United Way Of Northern Nevada And The Sierra

The Special Assistance Fund for Emergencies (SAFE) offers a one-time payment to help individuals and families who are having trouble covering their utility bills due to income constraints or other exceptional situations. To apply for potential utility assistance, individuals must consult with a SAFE Partner agency. These partners are tasked with confirming the eligibility of applicants and gathering necessary documentation. After eligibility is established, funds will be sent directly to the utility company in the applicant's name. The availability of funding is limited, and efforts are made to ensure a fair and ethical distribution of resources. 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. Individuals are ineligible for SAFE funds if they have received approval for another state or federal low-income energy assistance program within the last year or if they have a pending application for such a program. Those in need must apply through a participating SAFE Partner, who will evaluate eligibility based on these and other program criteria.

Intake Procedure: Interested individuals should call for information and to initiate the application process. SAFE case managers will explain eligibility criteria and request the necessary documentation.

Fees: There are no fees associated with this program.