I am seeking assistance to avoid eviction. I care for my disabled brother while I work from home, and I am a wife of a disabled veteran. Although I work, we have a very tight budget. My husband’s monthly income is normally used to pay rent. I am responsible for all other household bills such as prescription refills, utilities, groceries, household items, cable and internet. (The internet is required due to me working from home.)
Our utility company has had ongoing issues with its equipment and billing. They performed some kind of investigation of the equipment due to potential incorrect charges. As a result, customers’ bills were being delayed. I was one of thousands impacted by this. For me, it began October 2022 to August 2023 and then again February 2024. I did not get a bill for 10 months the first time. Then I received multiple estimated bills at once, threatening to disconnect without a payment. They offered to make payment arrangements; however, I was required to make a 25% down payment to qualify for an arrangement. I was fortunate to be able to make the 25% down payment and everything was on track until February 2024. The bills stopped coming again. I continued to pay what my bill averaged every month hoping that when they get the issue resolved, I wouldn’t have a large bill like the first time.
[My car was stolen in November 2023 and was totaled. So now, until I can get another car, I have to order everything online and pay for rides when I need to go somewhere.]
But just as before, I received multiple estimated bills within days if each other, threatening to disconnect without a payment. This time the monthly rate was triple what I was accustomed to paying even though none of my habits have changed when it comes to how my utilities are used. To qualify for a payment arrangement and avoid disconnection, I had to pay $1403. (25% plus one month due to the billing cycle) I am disputing the accuracy of the bill but I was still required to pay while they do their due diligence. We only have one utility company here which left me no choice. So, to avoid disconnection and continue to be able to work, I had to use the rent money to keep the utilities active. This was unexpected and has created a huge financial hardship for me/us. The rent for August is now late and late fees have been applied to my balance. Normally eviction proceedings begin on August 15th. The property manager has given me an extension to pay $139$1391.50 ($1265 for rent and $126.50 late fee) by August 21st to avoid court, court costs and eviction. As I stated before, we are on a very tight budget, living paycheck to paycheck and I have no other means to come up with the money to avoid eviction. I have contacted multiple charities in my area with no luck.
In summary, delayed billing for my utilities created a financial hardship that could leave my family and myself homeless. I am asking for assistance ($1391.50) to get back on track and avoid eviction.
Thanks in advance for any contributions, donations, well wishes to keep a roof over our heads!