Utility Assistance Services are a utility bill assistance program that is available to eligible families in the Fredericksburg and Stafford Virginia area. The goal of this service is to help people with their utility bills so they can maintain an adequate standard of living and avoid utility shutoffs. This blog post will discuss what Utility Assistance Services are, how you qualify for them, and why it’s important for everyone who needs them to apply!
What is Utility Assistance?
Our utility aid program at SERVE is a program that is available to eligible families in the Fredericksburg and Stafford Virginia area. The goal of this service is to help people with their utility bills so they can maintain an adequate standard of living and avoid utility shutoffs. You may have many questions about what exactly these services entail and the application process is so let’s take an in-depth look at everything this assistance entails!
How do I Qualify for Utility Assistance?
In order to qualify for this assistance, you must meet the following requirements:
- You must reside in Fredericksburg or Stafford County.
- Your total household income must be at or below 150% of the Federal Poverty Level.
- Your past due utility balance must be paid on your own because this assistance will only pay your current month's utility bill, not your past due balance.
If you meet these requirements, you are encouraged to apply for our utility aid program!
What if I Don't Qualify
Even if you don’t meet the qualifications for this assistance, there may be other programs available to you through SERVE that can help you if you are struggling. Please take the time to view our services to see how SERVE can help you!
Why Should I Apply for Utility Assistance?
While this assistance is a wonderful program that provides much-needed relief to many families, it’s important to know why you should apply even if you don’t meet the qualifications. First of all, applying does not harm your credit score in any way! We only look at your utility bill information to determine your eligibility, not your credit score. Secondly, utility assistance is really just giving you the funds that are already owed to you so it’s important for everyone who needs utility assistance to apply!
Why is it Important to Apply?
It is important to apply for utility assistance because many people who could qualify do not take the time to apply and utility assistance is a service that many people in the Fredericksburg and Stafford Virginia area rely on.
- Many families suffer utility shutoffs when they do not receive utility assistance because it leaves them without power in the dead of winter!
- If you qualify for utility assistance, applying will help ensure your family has heat this winter!
How do I Apply?
You can fill out an online utility assistance application. This form takes only 20 minutes to complete so you should have no trouble applying! If you have any questions about the form or utility assistance in general, please don’t hesitate to call us at 540-373-2691 and we would be more than happy to help!
How Does the Program Work?
The utility assistance program at SERVE is a reimbursement program. This means that we will reimburse you for your current month’s utility bill, not your past due balance. This also means that if you are approved for utility assistance, you must pay your own past due balance on your own! We understand that this may be difficult but it is a requirement in order to receive utility assistance. If you are approved for utility assistance, we will also provide you with information about other available services through SERVE that you may be eligible for.
How much money will I receive?
If you are approved for utility assistance, the amount of money that you will receive is determined by your total household income. If your total monthly income is at or below 150% of the Federal Poverty Level ($1706 per month), then utility assistance is here to help you make ends meet.
Do I have to be a U.S. Citizen to Receive this Help?
No, you do not have to be a U.S. Citizen to receive utility assistance. However, you must reside in Fredericksburg or Stafford County and your total household income must be at or below 150% of the Federal Poverty Level.
Contact Our Team at SERVE Today!
If you are experiencing hardships and need help paying your utility bill, please do not hesitate to contact our team at SERVE! We can help you apply for this much-needed service and provide you with other services that may be available to you. Please feel free to reach out with any other questions you may have about this program and our other programs here at SERVE so we can provide you and your family with the help you need!
I have an 11 year old and my lights got shut off Friday. I only get 1042 a month