Life happens – it’s a universal truth. Job loss, unexpected expenses, and other issues can make it nearly impossible to keep up with your recurring bills, utilities, or rent. Thankfully, if you live in Louisiana, you could receive some much-needed relief so you can find your financial footing again. Read on as we reveal programs and resources created to help you out of this situation.
Top Resources for Help with Rent, Utilities, or Bills in Louisiana
We won’t waste any of your time. Here are some of the main resources to explore for rent and emergency utility assistance in Louisiana.
LIHEAP – Energy Bill Assistance in Louisiana
LIHEAP, short for the Low-Income Home Energy Program, was established with one purpose – to help Louisianans with expenses relating to home energy. Under the program’s umbrella, residents can receive:
- Heating and cooling bill payment assistance
- Crisis bill payment assistance
- Heating and cooling equipment repair or replacement assistance
According to the LIHEAP Clearinghouse, eligible Louisianan families can receive up to $1000 in benefits through the program.
Applicants must meet very specific requirements to qualify for utility assistance in Louisiana. Learn more about the LIHEAP program, necessary documentation, and eligibility rules here.
211 Hotline for Information on Health and Human Services in Louisiana
When you dial “211,” you’ll be connected to an information and referral specialist who can help you find health and human services information specific to your community. The hotline can be helpful to you in emergency and non-emergency situations. People often use the hotline to learn about resources like employment assistance, mental health services, basic human needs resources, and much more. You can call the hotline anytime – it’s open 24/7.
Lifeline Phone Program
Are you finding it difficult to afford a phone or internet service? You may be able to get both at a discounted price. The USAC Lifeline program offers discounts of up to $9.25 a month ($32.45 per month for those living on tribal lands). But to receive these discounts, you have to meet all of Lifeline’s requirements. You can apply online, by phone, or by mail. This Lifeline information page tells you how to get started.
FEMA Emergency Rent / Mortgage Assistance Program
The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) has been instrumental in addressing the carnage left behind by many disasters. But did you know they also provide support for smaller-scale disasters everyday families deal with? Through FEMA, your family could receive money and services for housing, including:
- Money for rental housing after a disaster.
- Financial assistance to fix or replace a home damaged in a disaster.
- Temporary housing units.
- Mitigation assistance to make your home more durable so it can withstand future disasters.
- And more.
FEMA may also provide Serious Needs Assistance (SNA) in the form of upfront payments. The payments are for basic items like water, food, breastfeeding supplies/baby formula, medical or dental services, childcare, and more. This assistance is only available in emergencies.
Apply now or read more about FEMA assistance here.
Use LA Medicaid Support Coordinators as a Resource
If you’re living in Louisiana and need help affording or accessing basic medical resources, you can also speak to a support coordinator. They have the resources, time, and obligation to provide the assistance you need in this area.
