Getting Help Paying Your Gas Bill

Having trouble paying your gas bill? You’re not alone With the rising costs of living, many households are struggling to keep up with their monthly utility bills. The good news is there are programs and resources available to help you pay your gas bill so you can keep your home heated. This comprehensive guide will walk you through everything you need to know about getting help with paying your gas bill

Understanding Your Gas Bill

Before looking for gas bill assistance, it helps to understand what exactly you’re paying for on your monthly gas bill A typical gas bill consists of

Commodity/Supply Costs – This covers the actual cost of the natural gas itself. Gas prices fluctuate regularly.
Delivery Fees – The costs charged by your gas company to deliver gas to your home via pipelines and infrastructure.
Taxes & Fees – Various local taxes and fees that pay for regulatory operations, energy efficiency programs, etc.
Equipment Charges – Charges for equipment rentals like meters and tank rentals (for propane).

Knowing what comprises your gas bill helps you pinpoint why your bill may be high or what assistance programs can help cover specific costs.

Check If You Qualify for a Gas Bill Discount

Most major gas providers offer bill discount programs for low-income households or seniors. These can take 10-30% off your monthly gas bill. Check if you qualify for:

CARE Discount – California Alternate Rates for Energy discount for SoCalGas customers. Offers 30% off gas bills.
Gas Affordability Program – ConEdison’s discount for NY residents. Offers up to $160/yr off gas bills.
Gas Supply Assistance – National Grid’s gas discount program. Offers 25% discount for NY residents.

To enroll, you’ll need to verify your household income is below the threshold. Discounts apply immediately once approved!

Apply for Bill Payment Assistance Programs

Every state offers financial assistance programs to help households pay energy bills. These include:

HEAP (Home Energy Assistance Program)

Provides heating bill grants to supplement bill costs.
Income based. Can cover full bill for very low income households.
Apply through your state’s welfare office.

LIHEAP (Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program)

Federally funded heating & cooling assistance.
Helps pay energy bills and weatherization costs.
Income thresholds vary by state.

State & Local Assistance Funds

Utility companies partner with states/cities to provide additional gas bill help.
Eligibility and benefits vary locally. Check with your gas provider.
Ex: SoCalGas CARE program. Offers up to $300 in bill credits.

Applying early increases aid chances as funds are limited and distributed on a first-come basis.

Use Payment Plan Programs

Utility providers offer programs to make paying your gas bill more affordable:

Budget Billing – Pay a fixed amount each month to even out seasonal cost spikes.
Payment Arrangements – Set up a payment plan to pay your bill over an extended period.
Balance Forgiveness – Payment matches or credits to help low-income customers forgive overdue balances.

Payment plans help you get back on track gradually without service disruption. Enroll through your online account or call customer service.

Know Your Service Shut-off Rights

Utility companies can shut off service for non-payment. However, there are protections:

Shut-offs are prohibited if you have a pending bill assistance application.
Service cannot be disconnected without proper notice. Check your state’s rules.
Most states ban winter gas shut-offs and have medical exemption programs.

Learn your rights so you can seek fair treatment if facing disconnection. Don’t hesitate to contact regulators if you feel wrongfully disconnected.

Seek Community Organization Assistance

There are thousands of community groups and nonprofit organizations that provide utility bill assistance across the country.

Churches/Synagogues – Many congregations set aside benevolence funds.
Community Action Programs – Offer aid with basic needs including utility bills.
Salvation Army – Provides emergency financial support for bills.

Check for help from groups in your local area. They may provide one-time grants or loans to cover an outstanding bill.

Reduce Your Gas Usage

Cutting your gas consumption can lead to lower bills. Ways to use less gas:

Lower your thermostat temperature and use blankets/sweaters to stay warm.
Replace old appliances with new energy efficient models. Look for ENERGY STAR models.
Weatherstrip windows, seal air leaks, and insulate your home.
Lower the temperature on your water heater and take shorter showers.

Being energy efficient allows your gas usage (and bills) to go further each winter.

Summary of Gas Bill Assistance Tips

Having trouble paying gas bills? Follow this checklist:

See if you qualify for a gas company bill discount.
Apply for HEAP, LIHEAP, and state/local assistance.
Enroll in budget billing or a payment plan.
Check for aid from community/faith-based groups.
Know your service shut-off rights.
Make your home more energy efficient.

With some planning and searching for assistance, you can get help covering the cost of your essential gas service. Don’t let your gas get shut off – take action today! There are many organizations waiting to help.

