Help with Bills in North Carolina

Numerous programs and benefits exist to alleviate the pressure bill payments on low income individuals such as single mothers. However, single moms have hard time finding relevant information on these programs because they’re scattered all over the globe. As a result, we’ve put together a comprehensive list of bill assistance programs across the state of North Carolina.

Help with Electric Bills

Dominion Energy is a utility company that supplies energy to customers in North Carolina. The company prides itself on having a business approach that puts its customers, the planet and other stakeholders first. Furthermore, it runs an assistance program known as EnergyShare to help out people who are in a state of serious financial difficulties. EnergyShare is a project that aims to cover all types of energy bills, which include fuel, gas, oil, wood and electricity. Members and customers of the company donate monthly amounts which are then used to supplement struggling customers’ energy costs. Take a look at their website to get additional information: https://www.dominionenergy.com/

Help with Water Bills

The city of Raleigh sets annual funds aside to finance the Utility Customer Assistance Program. Through this program, customers of the utility company can apply for an annual cash benefit of $240, to be used towards their water bills. It’s worth noting that customers need to provide documented evidence of their financial difficulties in order to qualify for the benefit. The application process consists of completing a hard copy of the application form and sending it to the Wake county Human Service via email or Fax. To learn more on the Utility Customer Assistance Program, visit their website at: https://raleighnc.gov/services/content/FinUtilityBilling/Articles/UtilityPayments.html

Help with Heating Bills

The Crisis Heating Assistance is available for a few months throughout the year, from October through to April of the following year. It’s a program designed to assist low income residents with basic heating bills, since more heating is required due to extremely low temperatures. It covers a variety of heating sources, including gas, electricity, wood, kerosene and LP gas. To be considered for the benefit, you need to satisfy the income requirements as stated on their website, and you need to be experiencing, or on the verge of experiencing an energy crisis. Find out more here: https://www.ncdhhs.gov/assistance/low-income-services/low-income-energy-assistance

Help with Healthcare and Medical Bills

Single mothers can receive affordable healthcare cover through the national Medicaid. The program covers a wide spectrum of needs, ranging from prescriptions to visits to specialist doctors and hospital stays. Furthermore, single moms can also turn to the NC Healthchoice for affordable or at times, free healthcare for their children. This only applies to children between the ages of 6 and 18. To be considered for the program you need to be a recipient of national benefits like SNAP and Lifeline. If that’s not the case, you may also qualify by meeting the following requirements:

• You are permanently residing in North Carolina
• You’re a US citizen or a legal immigrant
• You need to provide a social security number

For further information on this, take a look at their website: https://www.hhs.gov/answers/medicare-and-medicaid/who-is-eligible-for-medicaid/index.html

 Help with Food and Meals

The North Carolina Food Stamp Program supplies monthly food benefits by means of electronic transfer cards. People who are in possession of these transfer cards may purchase several food items from specific retailers in the state. Certain food items such as ready-to-eat meals are excluded. Candidates may only purchase items like rice, cereals and so forth.  The qualifying requirements are as follows:

• Your current bank balance is lower than $2001
• You live with either an elderly over the age of 60 or a person with a disability and your bank balance is below $3001

To read more on the food stamp, visit their website at: https://www.ncdhhs.gov/divisions/social-services/food-and-nutrition-services-food-stamps/supplemental-nutritional