These are the same steps our staff use when they help someone. "They" means the person who needs help: you, or someone you are helping. Go in order, and call ahead when you can.
1Find out what the company is asking for
You can ask"Which company is it, and how much do they want?"
You can ask"Do you owe money on an old account with them?"
Town of Silver City - Utility Billing
Water, sewer and trash billing and payment arrangements
575-538-3731
City Hall, 101 W Broadway, Silver City · Town Hall weekday hours
2Ask for no deposit, a smaller one, or payments
Under state rules, a power or gas company can ask for a deposit only in some cases, like a new customer with no good credit.
The deposit can't be more than about 2 months of bills (one-sixth of a year).
Ways to show good credit: proof of steady income, owning the home, or a good payment letter from a past utility.
You can say"Ask the company: 'Can you waive the deposit, lower it, or let me pay it in parts?'"
New Mexico Gas Company
Customer service (billing, start/stop service)
888-664-2726
· Mon-Fri 7:30am-6pm
NM Health Care Authority - Income Support Division (Grant County office)
LIHEAP energy assistance
1-800-283-4465
3088 32nd St Bypass, Suite A, Silver City · Lobby Mon-Fri 8:00 am-4:30 pm, closed 12:00-1:30 pm for lunch. Phone line (1-800-283-4465) Mon-Fri 7:00 am-6:30 pm.
3Get a letter from an old utility
Had power or gas somewhere else and paid on time? Ask that company for a "letter of credit."
NM Public Regulation Commission - Consumer Relations Division
Utility complaints and shutoff help (electric, gas, water, phone)
888-427-5772
4Find help paying the deposit
St. Francis Newman Center (Catholic parish)
Associates emergency help (rent, utilities, medicine)
575-388-4933
914 W. 13th St. (south side ramp), Silver City · 2nd and 4th Saturday, 8:00 am
The Salvation Army - Silver City Service Unit
Local emergency assistance
575-534-9509
22 Kirkland Rd., Silver City
You can ask"Do you have Medicaid? Which plan?" Some plans help with deposits.
Molina Healthcare of New Mexico
Housing stability assistance: help with rent, mortgage or deposit for Molina Med
844-862-4543
· Member Services Mon-Fri 8am-5pm MST
You can ask"Did you serve in the military?"
Veterans Integration Centers (VIC)
SSVF veteran rent, deposit and rehousing help (serves Grant County)
505-296-0800
2701 Mulberry St SE, Albuquerque · Mon-Fri business hours
See the guide "Found a place but can't pay the deposit or first month's rent".
5Check and fix their credit
Everyone can see their credit reports for free every week.
AnnualCreditReport.comnot yet confirmed: call first
Free credit reports from Equifax, Experian and TransUnion
1-877-322-8228
GreenPath Financial Wellness
Free debt and credit counseling by phone
800-550-1961
· Mon-Thu 8am-10pm ET, Fri 8am-8pm ET, Sat 9am-6pm ET
This guide is general information only, not medical, legal or other professional advice. Places and rules change, so please call before you go. In an emergency, call 911; in a mental health crisis, call or text 988. Disclaimer
Know a better way? Is something out of date?
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Questions, or want someone to walk through this with you? The Silver City Gospel Mission, 111 S. Texas St., Silver City,
575-388-5071, weekdays 9:00am-1:45pm. Everyone is welcome.