Negotiating a utility bill

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Many places have two utility programs. Have her go to social services. One for emergency shut offs and one for helping to pay through the year. She needs to get to social services today or tomorrow. She needs to call and beg them to leave it on for a few more days. Also call non-profits and churches. Many have funds to help, especially if this is the first time.

http://www.needhelppayingbills.com/html/pennsylvania_emergency_assista.html

http://www.puc.state.pa.us/consumer_info/electricity/energy_assistance_programs.aspx

http://www.dhs.pa.gov/citizens/heatingassistanceliheap/

Sadly, it is not the first time. I believe that is why they are saying they will only accept payment in full. She has exhausted all of her options.

Its ok, here in MD, she can get help yearly. Still have her apply if she hasn't.

[Anonymous]

OP here, and I called to offer a settlement, basically. As hopeless as it might be, I have X dollars that I can use to help, but if the money will go to the utility company and her services will be shut off anyway, why bother? I'm waiting to hear back from a supervisor.

Setting her up for payment plans for all of her back bills seems pointless, as she can only barely afford to pay each monthly bill. I'm trying to help her get started on a clean slate now that I'll be taking over her finances.

She's behind in everything -- rent, gas, electric, on and on.

Ugh.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Many places have two utility programs. Have her go to social services. One for emergency shut offs and one for helping to pay through the year. She needs to get to social services today or tomorrow. She needs to call and beg them to leave it on for a few more days. Also call non-profits and churches. Many have funds to help, especially if this is the first time.

http://www.needhelppayingbills.com/html/pennsylvania_emergency_assista.html

http://www.puc.state.pa.us/consumer_info/electricity/energy_assistance_programs.aspx

http://www.dhs.pa.gov/citizens/heatingassistanceliheap/

I just checked with her, and she brings home about $1200 every two weeks. She does not qualify for most income based programs. And like I said, since this isn't the first time, she's exhausted other options. I believe her church helped her once before, and she owes someone else money for helping her with these exact utility bills several years ago.

[Anonymous]

soooo you helping by paying might not solve her issue...sounds like she will be right here again unless SHE makes adjustments on her own...not YOU making the adjustment for her. Those arrangements never last for ever. Things change when the person makes the permanent change. She needs to make adjustments in maybe where she lives and how she spends her money.

Perhaps she needs to get a room mate, move back home, etc

[Anonymous]

Living on 45,000 with 2 kids is not easy. One emergency and it all snowballs out of control. I hope it works out OP and I think its wonderful you are helping her.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Many places have two utility programs. Have her go to social services. One for emergency shut offs and one for helping to pay through the year. She needs to get to social services today or tomorrow. She needs to call and beg them to leave it on for a few more days. Also call non-profits and churches. Many have funds to help, especially if this is the first time.

http://www.needhelppayingbills.com/html/pennsylvania_emergency_assista.html

http://www.puc.state.pa.us/consumer_info/electricity/energy_assistance_programs.aspx

http://www.dhs.pa.gov/citizens/heatingassistanceliheap/

I just checked with her, and she brings home about $1200 every two weeks. She does not qualify for most income based programs. And like I said, since this isn't the first time, she's exhausted other options. I believe her church helped her once before, and she owes someone else money for helping her with these exact utility bills several years ago.

Some have flexibility and not all are income based. I worked for one for several years.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:soooo you helping by paying might not solve her issue...sounds like she will be right here again unless SHE makes adjustments on her own...not YOU making the adjustment for her. Those arrangements never last for ever. Things change when the person makes the permanent change. She needs to make adjustments in maybe where she lives and how she spends her money.

Perhaps she needs to get a room mate, move back home, etc

I agreed to help (again) only under the condition that I manage her finances for her. She is 42 years old and has gone through this cycle countless times over her adult life. She finally came to terms with the fact that she simply cannot manage her money on her own. She has compulsive spending issues (related to her bipolar disorder), which makes her low income situation a complete disaster. I'm glad she's finally come to the realization.

There is no moving back home -- she never left "back home".

[Anonymous]

Call around to her local churches. Many have emergency funds just for his type of thing.