{"id":79838,"date":"2026-01-16T11:15:56","date_gmt":"2026-01-16T14:15:56","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/ubirataonline.com.br\/up-to-500-in-energy-payments-open-to-americans-as-new-round-of-critical-relief-begins\/"},"modified":"2026-01-16T11:15:56","modified_gmt":"2026-01-16T14:15:56","slug":"up-to-500-in-energy-payments-open-to-americans-as-new-round-of-critical-relief-begins","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/ubirataonline.com.br\/en\/up-to-500-in-energy-payments-open-to-americans-as-new-round-of-critical-relief-begins\/","title":{"rendered":"Up to $500 in energy payments open to Americans as new round of ‘critical’ relief begins"},"content":{"rendered":"

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MORE energy assistance payments are going out to some Americans this month as utility costs spike.<\/p>\n

To get through the season, many will pay<\/a> over $900 to heat their homes<\/a>.<\/p>\n

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Some homeowners can get an additional $500 credit for energy bills this month (stock image)<\/span>Credit: Getty<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Those Americans with electric heating have the worst spikes<\/a> of around 14.2%, paying $1,189 on average this winter<\/a>, according to recent data<\/a> from the National Energy Assistance Directors Association (NEADA).<\/p>\n

Except, some energy<\/a> companies like Ameren in Illinois<\/a> are reminding local customers that there are resources available to help, per Fox affiliate KBSI<\/a>.<\/p>\n

The Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) is a popular route, which offers qualifying households financial assistance to ensure heating and other utilities aren\u2019t shut off in the winter.<\/p>\n

LIHEAP is funded by the federal government and distributed at the state level, and was recently given $3.7 billion to help Americans.<\/p>\n

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\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tRead More on Direct Payments\t\t\t\t<\/p>\n<\/p><\/div>\n

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CHECK IT OUT<\/p>\n

TSA warns of \u2018unacceptable\u2019 payment method ahead of new $45 fee from Feb 1<\/p>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n

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TOILET TECH<\/p>\n

Homeowners can get one-time special payment just for changing their toilet<\/p>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n

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On top of that, Ameren noted that the Warm Neighbors Cool Friends program can assist those households who exceed LIHEAP income limits but still need funds to pay energy bills.<\/p>\n

SUPPORT OFFERED<\/h2>\n

Warm Neighbors Cool Friends is backed by the Energy Assistance Foundation and has funding mostly from voluntary contributions via Ameren, its workers, and even customers.<\/p>\n

Ameren put up $2 million just this past month to support struggling Illinois customers.<\/p>\n

In January, eligible households can get up to a $500 credit for energy bills through Warm Neighbors Cool Friends.<\/p>\n

All applicants must meet at least two crucial criteria.<\/p>\n

First, they must have made a payment matching that amount on their energy bills within the past 45 days.<\/p>\n

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Additionally, household income must be between 200% and 300% of the federal poverty level or up to 80% of a county\u2019s median income.<\/p>\n

Susan Sams, executive director of the Energy Assistance Foundation, praised the Warm Neighbors Cool Friends Program as a \u201ccritical lifeline\u201d for some Illinois residents this winter.<\/p>\n

\u201cWarm Neighbors Cool Friends acts as a critical lifeline for hardworking families who may not qualify for federal assistance but are still struggling to keep their homes safe and comfortable,\u201d Sams said in a statement.<\/p>\n

\u201cWe\u2019re proud to partner with Ameren so customers have somewhere to turn when they need support the most.\u201d<\/p>\n

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How to save energy in winter?<\/h3>\n<\/p>\n
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\n\t\t\t\t\t\tOfficials at Con Edison have revealed how homeowners can save energy this winter.\t\t\t\t\t<\/p>\n

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