Memphians who are facing utility cutoff notices may qualify for up to a $500 credit on their MLGW utility bills. Mayor Jim Strickland and the Memphis City Council set aside $1 million for the program which is now in its tenth year.

You will qualify if:

· You’re an existing client of the Tennessee Department of Human Services or

· You have a financial, health or military deployment-related hardship.

In addition, you must also live in Memphis, have the utilities in your or your spouse’s name and have a current MLGW cut-off notice.

DHS clients must show proof of a disconnect notice via DHS’ office drop box, by mail or online. No additional application is needed. For potential hardship cases, go online at the Neighborhood Christian Center at ncclife.org or pick up an application at NCC, 223 Scott St. during business hours of 8:30 a.m. – 4 p.m. Call the NCC utility assistance hotline at 901-881-6013.

Hardship examples include 100% medically disabled, job loss, hospitalized for half a year or if your spouse is on active military deployment. If you receive help through DHS, you’re ineligible for additional help through the NCC. For more details, visit MLGW’s website at mlgw.com/utilityassistance.

MLGW is the largest three-service public power utility in the nation, serving more than 437,000 customers in Memphis and Shelby County.