Getting Help Paying Utility Bills in Shreveport, Louisiana

Facing high utility bills while on a limited income can be stressful. Fortunately Shreveport has several organizations that provide assistance to low-income residents struggling to pay their utilities. This article will cover the main agencies and programs in Shreveport that help pay utility bills so you can find relief.

Shreveport Water Assistance Program (SWAP)

The City of Shreveport offers the Shreveport Water Assistance Program (SWAP) to help pay water bills for low-income residents SWAP provides qualified applicants with two utility payments per year directly to the Shreveport water department

To qualify for SWAP, you must receive public assistance like SNAP, TANF, or SSI. You can apply at one of the SWAP centers below:

• Socialization Services – Open Monday-Thursday, 9:00 AM – 3:00 PM at 3017 W 70th Street
• Caddo Community Action Agency – Open Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM – 4:00 PM at 625 David Raines Rd. and 1729 Ford Street

Bring proof of income, a recent water bill, and ID. If approved, the SWAP payment will be credited to your City of Shreveport water account.

Caddo Parish Assistance Program

Caddo Parish offers several assistance programs to residents through the Caddo Community Action Agency (CCAA). Programs that can help with utility bills include:

• LIHEAP – Provides heating and cooling bill assistance
• ESG – Covers security deposits, past due balances, and reconnection fees
• SWEP – Helps seniors (60+) on fixed incomes with electric bills

To apply, go to a CCAA office and submit income, ID, and bill documents. If eligible, payment will be made to your utility provider on your behalf.

Life Needs Financial Assistance

A nonprofit called Helping Hands for Freedom (HHFF) offers the Life Needs Financial Assistance program for veterans and military families in Shreveport. It provides help with utilities, rent/mortgage, insurance bills, and more.

To qualify, you must be an honorably discharged veteran or Gold Star family with a child under 18. Call their office or apply online for assistance. If approved, HHFF will pay a portion of your outstanding utility balance directly to the provider.

Catholic Charities Financial Assistance

Catholic Charities of North Louisiana, located in Shreveport, offers emergency financial help for housing, medical, and utility expenses. Their services include:

• One-time utility payments for electricity, water, gas, etc.
• Rental/deposit assistance to avoid eviction
• Prescription payment assistance

To apply, call their Shreveport office and schedule an appointment. Be ready to provide income verification and bill documentation. Financial help is limited based on funds available.

Lifeline Discount Phone Service

Low-income Shreveport households can get discounted or free cell phone service through the Lifeline program. This includes a free smartphone and monthly minutes/data from providers like Assurance Wireless.

Apply by contacting a Lifeline provider and showing you receive government benefits like Medicaid, Housing Assistance, SNAP, SSI, etc. This program helps you maintain phone service essential for work, school, and emergencies.

Seek Payment Plans and Government Benefits

If the above programs can’t fully cover your utility gaps, contact your providers directly to ask about bill payment plans. This allows you to pay off balances in installments to avoid disconnection.

Also apply for income-based government assistance like SNAP, TANF, Medicaid, and Subsidized Housing. These programs boost your overall budget to help cover utility bills while getting back on your feet.

Struggling to maintain gas, electric, water, and phone services while on a limited income is difficult. Fortunately, Shreveport has resources like SWAP, CCAA, HHFF, Catholic Charities, and Lifeline that provide utility payment assistance and discounted service programs. Reach out to an agency to see if you qualify and get relief from unaffordable utility bills.