Help with Bills in Ohio
Since it’s an everyday struggle for single moms to tackle their utility bills, we have put together several programs and resources that will help them manage and stay on top of their utility bills.
Help with electric Bills
The AEP Ohio Neighbor to Neighbor Program is a subsection of the Dollar Fund Program and it targets people who are in the middle of financial difficulties. How it operates is that several customers of electric companies and other volunteers and sponsors donate to the cause and the funds collected are used to supplement qualifying participants’ electric bills. Also, single moms may hope for this program if they are experiencing electric shut off due to non payments. Read more on their website at: https://www.dollarenergy.org/need-help/ohio/neighbor-to-neighbor-program/
Help with Water Bills
The Columbus Cares Act Utility Bill Assistance targets low income citizens in the city of Columbus. The program gives out once off payments amounting to $750 for sewage and water. It’s worth noting that this is a relief program and not on an ongoing assistance project. To be eligible, you must meet the following requirements:
- You need to have an account with of the utility companies in Columbus
- You need to have missed at least three payments
- You must provide proof of financial distress
You can get additional details by visiting their website at: https://www.columbus.gov/Templates/Detail.aspx?id=2147517832
Help with Heating Bills
The Ohio Home Energy Assistance Program has taken the initiative of ensuring that all low income residents in Ohio are able to meet their heating costs. This is especially beneficial to single moms who find it increasingly difficult to keep up with inflating heating costs in winter. The program differentiates between regulated and unregulated utility customers. Regulated customers receive a one time payment, whereas unregulated customers receive vouchers. All details regarding eligibility and how to apply can be found by clicking here: https://www.benefits.gov/benefit/1563
Help with Phone Bills
The national Lifeline program also extends its services and benefits to residents of Ohio. From this program, single moms can get monthly telephone connection worth $7.25 or monthly internet access amounting to $9.25. Participants need to pick which benefit to opt. To qualify for the Lifeline benefit, you need to have an annual income of less than 135% of the average income in Ohio. In conjunction with that, you need to be receiving assistance from one of the following benefits:
- Supplement nutrition assistance program
- Medicaid
- VA survivors pension
- VA veterans pension
- Supplemental security income
- Section 8 project
If you’re looking to get more information, visit their website at: https://frontier.com/resources/discountprograms/lifelineprogram/ohio
Help with Healthcare and Medical Bills
The Hospital Care Assurance Program allows parents who are experiencing financial hardships to get free or subsidized healthcare from several hospitals in Ohio. All participating hospitals give out instructions on how to apply through their billing department. The following are the requirements that should be met before applying:
- You need to be permanently living in Ohio
- You’re not receiving benefits from Medicaid
- You household income is lower than the federal poverty line
Find out more here: https://uhcanohio.org/hcap/
Help with Food and Meals
The Common Goods ministry administered by the First Christian Church helps out individuals need with a variety of tangible items. They supply second hand clothing and in addition to that they also give out cash grants and meal assistance. You can request for assistance directly from their website: https://www.firstchristian.com/assistance
