When an energy bill arrives that you cannot pay, it is tempting to put it aside. Acting early is far better, because many forms of help are easier to get before service is shut off. This guide walks through the main sources of help, from federal energy assistance to programs offered by the utility itself.
If you have a shutoff notice today
- Call your utility right away and ask about payment plans and hardship programs.
- Apply for energy assistance through your local agency. Dial 211 or call the National Energy Assistance Referral hotline at 1-866-674-6327 to find where to apply.
- Ask about protections for medical needs, older adults, young children and cold or hot weather.
LIHEAP: the main federal program
The Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) helps eligible households pay heating and cooling bills, and in many states provides crisis help when service is about to be cut off or fuel is nearly gone. It is funded federally and administered by each state, usually through local community action agencies, so the application process, income limits and benefit amounts vary by location.
- Who qualifies: households with low incomes, as set by the state. Many states give priority to older adults, people with disabilities and households with young children.
- What it can cover: a one-time or seasonal payment toward your bill or fuel delivery, emergency help to prevent shutoff, and in some states minor energy-related repairs.
- Funding is limited: money can run out, and some areas open applications only during certain months. Apply as early as possible.
What to bring when you apply
- A recent energy bill, and any shutoff or past-due notice.
- Proof of income for everyone in the household.
- Photo ID and Social Security numbers for household members, if requested.
- Your lease or proof that you are responsible for the energy costs.
Ask your utility company
Utilities have more flexibility than most customers realize, and calling them is free. Ask for:
- A payment arrangement that spreads past-due amounts over several months.
- Budget billing, which averages your costs so winter and summer bills are steadier.
- Income-based rates or discount programs, which many utilities offer, sometimes under names like “hardship program” or “low-income rate”.
- Medical certification protections, which can delay shutoff when a household member depends on powered medical equipment or has a serious health condition.
- Seasonal shutoff protections. Many states limit shutoffs during extreme weather, though rules and dates differ.
- Utility-run assistance funds, often financed by customer donations.
Charities and community help
Local branches of organizations such as The Salvation Army, Catholic Charities, St. Vincent de Paul and community action agencies often provide one-time bill assistance. Churches and neighborhood nonprofits sometimes do too. The easiest way to find them is by calling 211.
What about water bills?
Temporary federal water-bill assistance created during the pandemic has largely ended, but some water utilities, cities and local nonprofits still offer help or payment plans. Call your water provider and ask about customer assistance.
Protect yourself while you wait
- Pay what you can, even a partial payment, and keep records of every call and payment.
- Get any payment agreement in writing or by email.
- Never pay a stranger who calls threatening immediate shutoff. Real utilities do not demand gift cards, wire transfers or cryptocurrency. See our guide to avoiding assistance scams.
Lower the next bill
Once you are caught up, free weatherization help and simple habits can reduce what you owe each month. See free and low-cost ways to lower your energy bill.
Official sources
- HHS Administration for Children and Families: LIHEAP
- 211.org
- Community Action Partnership: Find a local agency
How this guide differs from lowering your bill
This guide is about paying a bill that is already hard to pay. It covers LIHEAP, utility payment plans and hardship programmes, local charities, and what to do when a shutoff notice arrives.
Lowering your bill is different. That guide is about reducing future bills, once you are caught up, through free weatherization help and simple habits.
Frequently asked questions
What should I do first if I have a shutoff notice? Call your utility right away and ask about payment plans and hardship programmes. Then apply for energy assistance through your local agency.
What should I bring to apply? A recent energy bill, any shutoff or past-due notice, proof of income for everyone in the household, photo ID and Social Security numbers if requested, and your lease or proof that you are responsible for the energy costs.
Can I get help with a water bill? Temporary federal water-bill assistance created during the pandemic has largely ended, but some water utilities, cities and local nonprofits still offer help or payment plans. Call your water provider about customer assistance.
Should I pay anything while I wait? Pay what you can, even a partial payment, and keep records of every call and payment. Get any payment agreement in writing or by email.
How this guide was researched and reviewed
The Low-Cost Finder Editorial Team prepares content from official agency and established nonprofit sources, checks it against those sources, and explains it in plain language. It is reviewed before publication and revisited when programmes change.