Utility Grants for Low-Income Pennsylvania Residents
- A percentage of customers' utility bills can get forgiven through Pennsylvania's Customer Assistance Program (CAP). The help is only provided to low-income households. Depending on the utility company through which residents receive CAP assistance, they may get the total amount of their past-due utility bills forgiven or they may only have a portion of their utility bill forgiven.
- Low-income families living in Pennsylvania can get utility grants through the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program. Although past-due bills are not required to receive the assistance, gross household incomes must meet federal poverty level guidelines. For example, a family of four people cannot have a gross annual income that exceeds $35,280. As of 2011, the minimum grant is $100, while the maximum assistance granted is $1,000 per household.
- Hardship Funds grants are administered through local utility companies. Pennsylvania residents must have sought other forms of assistance to pay their utility bills before they apply for the emergency help. Grants are paid directly to utility companies.
- For more than 25 years, the Adams Electric Cooperative has provided assistance to Pennsylvanians who need help paying their utility bills. One-time grants are provided to qualifying applicants. To receive the help, applicants must pay at least 25 percent of their utility bill. They must also have received a 72-hour shut-off notice from their utility company. Income tax returns, pay stubs and recent utility bills are types of documents needed to apply for the help.
- National Fuel sponsors the Neighbor for Neighbor program. Grants to help pay utility bills are given to people who are disabled, at least 55 years old or handicapped, or who experience a certified medical emergency. It is not necessary for Pennsylvanians to get their utilities through National Fuel to receive the help. The maximum amount of grants awarded as of 2011 is $300. Money from the grant is paid directly to utility companies. To receive the help, people must have made an effort to pay their past-due utility bills.
