How to Apply for Government Funding for Bills

There are federal, state and local agencies available to help with your bill-paying problems. LIHEAP (Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program), for example, is a federal block program administered at the state level to assist people with their energy bills. Other agencies are available at the state and local levels. If you qualify, you can get help with utility bills, mortgage and rent payments and medical bills. The key is knowing where to look, who to call and how to apply.

Instructions

1

Call your local utility company directly if youre having trouble with a heating or electricity bill. Most utilities offer their own programs for low-income residents who qualify. DTE Energy in southeastern Michigan, for instance, offers help paying your heating bill, shut-off protection, credit counseling and medical emergency shut-off protection. If they cant help you directly, the company also will help you with state and federal government applications for programs such as the Earned Income Credit, Home Heating Credit and State Emergency Relief Program.

2

Contact LIHEAP. If youre having trouble finding or dealing with your local utility, call LIHEAP or go online. Not only does LIHEAP help with winter heating bills, the agency offers assistance in the hot summer months with cooling costs for those people deemed at risk. It also offers help relating to weatherization and energy-saving home repairs. The agency will direct you to an office in your area where you can apply for assistance. Youll need copies of your utility bills, proof of income (payroll stub), proof of other income such as social security or unemployment benefits, shut-off notices and documentation of household members.

3

Apply for help with mortgage or rent payments through federal and state agencies. Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac guarantee or own more than 30 million mortgages in the U.S. and the federal stimulus packages passed in 2009 and 2010 include funds to help homeowners. There are qualifiers. You must be three months or more behind on your mortgage payments and must still be living in your home. Programs include mortgage rate reduction to a level not more than 38 percent of monthly gross income or extending a mortgage from 30 to 40 years.

4

Contact your hospital or doctor if youre having problems with medical bills. They often will set up payment plans or even waive certain fees if youre eligible. The federal government and state agencies also offer health care and help with your bills, including free prescription drug programs. Medical billing advocates are available to help you negotiate with hospitals and doctors. Youll have to fill out applications for most services offered.

5

Get out of debt with debt consolidation and reduction services. Apply for help with credit card debt, taxes, auto loans and medical bills. You can apply for interest-free federal loans, credit card hardship programs and home equity loans.