Where to Get Help Paying Your Electric Bill

If you are struggling to pay your electric bill, you typically have several options: your utility company, federal and state programs, local nonprofits, and sometimes faith-based or community groups.

HowToGetAssistance.org is an informational site only; you must use official agencies, utility providers, or recognized charities to apply or take action.

Fast Answer: Main Places to Look for Electric Bill Assistance

Most electric bill help in the U.S. comes from a few common sources:

Your electric utility company – payment plans, due-date extensions, and hardship or “bill relief” programs.
LIHEAP (Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program) – a federal program run through state/local agencies that can sometimes help with electric bills and shut-off prevention.
State and local energy assistance programs – sometimes called “energy funds,” “crisis assistance,” or “fuel funds.”
Community organizations and churches – emergency, one-time help for shut-off notices or past-due balances.
211 information line – connects you to local bill-assistance resources by phone or online.

A state or county agency usually manages LIHEAP and other energy help, often through a Department of Social Services, Community Action Agency, or Housing and Community Development office.

Key Terms You’ll See (Plainly Explained)

Understanding the language on applications and bills makes it easier to get help:

Past-due / arrears – the part of your bill you’re behind on.
Disconnect / shut-off notice – a warning that your power may be turned off by a certain date if you don’t pay.
Payment arrangement – a plan to pay your balance over time, often in set monthly amounts.
Crisis / emergency assistance – programs that focus on households facing imminent shut-off or already disconnected service.

Your Next Steps: How to Look for Electric Bill Help

1. Start With Your Electric Company

Most utility companies have hardship options, especially if you have a shut-off notice or medical need.

Do this next:

Call the customer service number on your bill.
- Phone script you can use: “I’m having trouble paying my bill and have a shut-off notice. What payment arrangements or assistance programs are available for my account?”
Ask specifically about:
- Payment plans or deferred payment agreements.
- Budget billing (spreads costs more evenly through the year).
- Late fee waivers or hardship programs.
- Any programs for seniors, people with disabilities, or critical medical equipment in the home.
Write down the name of each program they mention, the person you spoke with, and any deadlines they give you.

What to expect next: they typically either set up a payment plan right away over the phone or refer you to a local assistance agency (often a Community Action Agency) and tell you how to contact them.

2. Check LIHEAP and State Energy Assistance

The Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) is the main federal energy assistance program; it’s usually run by state or local agencies, not utility companies.

Common features of LIHEAP and similar programs:

Helps with heating and cooling costs, which may include electric bills.
Often has income limits based on household size and total income.
In many areas, has “crisis” or “emergency” help to stop or reverse a shut-off.

How to find the right office:

Go to the official LIHEAP information page at the U.S. Department of Health & Human Services: search for “LIHEAP state contacts” or use the federal LIHEAP office locator on an official .gov site.
Select your state or territory to see the agency that manages LIHEAP locally (often a Community Action Agency or state energy office).
Follow their instructions for how to apply (online portal, phone, or in-person appointment).

What to expect next: you will usually need to complete an application and provide proof of income, ID, and your current electric bill; some areas have waiting lists or limited funding, so approval is not guaranteed and timelines can vary.

3. What You’ll Need Ready for Most Applications

Programs vary by state and agency, but the following documents are commonly required:

Photo ID for the main applicant (driver’s license, state ID, or similar).
Social Security numbers (or other acceptable ID numbers) for household members, if requested.
Proof of income for the past 30–60 days (pay stubs, benefit letters, unemployment, Social Security, etc.).
Your latest electric bill, including the account number and any disconnect notice.
Proof of address if it’s not clear from the bill (lease, letter from landlord, or other mail).

If you are missing a document, ask the agency what alternate proof is acceptable; many will accept benefit award letters or employer statements when standard documents are hard to get.

Quick Summary: Where to Look for Electric Bill Assistance

Call your electric company first to ask about payment plans and hardship relief.
Contact your local LIHEAP or energy assistance office for help with bills and shut-off prevention.
Use 211 (phone or website) to find local nonprofits, churches, and Community Action Agencies.
Gather ID, proof of income, and your electric bill before you apply.
Never pay “processing” fees to random websites or social media offers promising guaranteed bill help.

Common Snags (and Quick Fixes)

Applications often get delayed when the address on your ID doesn’t match your current service address → explain the situation and provide a lease or bill with your current address.
People frequently get stuck when phone lines are busy or no one answers → try calling right at opening time, ask for a callback option, or check if the agency allows walk-in visits or online appointment booking.
A frequent snag is not knowing which agency actually serves your county → use the LIHEAP state contact page or 211 to ask, “Which office handles LIHEAP or electric bill assistance for my zipcode?”

Avoid Mistakes and Electric Bill Assistance Scams

Any time money or benefits are involved, scam risks go up. Use these checks:

Do not pay anyone a “guaranteed approval” fee. Legitimate assistance programs usually do not charge you to apply.
Be cautious of texts, emails, or social media messages claiming you’ve been “pre-approved” for electric bill relief and asking for your bank login, full Social Security number, or gift cards.
Apply only through official channels: your utility company, a recognized government agency, or known community organizations (like Community Action Agencies, Salvation Army, or similar).
When in doubt, call 211 or your state’s official website (ending in .gov) and ask them to confirm whether a program is legitimate.
Never ignore a disconnect notice while waiting for help; ask both the assistance agency and your electric company if they can place a temporary hold on disconnection while your application is reviewed (this is sometimes possible but not guaranteed).

If Primary Options Don’t Work: Other Places to Check

If you are denied or funds are not available, you still may have alternatives:

Local nonprofits and charities – Organizations like local Community Action Agencies, Goodwill, Salvation Army, or neighborhood service centers often manage small emergency funds for utilities.
Faith-based organizations – Churches, mosques, synagogues, and interfaith councils sometimes offer one-time help to prevent shut-offs, even if you are not a member.
County human services / social services office – Some counties have general assistance or crisis intervention programs that can cover part of a utility bill in emergencies.
State hardship or consumer protection programs – Certain states have special rules or funds for low-income households, seniors, or medically vulnerable residents that restrict when utilities can disconnect.

Because programs and rules vary by state and county, it often helps to say, “I live in [ZIP code]. Who handles crisis utility assistance here, and how do I contact them?”

Simple Step-by-Step Path You Can Follow Today

Call your electric company today.
- Ask about payment arrangements, due-date extensions, and any hardship or medical protection programs.
Check your state’s LIHEAP/energy assistance office.
- Use an official .gov LIHEAP contact page or your state’s main website to find the correct agency for your county.
Gather your documents.
- Have ID, proof of income, and your electric bill ready before contacting agencies for appointments.
Call 211 or visit the official 211 website.
- Ask for a list of utility bill assistance programs in your area, including Community Action Agencies and charities.
Apply or schedule appointments as directed.
- Ask each agency how long decisions usually take and whether they can notify your electric company that you’ve applied.
Stay in contact with your utility company.
- Let them know you’re seeking help and ask if a temporary hold or revised payment plan is possible while you wait.

By following these steps and using only official agencies, your utility company, and recognized local nonprofits, you can typically identify every realistic source of assistance available for your electric bill in your area.