Cant pay your utility or water bills in DC, Maryland or Virginia? These programs can help NBC4 Washington [Video]

If your utility bill is due and you’re struggling to keep up with payments, there are some government grants that can assist you.

First, there’s the Low Income Home Energy Assistance program (LIHEAP). This program helps with outstanding energy bills.

“What LIHEAP does, it provides grants to eligible residents who may need assistance with paying their utility bill,” Pepco’s Ronni McTier told us. “This can include homeowners. It can include renters. It can include people who are rooming.”

LIHEAP is a federally funded program based on income eligibility. The grant amount varies on where you live. Payments are made directly to the utility company and are applied to your account.

“And these are grants that they do not have to pay back,” McTier said.

Don’t assume you’re not eligible based on your income. These programs can raise eligibility income limits, so it’s better to apply, go through the process and let the agency determine your eligibility.

To learn where to apply, go to LIHEAP.org…