an electric company is trying to include my childrens income in my total income when deciding whether to give me a payment arrangement. They get the income from SS Disability thru me, but we are told that money is for us to use on clothing, food, etc. for the kids. Can the electric company include minor childrens income?
Answer
This is just my opinion as this area is outside my expertise but my thoughts are that they can. That does not mean that you are spending the children's SS disability money on electric. However, the income has to be added to your income in order for the electric company to know how much available income you receive from all sources. Also, if you are spending the SS disability money on food and clothing for the children, then it means that more of your income is available for other things such as electric, and that you may be entitled to less of a payment plan. So eligibility for the program is based on total household income from all sources.
Again, this is just my opinion. Maybe another lawyer who does more consumer type law will have some added insight or a different opinion.
Answer
PS - here is a link to the PA Public Utilities Commission (PUC) site regarding help with programs; they suggest that for some programs, household income is considered, not just your income. If that is the case, then your children's SS disability benefits would be included.
http://www.puc.state.pa.us/consumer_info/electricity/energy_assistance_programs.aspx
No comments:
Post a Comment