- Your income must fall at or below 150 percent of the federal poverty guidelines to qualify you for LIHEAP, says the Tennessee Department of Human Services. Poverty guidelines are based on how many people live in your home and whether you live in the contiguous states, Alaska or Hawaii. As of 2011, 150 percent of the federal poverty guidelines for a family of one is $16,335 a year in Tennessee and increases by $5,730 a year for each additional person in the home.
- Funding is limited, so the Tennessee Department of Human Services makes every effort to help the most needy families first. These include families whose income falls within guidelines and who have elderly or disabled members, or children 6 years old and younger.
- Visit one of Tennessee's 19 LIHEAP agencies to pick up an application for assistance. If you qualify for help, the agency doesn't make out a check directly to you. Instead, the payment is sent to the utility company on your behalf. You can also get information on how to lower your utility costs so they fit within your budget.
- LIHEAP isn't the only program in Tennessee that can help you with your utility costs. The utility company Memphis Light, Gas and Water offers help to its customers who owe at least $600 and have steady, but low-paying, jobs. The utility creates affordable payment plans that last up to three years. There are also many charity programs in Tennessee, many run by local power companies, that help customers pay bills. Call or visit your local utility company for information about the charitable programs offered in your area of the state.
previous post
next post