 3 or more people, you may be eligible for FERA. Those who qualify for FERA discounts receive an 18% discount on their electricity bill. This program is available to customers of Southern California Edison, San Diego Gas and Electric Company, and Pacific Gas and Electric Company. Contact your utility company for information.

Energy Savings Assistance (ESA) Program: Those who qualify for CARE also meet the income guidelines for ESA. Qualifying households can receive free weatherization services and amenities such as energy-efficient appliances, low-flow showerheads, insulation, door repairs, and more.

For more information, call 211 or visit the California Department of Community Services & Development website at www.csd.ca.gov/Pages/LIHEAPProgram.aspx.

California Residents Can Get Help to Pay or Reduce Energy Costs

As the weather changes, you probably see your energy bill changing too. If you’re one of many low-income California households struggling to cover energy costs, you may be eligible for assistance.

The Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) is funded by the Federal Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) and provides energy assistance to qualified individuals. Eligible low-income persons can receive financial assistance to offset the costs of heating and/or cooling, and/or have their homes weatherized to make them more energy efficient. To qualify for this program, you must be a resident of the state of California, need financial assistance for home energy costs, and have an annual household income (before taxes) that is below 60 percent of the State Median Income.

To apply, call toll free 1-866-675-6623 or find the energy service provider in your community on the California Community Services & Development site – www.csd.ca.gov.

For more information about this program, visit www.csd.ca.gov/Pages/Assistance-PayingMyEnergyBills.aspx.

This article was previously published in our monthly newsletter, California Mobile Home News. If you would like access to more helpful information like this on a monthly basis, as well as additional resources for mobile home owners, contact us about becoming a MHET member!

Need Help Paying for your Prescriptions

There is a Medicare program in place that can help you pay for your much needed prescriptions. As is the case with most programs there are a few eligibility guidelines.

Single: You must make less than $17,235 a year and have resources less than $13,300

Married: You must make less than $23,265 a year and have resources less than $26,580

If you qualify you could have a lowered or no deductible, low or no premium and no coverage gap. The end result will be you paying significantly less for prescriptions you need! Visit www.benefitscheckup.org to apply now.

Low Income Housing Help – Section 8

The Federal government offers various housing assistance programs to help individuals and families find affordable housing. The Section 8 program, also known as Housing Choice Voucher program, is one such program that provides rent assistance to qualified renters.

The requirement to qualify is straight-forward and is determined by your local Public Housing Authority. In general, it depends on your total annual income, size of your family and how long you’ve been living in the United States.

You can apply for Section 8 vouchers at any Public Housing Authority office in any county or city in your state of residence.

Make sure to check with Park Management to see if they accept Section 8 vouchers in your park. This program can help you if you are struggling to make ends meet. To apply online click here.

http://www.housingvoucher.org/privacy-policy/