United Way Of Northern Nevada And The Sierra

The Special Assistance Fund for Emergencies (SAFE) offers support to individuals and families struggling with utility bill payments because of income restrictions or other exceptional circumstances through a one-time payment. To obtain assistance, applicants must consult with a SAFE Partner agency. These partners are tasked with confirming the eligibility of applicants and collecting necessary documentation. Once eligibility is established, funds are sent directly to the utility provider in the applicant's name. The availability of funding is limited, and efforts are made to distribute resources fairly and ethically. The SAFE 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 disqualified from receiving SAFE funds if they have been approved for any other state or federal low-income energy assistance program within the last year or if they have a pending application for such assistance. Those in need must apply through a participating SAFE Partner, which will evaluate eligibility based on these and other program criteria.

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

Fees: There are no fees associated with this program.