The United Way of Greater Los Angeles announced Tuesday that it will partner with the Southern California Gas Company and Southern California Edison to help people pay their utilities if they’ve been directly affected by COVID-19.

United Way said it will provide assistance to SCE’s Energy Assistance Fund and SoCalGas’ Gas Assistance Fund programs designed to prevent seniors, people who have lost their job, and those who have contracted COVID-19 from falling into financial hardship.

“In these uncertain times, our struggling neighbors and communities need us now more than ever,” said Elise Buik, the president and CEO of United Way of Greater Los Angeles. “We are proud to have partners such as SoCalGas and SCE join us in our fight to end poverty with these critical programs.”

The EAF program operates year-round and can provide customers with a one-time grant in the amount of the electricity bill not to exceed $200, or $300 for all electric accounts.

The GAF program has been extended through December or until funds are depleted, the company stated. It can provide customers with a one-time grant for the amount of the gas bill not to exceed $200.

“We know many of our customers need help right now. That’s why we doubled the amount of bill help customers can get through the Energy Assistance Fund,” said Jill Anderson, the senior vice president of customer service at SCE.

More information on the EAF program can be found at www.sce.com/residential/assistance/energy-assistance-fund.

More information on the GAF program can be found at www.socalgas.com/save-money-and-energy/assistance-programs/gas-assistance-fund.

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