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Paying the bills is hard enough when you have kids and two parents are pitching in. When only one is doing it, however, help is sometimes needed.

This is especially true in terms of utility bills. Unlike credit card bills, you can’t put them to the side and simply pay them later with a penalty. You have to keep the lights on for your kids, so you have little time to get the cash you need to make it happen.

While we could go into ways to lower your monthly utility bill so it’s easier to pay, you’re probably past that point. You don’t need to learn how to save electricity or use less water; you need to learn how to pay your bill so you don’t get stuck in the dark.

You don’t have time to waste, either. If your lights get turned off, you’ll probably have to pay a hefty penalty to get them turned back on. In some cases, you may be asked to leave a deposit, which is even more money you may not be able to part with at the moment.

With that being said, let’s take a look at who can give you utility assistance now to avoid any more problems soon:

The Government

If you’ve recently separated from your spouse or have gotten divorced, you may notice that your need for utility assistance isn’t a one-time thing. You seem to be coming up short every month, and not being able to provide electricity for your kids has you worried.

If fear of the lights shutting off is a recurring problem, your best bet for utility assistance is from the government’s LIHEAP, or Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program.

Don’t feel bad or embarrassed about apply for utility assistance from LIHEAP, as you’re certainly not alone. Millions of people use it to keep the lights on, and many more are surprisingly eligible for this helpful service.

There are a couple of ways in which LIHEAP can impact your monthly utility bills:

1. It can help you pay your utility bill via grants.
2. It can make your home more energy efficient to lower your bill every month.

The first form of help can be more immediate, while the second can result in long term savings.

How much money can you get from LIHEAP? That depends on various factors, but in the case of home improvements and energy efficiency, the amounts are pretty high.

You can get LIHEAP to fix your broken air conditioner or furnace, add insulation, or seal doors and windows. All of those are costly repairs that you can get without having to break the bank thanks to LIHEAP.

Your Utility Company

A quick call to your utility company can provide instant utility assistance. Tell them your situation, and they could work out a payment plan or put you on a fixed rate plan to make your bill more manageable.

Local Charities

Some utility companies partner with charities in your area to help families in need. You can also see which charities offer utility assistance by dialing 2-1-1 on your phone and letting an operator point you in the right direction.