Ameren Dollar More utility bill assistance

Ameren Dollar More can help pay an outstanding energy bill. The program, which collects donations from either one time contributions or an Operation Round Up approach, was created by the company to assist customers that have a source of income but that are about to have their utility service shut off.

To receive any funding, the applicant needs to have a source of income. This can be fixed or variable. They also need to live in the Ameren service territory, have proof of residency of all household members, and need to agree to both a case management plan and to also conserve energy. Much of the funds donated go to help seniors pay their heating bills.

The program is a one time service. Dollar More will not provide money month in and out to help a customer pay their energy costs. But the community action agencies which run it can help the family enroll into a long term program.

Ameren Dollar More is also often combined with other resources in the region. So donations are used to pay an electric bill, and the client is also then assisted by other assistance programs as there are a number of resources in Idaho that can help low income families.

Fixed income customers can also often benefit from the Ameren Dollar More program. This includes individuals that live on a pension or disability payment. In fact many low income senior citizens can receive financial help in keeping their heat or electric on during the cold winter months in Idaho. Dollar More can often fill the gap while the applicant is waiting on their next fixed income check from a benefit program too.

This is one of the reasons that people donate to it. Since Dollar More focuses its aid for paying energy bills on the most vulnerable (such as elderly, disabled, or homes with children), they are most at risk when they lose their power. Therefore people that donate know that the money they contribute will potentially make a big difference in the lives of someone that is at great risk without their power.

 

 

 

 

There are a few different ways to contribute. All of them go directly through Clearwater Power. First and foremost, there is a monthly way to do this. Just enter into the RoundUp service. Or make one time donations to the program as well. This can be done at anytime.

A donation will be federal as well as state of Idaho tax-deductible. In addition, one-hundred percent of the money goes to fund Dollar More, so 100% of the money goes to pay the utility bills of deserving customers. The community action agencies (which disburse the funds) will also be sure that only the most deserving individuals get the money as well.

For more information on how to apply for Ameren Dollar More, or to learn about any of these other resources such as LIHEAP or weatherization, call a community action agency at 800-755-5000. They process applications, are involved in collecting donations and holding fund raisers, and partner with other social service agencies in Idaho.