Receiving assistance

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I work at a place where we help those in dire need of utility assistance. I've always heard "Wait last minute, that way they'll know you are desperate." Wrong. If you need financial assistance, chances are you know roughly how you'll be able to make it through the month. (Not all cases) Anyhow, when you need assistance, please don't come the day before you are due for disconnection! It actually makes it harder, and you are less likely to receive a benefit, merely because by the time you get to our office, we may be out of funds. We don't mind you calling to ask about funds being available. We want to help. We want to give you the best guidance possible, if you come in (when you start to realize you'll likely need help) we would be better to assist you for many reasons. It is hard living on a fixed income, or as a single mother, veterans who just need help. No one is shamed, but we are realistic enough to know that if you need help, not all cases, but many.. You know before the day you're due for disconnection. I guess I'm venting, but I wish people understood that "waiting until last minute" makes us want to help more. Your bill is already passed due, it is already a crisis. We want to help. We don't turn anyone away unless: You don't have the right information, your bill isn't passed due, you are over income, or we don't have funds. I'm not trying to vent, I just really want people to understand this.