United Way Of Northern Nevada And The Sierra

The Special Assistance Fund for Emergencies (SAFE) offers support to individuals and families who are having trouble paying their utility bills due to financial constraints or other exceptional situations through a one-time payment. To seek assistance, individuals must connect with a SAFE Partner agency to apply for potential utility aid. These SAFE Partners are tasked with confirming the eligibility of applicants and collecting necessary documentation. Once eligibility is established, funds will be sent directly to the utility company on behalf of the individual. Since funding is limited, efforts are made to distribute it fairly and ethically. The program adheres to specific guidelines: assistance can only be granted once within a 12-month timeframe, and the utility bill must be overdue by at least 30 days before funds can be accessed. Applicants are ineligible if they have received approval for another state or federal low-income energy assistance program within the last 12 months or have a pending application for such a program. Individuals seeking help must apply through a participating SAFE Partner, who will assess eligibility based on these and other program criteria.

Intake Procedure: Call to obtain information and initiate the application process. SAFE case managers will outline eligibility criteria and request the necessary documentation.

Fees: There are no fees associated with this program.