A shutoff notice is stressful, especially in the middle of winter or a summer heat wave. The good news is that there are several kinds of help for utility bills, and you can often use more than one at the same time.
LIHEAP for heating and cooling
The Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program, or LIHEAP, helps eligible households pay heating and cooling bills. It can also provide crisis help if you have a shutoff notice or are out of fuel. Each state runs its own program, often through local community action agencies.
Programs from your utility company
Many utility companies have their own help that customers don’t know about:
- Hardship funds that pay part of a past-due balance
- Discounted rates for low-income customers, seniors, or people with disabilities
- Payment arrangements that spread a past-due balance over several months
- Budget billing that keeps your monthly bill about the same all year
- Medical certificates that can delay shutoff if someone in the home relies on medical equipment
Call the number on your bill and ask, “What assistance programs or payment plans do you offer?”
Help with water bills
Water help is less common, but some cities and water utilities offer discounts or one-time assistance. Ask your water provider and 211 what’s available in your area.
Lower your bills for the long term
The Weatherization Assistance Program can make your home more energy efficient for free if you qualify, with services like insulation and furnace repair. Your utility may also offer free energy audits or rebates on efficient appliances.
Know your shutoff protections
Many states limit shutoffs during extreme cold or heat, or for households with seniors, young children, or medical needs. Rules vary, so ask your utility or your state’s public utility commission what protections apply to you.
A real-life example
When Mark’s hours were cut, his electric bill fell three months behind. He called the utility and learned they had a hardship fund and a payment plan. The hardship fund covered part of the balance, and the payment plan split the rest over six months.
He also applied for LIHEAP for the coming winter and signed up for budget billing, so his bills became predictable again.
Tips from people who have been through it
- Call your utility before the shutoff date, not after.
- Ask for every program by name: hardship fund, payment plan, budget billing, low-income rate.
- Keep copies of your bills and any agreements.
- Apply for LIHEAP as early in the season as you can.
Frequently asked questions
Can I get help if my utilities are in my landlord’s name?
Sometimes. Some programs help renters whose utilities are included in rent. Ask the program directly.
Will a payment plan hurt my credit?
A payment plan with your utility usually doesn’t, but unpaid bills sent to collections can. Getting on a plan early helps.
What if my service is already off?
Contact your utility and LIHEAP office right away. Crisis assistance may help restore service.
Related guides
- LIHEAP: Help Paying Heating and Cooling Bills
- Home Repair Grants and Loans for Low-Income Homeowners
- Emergency Rental Assistance: Where to Find Help When You Are Behind on Rent
Official resources
This guide is for general information only. US Assistance Guide is an independent website and is not affiliated with, endorsed by, or connected to any government agency. Program rules, income limits, and benefit amounts change often and vary by state, so always confirm details with the official agency before you apply.