Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program

• Every state in America operates a Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program as of May 2011. Although state government agencies set the incomes people can earn to receive the help, generally individuals and families cannot earn more than 150 percent of the federal poverty level. The federally funded program also stipulates that recipients cannot have incomes that exceed 60 percent of their state's median income. Grants can range from $300 to $1,000, depending on the state applicants reside in. The grants are paid directly to utility companies.
  
  

Project Share

• Project Share is generally administered through community action agencies. However, some states administer the grant through charities like the American Red Cross. The project has existed since the early 1980s. Grants are funded with money received from local citizens. Proceeds from the funds are distributed based on the gross monthly and/or annual incomes of grant applicants. People who experience a financial or personal crisis like a divorce or job loss can also get money to help pay their utility bills through Project Share.
  
  

Dollar Energy Fund

• Dollar Energy Fund grants are provided through community action agencies in several states like Ohio, Maryland and Virginia. Money for the grants comes from donations made by concerned citizens and local utility companies. Some state agencies pay past due bills for qualifying people directly to utility companies. The help is generally provided once to qualifying individuals and families. Dollar Energy Fund does not pay utility bills month-to-month. Proof of low income (e.g. tax returns, pay stubs) are generally required to get the help.
  
  

Utility Companies

• After people fall behind in their utility bills or receive notices that their utilities are scheduled for shut off, they can contact representatives at their utility companies and apply for assistance grants. They might have to work with the representatives to set up payment plans so they are able to pay future utility bills on time. Some utility company grants forgive past due bills that customers have. Gas, electric and water companies offer grants for qualifying customers. To qualify for the grants many companies require their customers to meet federal poverty level guidelines.