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 and your utility service is at risk, you may qualify for the following protections:
- Medical Protections: There are two types of Medical Protection if you are experiencing financial hardship. Serious Illness grants 90 days of protection and Chronic Illness grants 180 days of protection.
- Infant Protections: A child under 12 months of age resides in the household and you are experiencing financial hardship.
- Elderly or Elderly with Minor Protections: There are two types of Elderly Protection. A household qualifies for Elderly Protection when all household members are 65 years of age or older. A household qualifies for Elderly with Minor Protection when all adult household members are 65 years of age or older, all other household members are under 18 years of age, and you are experiencing financial hardship.
- Financial Hardship Protections: It is between November 15 and March 15, your National Grid service provides heat or operates the heating system, and you are experiencing financial hardship.
How to Apply / Qualifications:
You can apply for these protections online, by fax, by mail, or by email.
Note: If your service is currently shut off, you think you qualify for one of these Special Protections, and you haven't spoken to a National Grid representative on the phone yet, please call our Credit Department at 1-888-211-1313 to learn about your options for service restoration.
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 document must confirm a patient with a serious or chronic illness resides in the household as listed below.
- Required documentation must be written by a registered physician, physician assistant, nurse practitioner, or local board of health on the medical professional’s letterhead, which must include the medical professional’s business address and telephone number. It must state the name and address of the seriously ill person and whether the illness is serious (90 day protection) or chronic (180 day protection).
If you are not on a Discount Rate, you will also have to submit a Financial Hardship Statement (pdf).
Ways to apply
Apply Online
Complete the online Customer Protections Form. You will also need to upload required documentation.
Apply by Mail, Email, or Fax
Download and complete the Protection Application Form (pdf). If you are not on a Discount Rate, you must also complete a Financial Hardship Statement (which is part of the Protection Application Form packet).
Return this form along with required documentation to:
Email: NEProtections@nationalgrid.com
Fax: 1-866-460-8549
Mail:
National Grid
Attention: Protections, D1
300 Erie Blvd W
Syracuse, NY 13202
A household qualifies for Infant Protection 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 assistant, nurse practitioner, local board of health, hospital or government official, Department of Transitional Assistance, clergyman, or religious institution is required to qualify. The document must list the name and birthdate of the infant.
If you are not on a Discount Rate, you will also have to submit a Financial Hardship Statement (pdf).
Ways to apply
Apply Online
Complete the online Customer Protections Form. You will also need to upload required documentation.
Apply by Mail, Email, or Fax
Download and complete the Protection Application Form (pdf). If you are not on a Discount Rate, you must also complete a Financial Hardship Statement (which is part of the Protection Application Form packet).
Return this form along with required documentation to:
Email: NEProtections@nationalgrid.com
Fax: 1-866-460-8549
Mail:
National Grid
Attention: Protections, D1
300 Erie Blvd W
Syracuse, NY 13202
We offer two programs to help our senior customers:
- Elderly or Elderly with Minor Protection: A household qualifies for Elderly Protection if all members of the household are 65 years of age or older. A household qualifies for Elderly with Minor Protection if all adult members of the household are 65 years of age or older, all other household members under 18 years of age, and you are experiencing financial hardship. Documentation showing proof of age for all members of the household is required.
If you are applying for Elderly with Minor protection and you are not on a Discount Rate, you will also have to submit a Financial Hardship statement (pdf). - Third Party Notification: This program allows you to designate a person of your choice to receive copies of certain communications by mail that you receive from us related to your account. They will receive notifications of past due bills and disconnect notices. The third party is not responsible for, nor obligated to pay, your bill.
Ways to apply
Apply Online
Complete the online Customer Protections Form. You will also need to upload required documentation.
Apply by Mail, Email, or Fax
Download and complete the Elderly Protection Status Form (pdf). If you are applying for Elderly with Minor protection and you are not on a Discount Rate, you must also complete a Financial Hardship Statement (pdf).
Return the form(s) along with required documentation to:
Email: NEProtections@nationalgrid.com
Fax: 1-866-460-8549
Mail:
National Grid
Attention: Protections, D1
300 Erie Blvd W
Syracuse, NY 13202
Financial Hardship Protection exists between November 15 and March 15. It is for households experiencing financial hardship whose National Grid service provides heat or operates the heating system. A Financial Hardship Statement or our online Financial Hardship Form is required.
Ways to Apply
Apply Online
Complete the online Financial Hardship Form.
Apply by Mail, Email, or Fax
Download and complete a Financial Hardship Statement (pdf).
Return this form to:
Email: NEProtections@nationalgrid.com
Fax: 1-866-460-8549
Mail:
National Grid
Attention: Protections, D1
300 Erie Blvd W
Syracuse, NY 13202