Where to find bill payment help
If you cannot pay your electric or gas bill, money to cover it may be available through programs run by your state, your utility company, or local nonprofits. These programs do not require you to repay the money. The fastest way to find what exists in your area is to call 211 — a free helpline that connects you to local resources — or visit 211.org and enter your zip code.
Your utility company itself often runs a program. Call the customer service number on your bill and ask whether they have a bill payment assistance program or hardship program. Many utilities also offer budget billing or level payment plans, which spread your annual costs evenly across twelve months so no single bill shocks you. These are not the same as assistance — you still pay the full amount — but they make the bill predictable.
State energy assistance programs exist in every state. These are usually called the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP), though some states use different names. LIHEAP is federally funded but run by each state, so the income limits, the amount of help, and the application process vary. Your state's energy office or your local community action agency can tell you whether you meet the income threshold and how to apply.
Key Takeaways
- Call 211 or visit 211.org to find bill payment programs in your area — this is the fastest way to learn what money is available to you.
- Your utility company may have its own hardship program that pays part or all of your bill without requiring repayment.
- State LIHEAP programs exist in every state and cover heating and cooling costs for households below certain income limits, though the limits and payment amounts vary by state.
- Local nonprofits and community action agencies often run smaller programs and can sometimes help even when you do not meet LIHEAP income limits.
- Budget billing through your utility spreads costs evenly across the year but does not reduce what you owe — it only changes when you pay.
How utility company hardship programs work
Most large electric and gas utilities have a program specifically for customers who cannot pay. The program may forgive part of your bill, defer payment to a later month, or set up a payment plan with no interest. Some utilities combine these — for example, forgiving 25 percent of arrears and spreading the rest over six months.
To access it, call the number on your bill and ask to speak with someone in customer service or the hardship department. Have your account number ready. Be prepared to describe why you cannot pay — job loss, medical emergency, or reduced hours all count. The utility will likely ask for proof of income, such as recent pay stubs or a letter from your employer stating you were laid off. Some utilities ask for a utility bill to confirm your address.
The utility does not check your credit or run a background check. What matters is that you live at the address on the account and that your income is low enough to may have access to. Income limits vary by utility and by family size, but many programs serve households earning up to 150 or 200 percent of the federal poverty line. After you are approved, the utility will either reduce your bill, set up a payment plan, or both.
State LIHEAP programs and how to apply
LIHEAP is a federal program that gives money directly to states to help low-income households pay heating and cooling bills. In winter states, it covers heating fuel and electric heat. In summer states, it covers air conditioning. Some states also cover water heating and other utility costs. The amount of help ranges from a few hundred dollars to over a thousand, depending on your state, your income, and your bill size.
To find your state's LIHEAP program, search "[your state] LIHEAP" or call your local community action agency — 211 can connect you to the nearest one. You will need to provide proof of income (recent pay stubs, tax return, or a letter from your employer), proof of residency (a utility bill or lease), and proof that you pay the utility bill (your bill itself). Some states also require proof of citizenship or a Social Security number.
LIHEAP applications open on a set date each year, usually in fall or early winter. Some states run the program year-round, but many close the application when funding runs out. If you miss the window or the fund closes, ask when it reopens — most states reopen in late summer or early fall. Processing takes two to four weeks after you submit everything.
Local nonprofits and community action agencies
Beyond LIHEAP and utility programs, local nonprofits often run smaller bill payment funds. These may have higher income limits than LIHEAP, shorter wait times, or less paperwork. Some serve specific groups — seniors, veterans, or people with disabilities — while others serve anyone in the neighborhood. 211 will list these when you search your zip code.
Community action agencies are nonprofit organizations funded partly by the federal government and partly by state and local money. They run LIHEAP in your area but often have their own emergency funds too. Call the agency directly and ask whether they have money available right now. Some agencies can process emergency requests in a few days if you are about to lose service.
