Food Assistance & SNAP Benefits

• SNAP Benefits Eligibility Screener (California):
  SNAP Screener Tool
  Find out if you qualify for food assistance benefits in California.

• Help with SNAP Applications:
  Feeding America SNAP Assistance
  Get help applying for SNAP and understanding your benefits.

Employment & Income Assistance

• Partial Unemployment Benefits:
  CA EDD Partial Claims Info
  Learn about applying for partial unemployment if your hours have been reduced.

Utility Assistance Programs

• Los Angeles DWP (LADWP) – LIHEAP Program:
  LADWP Low-Income Energy Assistance

• Burbank Water and Power Assistance:
  Burbank Utility Service Subsidy (BUSS)

• Southern California Gas Assistance Programs:
  SoCalGas Billing Assistance

Lowering Your Bills: Tips for Negotiating

How to Negotiate Lower Bills

• Say upfront that you’re considering canceling your service and ask to be transferred to the customer retention or cancellations department. Try something like:
  “Hi, there. I’m thinking about canceling my service because I can’t keep up with my monthly bill anymore. What can you do to help me out?”

• If you're not happy with the rep's offer, mention your customer history:
  “I’ve been a customer for [X years] and I’ve never missed a payment. I really don’t want to cancel my service with you, but I’m going to have to unless I can get a better deal.”

• Reference competitor deals you’ve researched:
  “I’ve been looking at my other options and they’re giving new customers [deal you looked up]. I also see that you are giving new customers [another deal you looked up]. What can you do for me here?”

• If offered add-ons like a free premium channel, respond with:
  “Thanks, but the problem isn’t that I don’t have enough to watch, it’s that my monthly bill is too high. What can you do to lower my bill?”

• If all else fails, ask for a one-time credit for being a loyal customer.

• Always request confirmation of any new agreement and review it thoroughly.

Credit Card Hardship Programs

• How to Qualify for a Credit Card Hardship Program
  Learn how to temporarily reduce or defer your credit card payments. You may qualify if you're experiencing:

  • Job loss or reduced hours

  • Medical or emergency expenses

  • Natural disasters or major life disruptions

  • Check you credit card companies for separate programs, or use the Union Plus resources to get started. 

Financial Literacy Resource (via LCLAA)

• Financial Education and Tools – Annuity.org
  Improve your financial knowledge on budgeting, debt, saving, and more.