Families who struggle to pay their heating bills can now sign up for energy assistance from the federal government. NIPSCO, state agencies and other organizations offer various types of assistance each year.
The Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program, LIHEAP for short, is available to households falling within 150 percent of federal poverty guidelines. Between Dec. 1 and March 15, Indiana utilities do not disconnect service to customers enrolled in LIHEAP who are behind on their bills.
Additionally, the NIPSCO Customer Assistance for Residential Energy (CARE) Discount Program provides further gas bill reductions to LIHEAP-eligible customers. Once enrolled in LIHEAP, customers are automatically enrolled in the program.
The NIPSCO Hardship Program offers up to $400 in gas bill assistance to households between 151 and 200 percent of the federal poverty level, which is just outside the guidelines for LIHEAP.
Program eligibility is based on income and family size. Visit NIPSCO.com/PaymentAssistance for more information and a listing of agencies that help administer assistance programs.
Documents typically needed to apply for LIHEAP assistance include an Indiana picture ID, Social Security cards for all household members, a NIPSCO bill, proof of residency and proof of income.
NIPSCO customer care agents trained to help connect customers with available funds are available Monday through Friday from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. CST at 800-4-NIPSCO (800-464-7726).
In addition to assistance programs, NIPSCO customers can also visit NIPSCO.com/SaveEnergy to learn about programs designed to help manage energy usage.