When you contact a nonprofit, ask what documents they need before you gather everything. Some want only a bill and proof of income. Others ask for proof of hardship — a disconnection notice, a layoff letter, or a medical bill. Having the right papers ready speeds up the process.
What to do if you are about to lose service
Most utilities must give you notice before they shut off your power or gas — usually 10 to 30 days, depending on your state. The notice will say a specific date when service stops. If you receive this notice, contact your utility immediately and tell them you are seeking bill payment help. Many utilities will delay disconnection for 30 days if you can show you have applied for assistance.
Ask the utility for the name of the program you applied to and the expected decision date. Write this down and keep it with your notice. If the utility disconnects you anyway, you may have the right to dispute it — your state's public utilities commission can tell you how. Some states require the utility to reconnect you for free once you pay a portion of the bill or once assistance comes through.
If you are in immediate danger of disconnection and have not yet applied for help, start with 211 or your local community action agency. Tell them the disconnection date. Some agencies have emergency funds that can be sent to the utility within days.
Budget billing and payment plans that do not require assistance
If you do not meet income limits for assistance programs but still struggle with high bills, ask your utility about budget billing. This spreads your annual electric or gas costs evenly across twelve months. Instead of paying $300 in winter and $50 in summer, you pay the same amount each month. You do not save money overall, but the bill becomes predictable and easier to budget for.
Your utility may also offer a payment arrangement or deferred payment plan that lets you pay part of what you owe now and the rest over several months, usually with no interest. This is different from assistance — you still owe the full amount — but it spreads the cost. Ask whether the utility charges a fee to set up the plan.
Some utilities offer percentage of income payment plans (PIPP), which cap your monthly bill at a percentage of your household income — often 5 or 6 percent. If you earn $2,000 a month and your PIPP is set at 5 percent, you pay $100 per month no matter how high your bill is. The utility absorbs the rest. PIPP is not the same as assistance, but it functions similarly. Ask your utility whether they offer it.
Documents you will need to gather
Most programs ask for the same basic documents. Gather these before you call or apply so you can move quickly. Keep copies for your records.
| Document | Why it matters |
|---|---|
| Recent utility bill | Proves you pay the bill and shows your account number and address |
| Proof of income | Recent pay stubs, tax return, or letter from employer showing you meet income limits |
| Proof of residency | Utility bill, lease, or mortgage statement showing you live at the address on the account |
| ID | Driver's license or state ID to confirm your identity |
| Disconnection notice (if applicable) | Speeds up processing and may may have access to you for emergency funds |
Frequently Asked Questions
Will getting bill payment help hurt my credit?
No. Receiving assistance from a utility program or LIHEAP does not appear on your credit report. If you have unpaid bills that went to a collection agency before you received help, those may already be on your report, but the assistance itself does not add to that damage.
What if I do not have proof of income?
If you are unemployed or self-employed, ask the program what they will accept instead. Many programs take a signed statement from you saying you have no income, a letter from a food bank or shelter confirming you receive services, or a bank statement showing no deposits. Call before you apply to ask what counts.
Can I get help if I rent and do not pay the utility bill directly?
It depends on the program. Some LIHEAP programs help renters whose landlord pays the utility but includes it in the rent. You will need a letter from your landlord confirming the utility cost. Utility company hardship programs usually require that your name be on the account, so you would need to contact the utility and ask whether they can work with you as a renter.
What happens if I get assistance but then cannot pay my bill again next month?
Most programs help once per year or once per heating season. If you need help again, you can reapply when the program opens the next year. In the meantime, ask your utility about budget billing or a payment plan to spread costs. If you face a new emergency, contact your local community action agency — they sometimes have small emergency funds separate from the main program.
How long does it take to get the money?
Utility company programs often decide within one to two weeks. LIHEAP typically takes two to four weeks after you submit all documents. Some community action agencies can process emergency requests in a few days. Ask the program for an expected timeline when you apply, and ask whether they will contact your utility to delay disconnection while you wait.