If you're unable to pay your heating bill, either contact your utility company to discuss setting up a payment plan, or consider these assistance options:
Salvation Army Heat Aid Hot line: 402-898-5966
The Salvation Army administers programs year-round for the Metropolitan Utilities District and Black Hills Energy customers who need help paying their bills. To qualify, a person must have received a shut-off notice and be 60 or older, or be diagnosed with a medical disability. Payment history is taken into consideration. Dennis Snook, who directs the programs, described the aid as a short-term fix, not a long-term solution.
American Red Cross Energy Assistance: 402-343-7755
Customers of the Omaha Public Power District and the Nebraska Public Power District can request funds if they've experienced an unexpected financial crisis. Customers age 62 and older or those with a serious medical condition are given priority. OPPD customers are eligible to receive up to $300 each year; NPPD customers in Nebraska and South Dakota can qualify for $150 annually.
Nebraska Low-Income Energy Assistance Program: Contact the Department of HEALTH and Human Services Office in your county
The year-round program helps people and families pay for electricity, fuel oil, gas, coal, wood, kerosene, propane or other fuels. For the current period, eligibility guidelines require that a single person make no more than $13,545, and a family of four no more than $27,570.
Iowa Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program: Contact the Bureau of Energy Assistance, 515-281-0859
Iowa's program is not designed to pay all energy costs, but to provide some help during the peak heating period of Nov. 2 through April 30. To qualify, a single person cannot make more than $16,245 and a family of four no more than $33,075.
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