The LIHEAP and WAP programs help pay for heating, cooling, and home weatherization. Learn if you are eligible and how to apply. And get help if your utilities were disconnected.
It can be very stressful to not be able to pay your gas, electric, or other utility bills. Utility services like water, electricity, and heat are important for health and safety, so people who can’t afford them are in tough spots. But there are government programs and non-profits that help families who are having trouble paying their utility bills. This guide will tell you who can get help, how to apply, and what kind of help is out there.
Understanding Utility Assistance Programs
There are a few main utility assistance programs to be aware of if you need help paying utility bills:
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The Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) is a federal program that helps people pay their heating or cooling bills by giving them money. LIHEAP is administered by states and local agencies.
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Low-income families can get free home improvements like insulation and air sealing through the Weatherization Assistance Program (WAP). These improvements make homes more energy efficient. This helps reduce utility bills.
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State and Local Programs Many states and cities offer their own utility assistance programs, sometimes called Home Energy Assistance Programs (HEAPs). These can provide bill payment help or emergency utility assistance
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Utility Company Programs Some utility companies have special discount rates, payment plans, or energy assistance funds for customers in need. Check with your gas, electric, water, etc. providers.
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Nonprofit Organization Assistance: Groups like The Salvation Army offer utility bill assistance through special funds and programs. Local churches or charities may also be able to help.
The most common types of assistance provided are:
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Bill payment assistance – One time grants applied directly to the utility bill
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Arrearage assistance – Help paying past due utility bills
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Shut off prevention – Aid to avoid disconnection of service
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Payment plan options – Arrange lower monthly payments
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Energy efficiency upgrades – Improvements to lower energy consumption
Who Qualifies for Help with Utility Bills?
Each utility assistance program has its own eligibility requirements, but most look at your household income, assets, and number of people living in your home.
You may qualify for utility bill assistance if:
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Your family’s income is less than a certain percentage of the federal poverty level, usually 15% or 20% of the federal poverty level.
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You recently lost a job or had a significant loss of income.
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You’re on a fixed income from retirement, disability, or Social Security.
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Someone in your household has a serious medical condition.
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Your home’s energy bills are very high compared to income.
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You have a past due utility bill or received a shut off notice.
Specific income limits vary by state and program. Even if your income is above the regular limit, you may still get help after an emergency or job loss. Call your local agency to learn about eligibility in your area.
How to Apply for Utility Assistance
Applying for utility assistance takes some documentation but is usually a simple process. Here are some tips:
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Contact your local LIHEAP agency: LIHEAP is administered by a network of local governmental and nonprofit organizations. Find yours by searching online or calling the LIHEAP hotline at 1-866-674-6327.
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Gather required documents: You’ll need identification, income statements, utility bills, and possibly other proofs of household circumstances. Ask the agency what you’ll need.
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Complete the application: Applications can often be done online, in person, or by mail or email. A caseworker may also take your application over the phone.
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Reapply annually: LIHEAP isn’t an ongoing subsidy. You must reapply each year you need assistance. Applications are open in the fall or winter for heating assistance.
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Apply to multiple programs: Seek help from LIHEAP, utility companies, state programs, and nonprofits. The more assistance you can get, the better.
Types of Help Available
If you qualify for utility assistance, what kind of help can you actually receive? Here are some examples:
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Bill payment assistance: Programs like LIHEAP provide direct grants, typically $100 to $500, to be applied to your heating or cooling bill. The money goes straight to the utility company.
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Emergency assistance: Get immediate help reconnecting or avoiding shut off of essential utilities like heat, cooling, and water.
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Payment plans: Utility companies may offer installment plans to spread payments out over many months interest-free. Get help enrolling.
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Discount rates: Special lower utility rates are available for seniors, people with disabilities, or low incomes.
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Free weatherization: Get free insulation, caulking, and other upgrades to make your home more energy efficient.
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Budget billing: Spread energy costs evenly over the entire year instead of paying more in winter/summer peak seasons.
