Where to find help paying your electric bill

If you cannot pay your electric bill in full, your utility company, your state, and local nonprofits all run programs that can help. The fastest route is usually to contact your utility directly — most have hardship programs that lower your bill, defer payment, or connect you to outside funding. If that does not work, your state's energy assistance program (run through the Department of Health and Human Services or a similar agency) can pay part or all of what you owe. Local nonprofits and community action agencies often have smaller emergency funds that move faster.

The key is starting before your bill becomes severely past due. Once you fall far enough behind, your utility can shut off service, and reconnection fees make the total cost much higher. Most programs work best when you reach out while you still have service or within a few weeks of a shutoff notice.

Key Takeaways

  • Your utility company's hardship program is the first place to call, because they can pause disconnection and lower your bill immediately while you sort out longer-term help.
  • Your state's Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) pays utility bills directly to the company, but has income limits and typically covers only part of what you owe.
  • Local community action agencies and nonprofits often have emergency funds that process faster than state programs and do not have strict income cutoffs.
  • If you receive Supplemental Security Income (SSI), SNAP, or Medicaid, you may already meet income limits for energy assistance without having to prove it again.
  • A disconnection notice does not mean service will stop immediately — you usually have 10 to 30 days to contact the utility or find help before the shutoff happens.

Contact your utility company's hardship program first

Call the customer service number on your bill and ask for the hardship program, bill assistance program, or customer care program — the name varies by company. Tell them you cannot pay your bill and ask what they can do. Most utilities will pause disconnection for 30 to 60 days while you work on a solution, lower your monthly bill temporarily, set up a payment plan, or refer you to local nonprofits that can help.

Have your account number and a recent bill ready when you call. Be honest about your income and what happened — job loss, medical emergency, or reduced hours. The utility does not need to verify your story the way a government program does; they just want to know whether you are likely to pay something going forward. If you cannot pay the full amount, ask whether they have a percentage-of-income plan, which caps your monthly payment at a share of your household income (often 3 to 6 percent).

Write down the name of the person you spoke to, the date, and what they promised. If disconnection happens anyway, you can dispute it by showing you contacted them in good faith.

Apply for your state's Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP)

Every state runs LIHEAP, a federal program that pays utility bills directly to the company. The program covers both electric and gas, and in some states also water and heating fuel. LIHEAP pays a portion of what you owe — rarely the full amount — and the size of the payment depends on your income, household size, and how much your bill is.

To apply, contact your state's LIHEAP office. You can find it by searching "[your state] LIHEAP" or by calling 211 (a free helpline that connects you to local resources). You will need to provide proof of income (recent pay stubs, tax return, or a letter from your employer), proof of residency (utility bill or lease), and your Social Security number. The process usually takes two to four weeks.

Income limits vary by state and household size. A single person might have a limit around $1,500 to $2,000 per month; a family of four might be around $3,000 to $4,000. If you receive SNAP, Medicaid, or SSI, you are automatically income-may be able to access in most states and do not have to prove your income again — just say so when you apply.

Look for emergency funds through community action agencies and nonprofits

Community action agencies (CAAs) are local nonprofits that receive federal funding to help low-income households. Most have emergency utility assistance funds separate from LIHEAP, and they often process applications faster — sometimes in days instead of weeks. They also tend to have more flexibility: some do not have strict income limits, and some will help even if you already received LIHEAP money that year.

Find your local CAA by searching "[your county] community action agency" or by calling 211. When you call, ask specifically about emergency utility assistance. Have your account number and bill amount ready. Some CAAs will pay the utility directly; others will give you a check or voucher to take to the company. A few will even help with reconnection fees if your service was already shut off.

Other nonprofits that help with utility bills include the Salvation Army, Catholic Charities, Jewish Family Services, and local churches or religious organizations. These often have smaller pots of money but fewer restrictions. Call ahead to ask whether they help with electric bills and what documents you need to bring.

Understand what happens if you receive a disconnection notice

A disconnection notice is a warning, not an immediate shutoff. Most states require utilities to give you 10 to 30 days' notice before they can turn off service. Use that time to contact your utility's hardship program, apply for LIHEAP or CAA assistance, or negotiate a payment plan. Even if you cannot pay the full amount, calling to show you are trying to resolve it often stops the shutoff.

If your service is shut off before you can get help, reconnection usually costs $50 to $200 in addition to the unpaid balance. Some utilities waive the reconnection fee if you are enrolled in a hardship program or if you can show proof that you applied for LIHEAP. Ask the utility what fee applies and whether it can be waived.

If you are elderly, disabled, or have a serious medical condition that depends on electricity, some states have rules that prevent disconnection during winter months or year-round. Ask your utility whether you may have access to for this protection.

Avoid common mistakes when seeking help

Do not wait until your service is shut off to ask for help. Hardship programs, LIHEAP, and CAA funds all work better when you reach out early. Once disconnection happens, the total cost jumps because of reconnection fees, and some programs will not help if you are already disconnected.

Do not ignore notices from your utility. If you receive a disconnection warning, call immediately. Ignoring it does not make it go away, and it gives you less time to find help. If you cannot reach anyone by phone, many utilities now accept messages through their website or mobile app.

Do not assume you do not meet income limits. LIHEAP limits are higher than many people expect, and if you receive any public benefit (SNAP, Medicaid, SSI, housing vouchers), you may already may have access to without additional proof. Ask when you apply.

Do not pay a third-party company to help you apply for LIHEAP or utility assistance. These programs are free. If someone asks for money to help you apply, they are scamming you. LIHEAP and CAA assistance are always free.

What to do if you are behind on multiple months of bills

If you owe several months of back bills, LIHEAP and CAA programs will usually pay the oldest debt first. This stops disconnection and brings your account current. However, the payment may not cover everything you owe, so you may still need to set up a payment plan for the remainder with your utility.

Ask your utility whether they have an arrearage forgiveness program — some do, especially if you enroll in a hardship or percentage-of-income plan. These programs forgive a portion of old debt if you make on-time payments for a set period (often 12 months). It is worth asking about even if the utility does not advertise it.

If you have been disconnected and owe a large reconnection fee, some CAAs will help pay that fee as part of their emergency assistance. Call your local CAA and explain the situation before you assume you cannot afford to reconnect.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much money will I get from LIHEAP?

LIHEAP pays a portion of your bill, not the full amount. The payment depends on your state, income, household size, and how high your bill is. In most states, the average payment is $300 to $800 per year, though some states pay more. Your state's LIHEAP office can estimate what you might receive when you call.

Can I get help if I rent instead of own my home?

Yes. LIHEAP and utility hardship programs help renters as well as homeowners. If you rent and your landlord pays the electric bill, you may not be able to use LIHEAP (since the utility is not in your name), but your landlord might be able to apply. Ask your utility and your local CAA whether they have programs for renters whose landlord controls the bill.

What if I already got help once this year?

LIHEAP usually limits you to one payment per year, but some states allow a second payment in winter if you reapply. Community action agencies often have separate emergency funds that are not limited to once per year. Call your local CAA to ask whether you can receive emergency assistance again.

Do I have to pay back the money I receive?

No. LIHEAP and most CAA emergency assistance are grants, not loans. You do not have to repay them. However, if you receive money by mistake or if you were dishonest on your application, the program may ask you to repay it.

What if my utility company says they cannot help me?

Some utilities have smaller hardship programs or may tell you they cannot pause disconnection. If that happens, move directly to LIHEAP and your local CAA. You do not need the utility's permission to apply for outside help. Once you receive a payment from LIHEAP or a CAA, the utility must accept it and credit your account.