Is HEAP or other programs still available for CalFresh recipients with high electricity bills?

yea HEAP is still a thing, my sister got it last month. u gotta apply thru ur county tho not the CalFresh office i think

HEAP (now called LIHEAP in many counties) is definitely still funded for 2025, but the application process can be slow and they often run out of funds by mid-year. You should apply immediately through your local Community Action Agency, not through the CalFresh office. You can find your local provider here: https://www.csd.ca.gov/find-assistance Bring your CalFresh approval letter - it can help fast-track your application. Make sure you also bring: - Photo ID - Proof of income for everyone in household - Copy of your utility bill with the disconnection notice - Social Security cards for household members Being a CalFresh recipient will likely qualify you, but the funding is limited so don't wait. They can provide one-time assistance up to $1,000 depending on your situation.

when i tried HEAP last year they were out of money!!! and then my electricity got shut off for 3 days in AUGUST!!! try calling your utility company first and ask for their internal assistance program. PG&E has CARE and FERA programs that give ongoing discounts not just one-time help.

In addition to HEAP/LIHEAP, don't forget that California has several programs specifically designed to work together with CalFresh. Since you're facing a disconnect, also look into: 1. Low-Income Home Water Assistance Program (LIHWAP) - if water is included in your utilities 2. Relief for Energy Assistance through Community Help (REACH) - emergency one-time assistance 3. Local city emergency assistance funds - many cities have their own emergency utility funds With the disconnection notice, you qualify for expedited processing. Call your utility company immediately and tell them you're applying for assistance - they're required to give you an extension while your application is processing. Make sure you mention you're a CalFresh recipient as this can qualify you for special programs.

Has anyone tried using Claimyr to reach the community action agency for HEAP? I was having the same problem last year with my electricity bill and couldn't get through on the phones for weeks. Someone recommended Claimyr (claimyr.com) and they got me connected to a LIHEAP worker in under 20 minutes. They have a video showing how it works: https://youtu.be/eZ19FHRETv8?si=_CXnXqNXbLl26WB8 - saved me from getting disconnected because the worker was able to flag my application as urgent once I actually reached someone.

eveyrone forget to mention the weatherization program!!!!! its free and they come fix ur house to make it more energy efficent. they fixed my windows and added insulation and my bill went down like 30%. its part of LIHEAP but seprate application. u can apply same time as u apply for the $$$$ help

did u try 211? thats how i found out about all the different programs when my bills got crazy high. they can tell u exactly which programs still have $$ left and where to apply. sometimes churches and salvation army have emergency utility assistance too

I'm in the middle of the LIHEAP application process right now too. Something nobody mentioned yet is that they're prioritizing households with elderly, disabled, or children under 5. If you have any of those in your household, MAKE SURE to mention it because they'll process your application faster. Also bring proof of any medical equipment that uses electricity if applicable - they give higher payment amounts in those cases.

btw if u get approved make sure u ask them bout the arrearage forgiveness program too. they can sometimes help with old utility debt not just the current bill. my cousin got like $700 of old bills wiped out

Just wanted to add that if you're having trouble getting through to anyone, try calling first thing in the morning (like 8 AM) when they open. I work part-time at a community center and we always tell people the phone lines are clearest in the first hour. Also, don't give up if the first agency you call is out of funding - there are usually multiple organizations in each county that administer these programs. I've seen people get help from their 3rd or 4th try when the first few places were tapped out. Keep a list of everyone you've called so you don't repeat yourself. Good luck with the 14-day deadline - that's really stressful but there are definitely options out there!

Just went through this exact situation 3 months ago! Here's what worked for me as a CalFresh recipient: 1. Applied for LIHEAP through my county's Community Action Agency (got $450 toward my bill) 2. Called my utility company (SCE) and got enrolled in CARE program for ongoing 20% discount 3. Got connected to their payment plan to spread out remaining balance The key was doing ALL of these at the same time, not waiting for one to process before starting the next. With your 14-day deadline, definitely call your utility company TODAY and mention you're applying for assistance - they legally have to postpone disconnection while applications are pending. Also bring your CalFresh EBT card when you apply for LIHEAP - it speeds up the income verification process since you're already pre-qualified. Don't forget to ask about the weatherization program too if your place is drafty! Total time from application to getting help was about 3 weeks, but the disconnection protection started immediately once I called the utility company. You got this!