Gas Bill Help Pay

More Help and Information

211 is a free service that helps you find help. You can call 211 anytime, 24/7 to speak with a Community Resource Specialist who will help you identify needs and connect you to the programs in your community that help with those needs. 211 helps people find help paying bills, getting food for their family, find health or mental health care services, tax preparation assistance, and more, with most programs being free or low cost. To talk to someone now, call 211. For help by text, text your zip code to 898-211.

A complete list of National Grid phone numbers for customers in Upstate New York.

National Grid offers many easy ways to pay your energy bills, including at no-fee cash locations near your home.

Pay by mail, over the phone, or receive and pay your bill online through paperless billing and automatic payments.

We are here to help you weather any storm. Stay safe year-round with our safety tips for storms and extreme weather.

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Where can we help you today?

If you need help, we are here for you.

More people than ever are struggling to make ends meet, and that could make it challenging to pay your home gas and electric bill on time. We understand and want to make it as easy as possible to get the assistance you need, when you need it.

If you received a Disconnect Notice in the mail visit Grant Programs for information on available financial assistance and more.

Gas Bill Help Pay

Grants may be available to help you pay your bills through the Home Energy Assistance Program (HEAP), Hope & Warmth Energy Fund, Hearts Fighting Hunger, Temporary Assistance, and Care & Share.

Save on your National Grid gas and electric bill with a monthly bill credit available through our Energy Affordability Program (EAP).

Speak with a Consumer Advocate

Not sure what assistance program is right for you? A National Grid Consumer Advocate will be happy to help.

Upgrade the efficiency of your home and start saving energy and money. We offer a variety of rebates, services and tips.

Divide your annual energy costs into 12 balanced, monthly charges to keep the peaks and valleys out of your bills.

More Time to Pay

If you need more time to pay your gas or electric bill, you may qualify for payment extensions.

Homes with seriously ill, injured, or life support residents may be protected from having their service turned off in the event of non-payment.

Save Money on Your Gas Bill with Our Customer Assistance Program

FAQ

How do I get help paying my utility bill in NY?

To get the HEAP Clean and Tune benefit, you can call or go to a HEAP office in person. Call the DSS OneNumber at 718-557-1399 to apply by phone. HEAP will give you more information on eligibility, the application process, and the documents you need.

How can I get help paying my gas bill in Illinois?

For more information – Power Bill Discount. For households whose income is at or below 300% of the federal poverty level and who do not qualify for LIHEAP assistance, they can contact their natural gas utility company and ask for a discount. or call the Help Illinois Families Call Center at 1-833-711-0374.

What is the NYS utility arrears relief program?

Customers who qualify will get a credit on their accounts for unpaid COVID-related balances that have built up since May 1, 2022. Approximately 478,000 residential customers (i. e. , roughly 1. 2 million New Yorkers) and 56,000 small businesses in New York State will receive assistance totaling $672 million.

What if I can’t pay my gas bill?

Never miss a payment! Set up Automatic Monthly Payment Plan from your bank account. You can keep an eye on your usage, guess your next bill, and avoid surprises! Get personalized suggestions, find rebates, compare bills, and more! If you’re having trouble paying your gas bill, our customer service programs might be able to help.

Can I pay my gas bill online?

want to pay in-person, we got you covered. Manage your account from anywhere you are. You can pay your bills online, keep track of how much natural gas you use, and more! It’s quick and easy to pay online, but we know you have other options. Find a payment location if you prefer to pay in person.

How do I get help paying my utility bill?

Calls are confidential and answered 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year. If you have questions about utility payment relief and assistance programs, dial 2-1-1 or click the green button. If you need immediate help paying your utility bill, explore programs that may be able to help.

How do I apply for a gas assistance grant?

Our online application only takes a few minutes, and no additional documentation is needed. The Gas Assistance Fund (GAF) may be able to provide a one-time grant of up to $200. 00 to cover your gas bill. You may qualify for an energy assistance grant through the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program.

How do I get a $100 gas bill?

Apply through a referral partner for up to $100 in one-time gas bill assistance. Households must be a SoCal Gas customer and 200% under federal poverty line * (view chart above). In addition, households with adults aged 55 or older can apply for an extra $100, for a total of $200.

Where can I get help with my energy bill?

At Consumers Energy bill payment offices. If you need help filling out the claim, call 2-1-1 to get in touch with a certified tax professional in your area. It will cost you little or nothing. With help from the United Way, 2-1-1 is a free service that connects people with information or organizations that can help them with things like getting help with their energy bills.