The government, utility companies, charities and social service organizations provide different kinds of emergency financial assistance to households whose bills are unaffordable. Each program has different eligibility criteria and provides varying amounts of assistance.
LIHEAP
The largest source of assistance is the federally funded Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP), which is administered by Human Services Division (HSD) in New Mexico. LIHEAP is designed to help low-income households pay their heating bills and is available every year between October 1 and August 31. LIHEAP can be helpful to families that qualify and receive assistance. Many recipients have earned income and may not receive any other government assistance. Applications can be filed at the local Human Services Department Office.
Qualifying for LIHEAP
LIHEAP applicants need to provide:
- Proof of household income;
- An ID for the person filing the application;
- A social security number for all household members; and
- One of the following from the past 12 months:
- Highest gas or electric bill for 30 day's of service;
- Account history printout from a propane company, or receipts for two propane fills with the fewest days in between;
- A receipt for a wood purchase; or
- A disconnect notice, if you have received one, or the cost of starting utility service at your home.
To find out if you are eligible for LIHEAP assistance contact your local office:
Utility company bill assistance
The following companies offer limited assistance, customers should contact the companies for information on benefits and how to apply.
PNM's Good Neighbor Fund
Assists PNM customers with electricity, gas, wood and propane bills from November to May or until all funds are disbursed. Customer donations and PNM matching contributions fund the program, which is administered by The Salvation Army. For more information, call 505-247-0284 or go to [http://www.pnm.com/customers/good_neighbor.htm].
El Paso Electric Project Care
Donations from employees and customers are matched dollar-for-dollar by EPE shareholders. The fund is administered by the El Paso County General Assistance and is used to help families who are unable to pay for their electricity due to medical or financial problems. For more information, call 505-526-5555 or 1-800-592-1634, or go to [http://www.epelectric.com]
Community sources of assistance
A variety of social service and faith-based organizations offer emergency financial assistance to people that have difficulty paying their utility bills. Available resources differ from agency to agency.
