Electronic payment utility assistance

Is there a preferred way to help a member needing a utility paid, where the utility only accepts electronic payments? Of course one way is for a bishop or clerk to pay it themselves and then get reimbursed, but that route seems like a bad precedent to set. As far as I can tell, EFT is intended to reimburse members for ward-related expenses, and is not set up to make payments outside of that. Just looking for others' experience with this - I can't be the only one who has encountered this situation.

Here in the UK we can only pay utilities and members reimbursements via EFT. It is necessary get the utility companies bank details and the payment reference number which is then entered in the appropriate place in LCR.

In the US, there is currently no way to make EFT payments to anyone except members. Sometime utilities say they only accept electronic payments but will bend if pressed. But assuming that isn't the case, the only options are to have another member pay and then reimburse them or to find something else to pay for the recipient so that they have enough to make the payment themselves.

One strategy is to provide food or other services to free up money for the utility bill.

russellhltn wrote: Fri Jun 23, 2023 11:06 am One strategy is to provide food or other services to free up money for the utility bill.

This is excellent counsel, and something we do. Sometimes doing this doesn't quite free up enough though. Thanks for the reminder!

eblood66 wrote: Fri Jun 23, 2023 10:36 am In the US, there is currently no way to make EFT payments to anyone except members. Sometime utilities say they only accept electronic payments but will bend if pressed. But assuming that isn't the case, the only options are to have another member pay and then reimburse them or to find something else to pay for the recipient so that they have enough to make the payment themselves.

This confirms what I've experienced, thank you!