Trouble Paying Your Bill?
At Citizens Energy Group, we provide essential services that help make a house a home, including natural gas, water, and wastewater. We understand that utility bills can be a financial challenge for some of our customers. Here, you can find information about resources available from Citizens, as well as federal and local assistance programs that can help you pay your bill.
Most assistance-program eligibility is based on household income. Knowing your combined income will help you determine which programs may be right for you. Here are a few places to start.
Energy Assistance Program
The Energy Assistance Program (EAP) is a federally funded, one-time benefit program that can assist you with the cost of home utilities and can help if you are disconnected or are about to get disconnected. EAP is also referred to as Low-Income Household Energy Assistance Program or LIHEAP.
While applying for LIHEAP, income-eligible customers should also apply for the Low-Income Household Water Assistance Program (LIHWAP). This can be done by simply checking a LIHWAP box during the LIHEAP application.
If you are approved for EAP assistance, you will automatically receive a 10-25% discount on your natural gas bill and a credit of $6-15 on your Citizens wastewater bill.
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When can I apply for EAP?
Important EAP Dates
October 3, 2022 - online and mail-in application open
October 24, 2022 - scheduling of phone appointments begins
November 1, 2022 - phone EAP appointments begin
May 15, 2023 - last day to submit EAP applications
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Who qualifies for EAP?
Federal and state utility assistance dollars are available for income-eligible customers. Those who fall at or below 60 percent of state median income should apply for the Low-Income Household Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) and Low-Income Household Water Assistance Program (LIHWAP).
EAP Income Base Requirement
Household size is 1 and last 3 months’ income is LESS than $6,954
Household size is 2 and last 3 months’ income is LESS than $9,096
Household size is 3 and last 3 months’ income is LESS than $11,238
Household size is 4 and last 3 months’ income is LESS than $13,377
Household size is 5 and last 3 months’ income is LESS than $15,519
Household size is 6 and last 3 months’ income is LESS than $17,658
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Why should I apply for EAP?
Applying for EAP is important to receive Winter Shut Off Moratorium protection. Whether you are accepted for EAP assistance or not, you will need to let Citizens know you’ve applied for EAP.
Customers who are approved for EAP will automatically receive the following assistance from Citizens:
Universal Service Program (USP): The USP provides EAP approved customers a 10 to 25 percent discount on their natural gas bill. The USP discount begins after EAP approval and concludes in May.
Low-Income Customer Assistance Program (LICAP): LICAP provides wastewater bill credits of $6-15 a month for EAP approved customers. Credits begin in July and conclude in June.
Learn more about Winter Shutoff Moratorium here:
https://www.in.gov/oucc/files/WinterMoratorium_English.pdf -
Can I get help with water and wastewater bills?
The Low-Income Household Water Assistance Program (LIHWAP) is a temporary emergency program designed to help low-income households and families who have fallen behind on their water and wastewater bills. While applying for LIHEAP, income-eligible customers should also apply for the Low-Income Household Water Assistance Program (LIHWAP).
This can be done by simply checking a LIHWAP box during the LIHEAP application. See more on LIHWAP below.
Winter Assistance Fund (WAF)
Championed by the United Way of Central Indiana, the Winter Assistance Fund (WAF) is for Marion County residents who struggle with utility bills but don’t qualify for EAP. To apply, call or visit an Assistance Application Site near you.
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When can I apply for WAF?
The application period for the Winter Assistance Fund is from November 1, 2022 – May 31, 2023
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Who qualifies for WAF?
WAF Income Eligibility Range
Household size is 1 and last 3 months’ income is between $6,753 - $7,644
Household size is 2 and last 3 months’ income is between $8,831 - $10,299
Household size is 3 and last 3 months’ income is between $10,908 - $12,954
Household size is 4 and last 3 months’ income is between $12,987 - $15,609
Household size is 5 and last 3 months’ income is between $15,065 - $18,264
Household size is 6 and last 3 months’ income is between $17,143 - $20,919
Community Assistance Programs
There are many community resources that provide assistance to those in need.
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Why should I contact Indiana 211?
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What is the IHCDA?
The Indiana Housing & Community Development Authority (ICHDA) provides a variety of assistance programs, some of them designed specifically for senior citizens and persons with disabilities.
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Where are the community centers for assistance?
Community Alliance of the Far Eastside (CAFE)
8902 E. 38th St.
317-890-3288Concord Neighborhood Center
1310 S. Meridian St.
317-637-4376Edna Martin Christian Center
2605 E. 25th St.
317-637-3776John Boner Community Center
2236 E. 10th St.
317-633-8210Jewish Family Services
6905 Hoover Rd.
317-259-6822Lawrence Township Trustee
4455 McCoy St.
317-890-0011MLK Center
40 W. 40th St.
317-923-4581PACE
2855 N. Keystone Ave.
317-612-6800Pike Township Trustee
5665 Lafayette Rd.
317-291-5801Warren Township Trustee
501 N. Post Rd.
317-327-8947Washington Township Trustee
5302 N. Keystone Ave.
317-327-8800
Citizens Assistance & Billing Programs
Citizens Energy Group provides other tools and grants to help customers manage their bill. Work with our Customer Support team to develop a payment plan that best suits your needs and helps you catch up on your bill.
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How can I set up a payment plan?
Qualifying customers who are behind on bills can make arrangements and avoid service disconnection by signing up for flexible payment options.
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How do I enroll in Budget Billing?
Know what you owe every month. Budget Billing balances your payments across 12 months, so you’ll avoid variations from month to month, regardless of usage.
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How do I apply for Citizens assistance?
The Warm Heart Warm Home Foundation™ is Citizens nonprofit organization that provides financial assistance to customers having difficulty paying their utility bills. Warm Heart Warm Home grants can help customers sustain their utility services and catch up on past-due bills.
Citizens Warm Heart Warm Home Foundation™ is a registered 501(c)(3) organization that provides one-time grants to customers in need.
Grants are funded by donations from individuals and local corporations.