Los Angeles, CA -- Families who need assistance paying their natural gas bills may receive help through Southern California’s Gas Company’s Gas Assistance Fund program.

The program provides for a one-time grant amount of up to $100 on a customer’s winter bill and is open to qualified customers facing financial hardships.

Those seeking assistance should go to the Gas Company’s Web site, www.socalgas.com, and search under residential assistance programs or call The Gas Company at (800) 427-2200.

Michelle Muller, vice president of customer services for The Gas Company, also encouraged customers who may have difficulty paying their gas bills to contact The Gas Company to work out special payment arrangements.