Need Emergency Help With Electric Bill Expenses? Here Are Your Options
Can't cover your electric bill this month? You need emergency help with electric bill. Luckily, we know exactly how you can get the money you need!
Where To Get Emergency Help With Electric Bill
1. HeatShare Program
The HeatShare program is a Missouri statewide scheme that helps the following groups of people with their energy or utility bills:
- The elderly
- The disabled
- Low-income households
- Those who have become unable to pay due to death or birth in the family
If you qualify for the program, you will receive payments and grants to put toward bills, such as:
- Electricity
- Natural gas heating
- Wood bills
- Propane heating
- Fuel oil
- Other heating types
You might also be able to get grants and funding for air conditioning system repairs, furnaces, water heaters, and other equipment, including doors and windows. If you're interested in more information, we suggest calling 1-800-336-4547.
2. The Dollar More Program
The Dollar More assistance scheme exists to support needy and low-income people to pay their utility and energy bills. You can use the funds gained from this program to fund a wide variety of home energy needs, including:
- Heating
- Electricity
- Gas
- Fuel oil
- Propane
Ameren, Missouri owns the program. They have multiple human service agencies and non-profit organizations across the state who run it for them. You can call 211 to access it. The same company also helps you reduce your energy bills by giving you weatherization services. If you're interested, you should contact your local action agency to check your eligibility.
Ameren, Missouri actually has a bunch of programs providing emergency help with electric bills dedicated to helping low-income customers. We highly recommend checking them out if you qualify for multiple schemes.
3. Project Help By Empire District Electric Company
If you fall into the categories below, you could receive financial aid from Project Help, owned by Empire District Electric Company:
- Low-income households
- Senior citizens
- Those with disabilities or handicaps
Using this type of emergency help with electric bills allows you to get funds to pay for heating, gas, propane, and electric bills. Additionally, you may use the money for heating, cooling, and winterizing your home.
The Red Cross administers the scheme. Before determining eligibility, they'll screen you to determine how great your needs are. They don't operate on a first come first serve basis. Instead, they help those with the bigger needs first.
To confirm eligibility, contact 800-923-2483 or 417-781-0352. The Empire District Electric Company offers additional financial assistance programs that could also help.
4. Missouri Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP)
The Missouri Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program has two major parts that help with utility and heating bills. These are:
- Energy Crisis Intervention Program (ECIP)
- Energy Assistance/Regular Heating (EA)
The ECIP helps those who are facing immediate emergencies. The other gives you financial assistance for paying heating, electric, and other utility bills during the winter (October, November, December, January, February, and March).
Eligibility depends on the size of your family, income, responsibility, and other resources. The help comes in the form of a cash grant. If you qualify for the winterization funds, you may also receive help with summer air conditioning. Not to mention you can use the cash for paying regular monthly bills if you're facing an electric disconnection.
5. Missouri Title Loans, Inc.
If you do not qualify for any of the assistance schemes, you can receive a title loan from Missouri Title Loans, Inc. instead. Title loans are a short-term type of loan that uses your vehicle (car, van, or truck) to secure it. You can get up to $15,000 depending on your car's value. The requirements are easy to meet, and you’ll be considered even if your credit is bad, or you are unemployed.
If you're interested, find the process below:
- Choose your closest store from the locator page.
- Fill out the application form in the window that opens up.
- One of our knowledgeable representatives will call you shortly after the form has been submitted to discuss the process, define the required paperwork, and answer your questions.
- Head to your nearest Missouri Title Loans, Inc. location with the following documents:
- Driver's license or another form of state-issued photo ID
- Lien-free title to your vehicle
- Your vehicle
- Wait while the representative appraises your vehicle and determine how much you qualify for.
- If you gain approval, you'll receive your cash either on the same or next day and leave with your vehicle.
Pay Your Electric Bill with Missouri Title Loans Now
While we always recommend acquiring a government grant scheme first, you might not always qualify. In which case, a title loan offered by Missouri Title Loans, Inc. is an option.
Got any questions? Pick up the phone and give us a call during standard business hours! One of our friendly team members will be more than happy to assist you. You can also get the process started now by submitting an online application for car title loans in Missouri.
Note: The content provided in this article is only for informational purposes, and you should contact your financial advisor about your specific financial situation.