An estimated 205.4 million Americans are at risk of being disconnected from public services. Where you can get help

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At least 79.5 million American adults live in households that struggle to pay their usual expenses during the pandemic, according to the latest household impulse survey from the US Census Bureau. This represents 33% of the 249 million Americans over the age of 18.

Today, many are faced with the difficult decision of which basic need to satisfy.

“We will probably be up to 40 states that will have no protection by the end of the month,” said Charlie Harak, a senior lawyer at the National Consumer Law Center specializing in energy and utilities matters.
There are 9.9 million Americans who are not up to date on their rent or mortgage payments. Here's how to get help now
The National Energy Assistance Directors Association estimates that this could put 205.4 million Americans at risk of losing service. Harak said the upward trend in those who are not considered low-income customers is more alarming.

“The poor are not massively lagging behind because of Covid; it is the people who are not low income,” he said. “You can’t live in your own house without utilities.”

Below are resources for those who may be at risk of disconnection from utilities, compiled by CNN’s Impact Your World.

Energy

For energy assistance, Harak says the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) is a great place to start. The program is a federally funded initiative that helps low-income households pay their heating and cooling bills. It operates in all states and on most tribal reservations and US territories. At the start of the pandemic, Congress injected $ 900 million into the program under the CARES Act.
The LIHEAP clearinghouse has more information and how to determine eligibility. If you are not eligible for LIHEAP, but need help paying your energy bills, your local social service agency may have other resources available.
There are 9.9 million Americans who are not up to date on their rent or mortgage payments. Here's how to get help now

Harak suggests contacting your gas, oil, or power company about budget billing programs or alternative payment options, especially for vulnerable customers like the disabled or the elderly.

“Many states have certain termination protections for vulnerable populations,” Harak said.

You might qualify for a payment plan for your utility bills or an AMP (arrears management program) which will give you both a payment plan and billing credits for timely payments.

The water

Long before the pandemic, the affordability of water was an ongoing issue in America.

“Twenty million Americans are simply struggling to access clean, safe and affordable water,” said Monica Lewis-Patrick, CEO of We the People of Detroit, which advocates for water affordability and other causes .

“Many Americans don’t have to imagine a day without water – they already experience it.”

Without shutdown moratoria in most states that cover water, millions more immediately risk losing what Lewis-Patrick calls a “basic human right.”

There are no federal water bill assistance programs, but if you are having difficulty paying your water bill during this time, you should contact your local water utility first. While direct financial assistance is not common, they may offer you a plan that will help you pay off the water bill over time as part of a installment plan.

You may also be eligible for additional help on your water bill through one of the following programs:

  • Low Income Payment Program (LIPP) is a good option for low income families. In addition to cash grants, the program offers installment plans that can include a 20% reduction on total monthly bills.
  • The H2O Help to Others program offers emergency assistance, grants and other discounts to help those at risk of water outages. This program also educates clients on good drinking habits.
  • Customer Assistance Programs (CAPS) Use bill discounts, special rate structures and more to help financially struggling customers maintain water service.

Charitable assistance programs

Local nonprofit or faith-based organizations may have funds available to help you stay in touch through their emergency assistance programs. Charities like the Salvation Army and United Way provide emergency assistance with public services.
In addition, Centraide operates the 2-1-1 helpline and mobile application, which provides referrals to food assistance programs, housing, financial assistance, public service issues. and more, 24 hours a day.

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