Finding Additional Help for Utility Bills
If you’ve applied for LIHEAP and other government programs and still need help, here are some other places to look:
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Utility company assistance funds: Ask your gas, electric, and water providers if they have special customer assistance programs.
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Payment matching programs: Some utilities will match the amount of assistance you get from LIHEAP or other sources.
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Church assistance: Local congregations often have funds to help pay bills for people facing hardships.
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Nonprofit organizations: Groups like The Salvation Army, Catholic Charities, and United Way provide utility assistance in many communities.
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Community action agencies: These nonprofits serve local low income households. Many provide one time utility grants.
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State and local programs: Your state or city may have special utility assistance programs beyond LIHEAP. Do an online search for your location.
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Crowdfunding: Sites like GoFundMe let you raise small donations from friends and strangers to pay essential bills.
If you are struggling with utility bills, help is available. Reach out in your community to tap into assistance programs, negotiate with utility companies, and get your energy costs under control. With some persistence, you can find resources to keep the lights on and your home livable.
Find out if you are eligible for WAP and apply
The Weatherization Assistance Program (WAP) may be able to help you make changes to your home that will save you money on energy costs.
Your eligibility for weatherization assistance depends on your income. Or you may qualify if you already receive benefits through a federal assistance program such as Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) or Supplemental Security Income (SSI). To see if you are eligible and how to apply, contact your states WAP office.
Find out if you are eligible for LIHEAP and apply
The Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) can help you pay your heating or cooling bills or get emergency services during an energy crisis.
You may be eligible for help with your energy bills based on your income. See if you qualify, how to apply, and where to get more information.
Explained: How to Get Help Paying Power Bill
FAQ
Can I get help with my electric bill in California?
Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP): LIHEAP is a program that may be able to help you pay your energy bill. It is funded by the federal government. LIHEAP offers income-qualified customers a one-time payment to help: Pay heating or cooling bills. In an emergency or energy crisis, such as a utility disconnection.
What is the Southern California energy assistance program?
People who meet certain income requirements can get help from the Energy Savings Assistance (ESA) program to make their homes more energy-efficient. For example, they could get a new heat pump water heater or energy-efficient appliances like a new fridge, clothes washer, dishwasher, or more.
How can I get help paying my bills in Alabama?
Working with Community Action Agencies, the ABC Trust can offer financial assistance to families when they need it most. The ABC Trust’s Emergency Assistance Programs help meet critical needs for energy, rent, mortgage and food. The programs are administered by Community Action Agencies across the state.
What is emergency financial assistance for electric bills?
Emergency financial assistance for electric bills is provided by government programs at the federal and state level. This assistance helps vulnerable households keep their lights on. There is also help for paying heating bills, including free or low cost fuel or oil, that may be offered.
How can I get a grant to pay my utility bills?
You can find free grant money or look for emergency help from hardship funds to get a grant to pay your utility bills. These funds may also help you pay a deposit to reconnect service. Priority is often given to seniors, the disabled, low income households, and single moms. All funds are limited and the application process varies.
How do low income families pay their utility bills?
Low income families have a number of emergency and long term assistance programs for paying their utility bills. Whether a payment plan or abatement from a utility company, grant from the LIHEAP program, or money from community action near you, various organizations try to help struggling customers keep their lights and electricity on.
Where can I find a local utility bill assistance program?
Local utility bill assistance programs are available from the LIHEAP Clearinghouse too. While the LIHEAP energy assistance program name may vary by state, there is still a free directory that help people find programs near them, in their state, county or utility provider.
How can I get relief for a past due utility bill?
Most utility companies and local municipalities try to help people keep their power on, therefore assistance for a hardship will be offered near you for paying utility bills, including electric, gas or lights. All these options, listed below, can offer relief for a past due utility bill.
How can low-income families save money on utility bills?
This program, a combination of LIHEAP and weatherization, helps low-income families reduce the monthly costs of their utility bills, making them easier to pay. To find assistance, locate a free window program for older homes. Regulations on Heating and Utility Disconnections are available in most states.
