This is an archived article and the information in the article may be outdated. Please look at the time stamp on the story to see when it was last updated.

MEMPHIS, Tenn. — As much as $650 is available to lots of MLGW utility customers to help them keep their lights on.

The program is funded by a $19 million federal grant.

Any Shelby County resident at or below 150 percent of the federal poverty line qualifies. That means the income for a family of four needs to be $37,650 or less. It’s important to note it doesn’t matter if you’ve gotten a cut-off notice.

“Utilities are not a luxury, it’s a necessity. You have to have it and for many families, they’re forced to look at do I pay for food? Do I pay for medicine? Do I pay my utilities? Do I pay my rent?” Shelby County Commissioner Reginald Milton says.

To find out if you qualify, call 901-222-4299 or 901-222-4200.

Additionally, eligible seniors can specifically receive up to $250. That’s thanks to a $20,000 grant from the International Brotherhood of Electricians.