Keeping comfortable is hard to do in this heat and even harder for those on a limited income.

Getting assistance paying utility bills is getting tougher for some area residents.

Finding a place in the shade is one way 76-year-old Odessa Thurmon tries to stay cooler.

"I just do the best I can," said Thurmon of Bryan.

She's on a limited income and keeps the air conditioner inside off as much as she can.

"Theyr'e just window air conditioners here and so that's what it'll take," she said.

She's gotten help from the Brazos Valley Community Action Agency for help paying her utility bills once before and tried the Salvation Army too.

BVCAA is doubling the amount of applications they are accepting to 2,500 a month.

But it typically takes months before a payment actually happens.

The Salvation Army also helps too, but they only have a designated amount of funds once a month and it's first come first serve.

"I'd rather just pay myself instead of calling and calling," added Thurmon.

The guidelines have gotten tougher too with a a single person having to make $13,963 a year to be eligible for assistance.

Last year it was $22,340.

Michael Bailey and his fiance Storm are looking to save money too after paying their electric bill in College Station.

"Make sure that you're not using any electricity that isn't a necessity," suggested Bailey.

"Everytime I get my check that's when the bill comes. They don't allow you much money," said Thurmon.

Saving during this sizzling summer is a challenge for just about all of us managing our money.

If you need help paying your utility bills call 2-1-1 for options available.