Special Protections
Keeping the service on during financial hardship.
We understand that now more than ever, many customers are unable to pay their bills and we’re doing all we can to help keep the service on in your time of need.
If you are unable to pay your bills due to financial hardship and your utility service is at risk, you may qualify for the following protections:
- Medical Protections: We have two types of protection to keep your service on: Serious Illness, which grants 90 days of protection and Chronic Illness which grants 180 days of protection.
- Infant Protections: If a child under 12 months of age resides in the household, you may qualify for Infant Protection.
- Elderly or Elderly with Minor Protections: When all household members are 65 years or older and/or under 18 years of age, you are entitled to “protected status” which means that you are protected against termination of electrical service for failure to pay a past due bill.
How to Apply / Qualifications:
You can apply for these protections online, by fax, or by mail.
Note: If your account is currently shut off and you think you qualify for one of these Special Protections, please call our Credit Department at 1-800-732-3400.
We have two types of protection to keep your service on: Serious Illness, which grants 90 days of protection and Chronic Illness which grants 180 days of protection.
To apply for this protection, a doctor or licensed medical professional must confirm a patient with a serious or chronic illness resides in that household.
- Required documentation must be on Medical Professionals Letterhead, include a signature of a Doctor, Nurse Practitioner, Physician’s Assistant, or local Board of Health signature. It must state the name and address of seriously ill person and whether the illness is serious (90 day protection) or chronic (180 day protection).
- If you are not on the low-income Discount Rate, you will have to submit a Financial Hardship statement.
Ways to apply
Apply Online
Complete the online Customer Protections Form. You will also need to upload required documentation.
Apply by Mail
Download and complete the Protection Application Form (pdf). If you are not on the low-income Discount Rate, you must also complete the Financial Hardship Statement (which is part of the Protection Application Form packet).
Send this form, along with required documentation to:
National Grid
300 Erie Blvd W
Syracuse, NY 13202
Attention: Protections
Apply by Fax
Download and complete the Protection Application Form (pdf). If you are not on the low-income Discount Rate, you must also complete the Financial Hardship Statement (which is part of the Protection Application Form packet).
Please make sure to indicate the Customer Name, Account Number, and Account Address on any documents you fax to us.
Fax this form, along with required documentation to 1-866-713-0714.
A household qualifies for infant protections when a child under 12 months of age resides in the household. A valid birth certificate or a letter or official documents issued by a registered physician, physician’s assistant, nurse practitioner, local board of health, hospital or government official, Dept of Transitional Assistance, clergyman, or Religious institution is required to qualify.
If you are not on the low-income Discount Rate, you will have to submit a Financial Hardship statement.
Ways to apply
Apply Online
Complete the online Customer Protections Form. You will also need to upload required documentation.
Apply by Mail
Download and complete the Protection Application Form (pdf). If you are not on the low-income Discount Rate, you must also complete the Financial Hardship Statement (which is part of the Protection Application Form packet).
Send this form, along with required documentation to:
National Grid
300 Erie Blvd W
Syracuse, NY 13202
Attention: Protections
Apply by Fax
Download and complete the Protection Application Form (pdf). If you are not on the low-income Discount Rate, you must also complete the Financial Hardship Statement (which is part of the Protection Application Form packet).
Please make sure to indicate the Customer Name, Account Number, and Account Address on any documents you fax to us.
Fax this form, along with required documentation to 1-866-713-0714.
We offer three programs to help our senior customers:
- Elderly or Elderly with a Minor Protection: A household qualifies for this protection if all members of the household are 65 years of age or older, or all members of the household are over 65 and/or under 18 years of age. This program protects against termination of electrical service for failure to pay a past due bill. You will need to submit verified proof of age for all members of your household. You can apply for this program below.
- Third Party Notification: This program allows you to designate a friend, relative, member of the clergy or other person of your choice to act on your behalf should you receive a collection notice from us. They can receive copies of all communications you receive related to your account such as collection notices, and they will be able to look into the situation and help to make payment arrangements. The third party is not responsible for, nor obligated to pay, your bill.
- 62-Plus: This program which provides a convenient billing date each month to line up with fixed income disbursements. We recognize that most retirees receive their income the first of each month and 62-Plus is designed to accept payment of your electric bill after the due date without placing your account in arrears.
Ways to apply
Apply Online
Complete the online Customer Protections Form. You will also need to upload required documentation for each household member, which can be a Driver’s License, Military ID, Birth Certificate, Marriage License or Passport.
Apply by Mail
Please complete and mail the Elderly Protection Status Form (pdf) along with any documentation to:
National Grid
300 Erie Blvd W
Syracuse, NY 13202
Attention: Protections
Please note, if you are applying for Elderly with Minor protection and not on the low-income Discount Rate, you must also complete the Financial Hardship statement (pdf).