Help with Bills in Oregon
Thousands of single moms in Oregon are fighting tooth and nail to make ends meet. In an effort to relieve them of some pressure, we have identified and listed useful utility assistance programs in the state.
Help with Electric Bills
The Oregon Energy Fund assists residents with paying their energy Bill, whether it’s fuel, gas or electricity. Households are considered as eligible if their total income is less than 70% of the average income in the state. Furthermore, the project has partnered with over 30 organizations in Oregon, so residents need to contact one of these organizations to receive application instructions. Once you have sent your application and it has been approved, a payment will be made directly to your Bill. Interestingly enough, you don’t need a shut off notice to apply for this program. Read more here: https://www.oregonenergyfund.org/energy-assistance/
Help with Water Bills
The City Of Portland gives out discounts on water bills, provided that applicants meet the income requirements as stated on their website. They base their discount amount on the applicant’s income and household size. Usual discounts are $180 off of every quarterly bill and $100 off of every bi-monthly bill. In addition to that, single moms can also apply for a crisis voucher from the same program. This voucher is worth a maximum of $500 to be used towards water bills. Get additional details on their website at: https://www.portland.gov/water/water-financial-assistance/financial-assistance#toc-how-does-the-bill-discount-work-
Help with Heating Bills
The Oregon Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program is a well-known energy assistance benefit. Single mothers looking to minimize heating expenses in the winter need to opt for this program. There are cases where candidates will automatically qualify, for instance if they are already receiving benefits from nationwide projects like SNAP and Medicaid. Otherwise, anyone with a household income lower than 60% of the average income in Oregon will also qualify. Read more on this here: https://www.benefits.gov/benefit/1571
Help with Healthcare and Medical Bills
When it comes to healthcare assistance for single moms, the Oregon Medicaid is the ideal solution. It supplies affordable or at times free healthcare to eligible residents. The benefits of Medicaid include doctor visits, prolonged hospital stays and even prescription medications from reputable pharmacies. You automatically qualify if you fall under the following categories:
- You’re pregnant
- You are legally responsible for a child under the age of 17
- You are disabled or a family member living with you is disabled
Further details on Medicaid can be found here: https://www.benefits.gov/benefit/1334
Help with Transportation
Ride Connection is a private non profit organization in Oregon that is dedicated to provide free transport to people in need. Although it mostly operates in western Washington county, they’re planning to expand in order to help out more people across the state. Also, they primarily serve the elderly and disabled people, however single mothers who can provide proof of financial hardship may also be considered. Get more details here: https://rideconnection.org/
Help with Food and Meals
The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, also known as SNAP, allows low income people to have access to a healthy and nutritious diet. How it works is, qualifying applicants are given cards with benefit points and they can use this card to purchase a wide variety of food items from specific grocery stores in the state. The amount of benefit each person gets depends on their household size and income level. Your bank balance will be considered to determine eligibility. Anyone with a bank balance of less than $2001 qualifies and those who live with disabled people would need a bank balance of less than $3001. Find out more on SNAP here: https://www.benefits.gov/benefit/1332
