SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA – SoCalGas is offering customers up to $500 to help pay the gas bill. The utility company expanded the eligibility requirements for more households to qualify for the one-time grant.

The Gas Assistance Fund (GAF) is a joint effort between SoCalGas and United Way of Greater Los Angeles.

“Through a record $6 million donation to SoCalGas’s Gas Assistance Fund, over 10,000 families have applied and benefited from grants of up to $500 to help pay their gas bills. However, funds remain,” said SoCal Gas Senior Vice President and Chief Customer Officer Gillian Wright in a May 24 news release.

Grants up to $500

United Way of Greater Los Angeles helps income-qualified customers pay their natural gas bill with a one-time grant of up to $400 per household. If the eligible applicant or a household member is age 55 or older, an additional $100 is available – for a maximum grant of up to $500. 

Since the fund’s expansion, the average grant per household has been approximately $300. 

Additional Assistance

In addition to the Gas Assistance Fund, SoCalGas offers other programs that can help qualified customers save money on their monthly gas bills. The Medical Baseline Allowance provides qualified customers additional natural gas at the baseline rate.  The California Alternative Rates for Energy (CARE) program can help eligible customers save 20% on their monthly gas bills. 

RELATED: Financial assistance up to $2,000 for water bill available for qualifying households

Program interest is leading to higher call volumes

According to SoCalGas, the company cannot accept or process applications for GAF. Non-profit agencies responsible for administering program funds have their own specific days and hours of availability to accept applications and answer questions. The list of agencies and hours of operation are provided on the SoCalGas website.

For more information about the Gas Assistance Fund, visit socalgas.com/GAF.