How to Get Help Paying Your Electric and Utility Bills

If you’re struggling to keep up with your electric or other utility bills, there are several programs that can sometimes help with past-due balances, shut-off notices, or high seasonal bills. HowToGetAssistance.org is an informational site only; you must use official agencies and providers to apply or make any changes to your account.

Most people who get help with utilities use a combination of government energy assistance, payment plans with the utility company, and sometimes local charities. The exact programs and names vary by state and utility, but the steps to get started are very similar.

Key Types of Utility Assistance You Can Look For

Most formal assistance programs focus on heating, cooling, and electric bills, but some areas also help with water, sewer, and gas.

Common programs and options include:

LIHEAP (Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program) – Federal program run by state agencies that can help with heating/cooling costs and, in some cases, crisis or shut-off notices.
Utility company hardship programs – Bill discounts, arrearage forgiveness (help with old balances), or medical protection programs run by the utility itself.
Payment arrangements – Longer-term payment plans to spread out what you owe.
Weatherization and efficiency programs – Help lowering bills over time by improving insulation, appliances, or home energy use.
Local charities and churches – One-time emergency help, often small amounts, but useful to stop a shut-off or reconnect service.

State and local rules differ, so program names and income limits in your area will typically come from your state energy office, local community action agency, or utility company’s assistance page.

What You’ll Need Ready Before You Apply

Having the right documents prepared can prevent delays and last‑minute scrambling.

Commonly required information includes:

Identification: State ID, driver’s license, or another photo ID for the adult applying.
Proof of address: Recent utility bill, lease, or mail with your name and current address.
Proof of income: Recent pay stubs, Social Security or disability award letters, unemployment benefits, pension, or a letter explaining no income.
Household details: Names, dates of birth, and sometimes Social Security numbers for everyone in the home.
Utility account information: Account number, shut-off notice, and current bill.

Terms to know (plain language)

Arrearage: Past-due balance that has built up over time.
Shut-off / disconnect notice: Warning from the utility that service will be turned off by a certain date if not paid.
Crisis assistance: Short-term help when you’re about to lose service or already disconnected.

Real-world friction to watch for: A common reason applications get delayed is missing income proof for one household member or not including every page of a utility bill, so it often helps to gather full documents (not just screenshots) before you contact any agency.

Your Next Steps: How to Start Getting Utility Assistance

1. Contact your electric/utility company first

This is usually the fastest way to keep the lights on while you explore other help.

Call the customer service or billing number on your bill and say clearly: “I have a shut-off notice / I can’t afford my bill. What assistance or payment plans do you offer?”
Ask about:
- Payment arrangements (extended payment plans)
- Budget billing (averaging payments across the year)
- Low-income or hardship programs
- Medical protections if someone in the home uses life-sustaining equipment
What to expect next: They may offer a payment plan on the spot, tell you about company programs, or refer you to a local agency like a community action agency or social services department for help with the bill itself.

If you cannot reach your utility by phone, many companies list assistance options in their “Help with Bills” or “Customer Assistance” sections on their website.

2. Check if LIHEAP or similar state programs are available

Most states run LIHEAP and related utility aid through a state agency and local partner organizations.

Go to the official LIHEAP Help page at the U.S. Department of Health & Human Services: search for “LIHEAP” or use the LIHEAP State and Territory Contact resource on an official .gov site, such as the Office of Community Services.
On your state’s page, look for “How to apply”, “Local providers”, or “Find help in your county.”
Call or visit the listed local office (often a community action agency or human services department) and ask: “How do I apply for LIHEAP or crisis energy assistance?”
What to expect next:
- You may need to make an appointment or complete an online application.
- During busy seasons (winter/summer), appointments and processing can take weeks, so this is rarely same‑day help.
- They typically tell you how much support might be available after reviewing your documents and eligibility.

If you’re not sure which agency covers your area, dialing 2‑1‑1 in many states or visiting the official 211 website can help you find the correct local energy assistance provider.

3. Ask about local emergency assistance

If your shut-off date is very soon, local short-term help can sometimes fill the gap.

Options often include:

County or city human services / social services departments – Some have small emergency funds for utilities.
Faith-based organizations – Churches, synagogues, mosques, and interfaith councils may provide one-time utility help.
Local nonprofits and community funds – Sometimes run “energy funds” in partnership with utilities.

Do this next: When you call, say, “I have a utility shut-off notice. Do you provide any emergency electric bill assistance, or can you refer me to someone who does?”

What to expect next: These programs usually ask for a copy of your bill and proof of crisis (disconnect notice or already shut off) and pay the utility directly if you’re approved.

Does Utility Assistance Apply to You?

Each program sets its own rules, but you’re more likely to qualify for help if any of the following are true:

Your household income is below a certain limit (often 150%–200% of the federal poverty level, but this varies by state and program).
You received a shut-off / disconnect notice or already lost service.
Someone in the home is elderly, disabled, or a young child, especially under age 5.
Someone relies on medical equipment that needs electricity.
You’ve had a sudden drop in income, such as job loss or reduced hours.

Because eligibility and benefit amounts vary by state, county, and utility company, the most reliable way to know what applies to you is to contact your utility and your local energy assistance or community action agency and ask about programs by name (like LIHEAP, crisis assistance, or arrearage forgiveness).

Common Snags (and Quick Fixes)

Snag: Can’t figure out the right office to call.
Fix: Contact your utility and ask, “Which local agency handles LIHEAP or energy assistance for your customers?” or dial 2‑1‑1 for a referral.
Snag: Long wait times or full voicemail boxes.
Fix: Call early in the morning, ask if walk‑in hours exist, or check if the agency accepts online applications or drop-off paperwork.
Snag: Application returned for missing documents.
Fix: Ask for a checklist of required documents, then gather items for every adult in the home (especially income proof) before re-submitting.
Snag: You don’t have printed copies.
Fix: Many libraries and community centers allow printing and copying at low cost; bring your bills and IDs on a phone or email to print.

Avoid Mistakes and Utility Assistance Scams

Because utility aid involves money and personal information, use extra caution.

Only apply through official channels: state or county agencies, recognized community action agencies, your utility company, or well-known local nonprofits.
Be suspicious of anyone who guarantees approval or same‑day large payments in exchange for fees or bank access.
Do not pay “processing fees” or give your online account password to someone claiming they’ll apply for you.
Confirm you’re on a real site: look for .gov for government agencies or the exact domain listed on your utility bill.
If someone calls claiming to be from your utility demanding payment through gift cards or apps, hang up and call the customer service number printed on your bill to verify.

Quick Summary: How to Get Utility Assistance

Start with your utility company – ask about payment plans, discounts, and hardship programs.
Check LIHEAP / state energy assistance via your state’s official contact on a .gov site.
Use local resources – community action agencies, county social services, and charities for emergency help.
Gather key documents early – ID, proof of address, income, household info, and your latest bill or shut-off notice.
Protect yourself from scams – use only official agencies and your actual utility company; never pay someone to “guarantee” help.

By following these steps and contacting the correct official offices, you can typically find out which programs you qualify for and what support, if any, may be available for your electric and other utility bills.