Utility Assistance Programs -- Every Way to Get Help With Your Bills

How to Apply -- Step by Step

1. 1

   Call 211 for a complete assessment

   Call 211 (or visit 211.org) and explain your situation. The specialist will identify every utility assistance program you qualify for in your area -- federal, state, utility company, and nonprofit. This one call can connect you with multiple programs you might not know about.

2. 2

   Apply for LIHEAP first

   LIHEAP is the foundation. Apply through your local Community Action Agency. Getting LIHEAP automatically makes you eligible for Weatherization (WAP) and gives you priority for many other programs. Even if you have already received LIHEAP, continue to the next steps for additional help.

3. 3

   Enroll in your utility company's hardship program

   Call your electric and gas company and ask about their Customer Assistance Program (CAP), hardship program, or bill discount program. Most major utilities have these programs. They may offer percentage-of-income billing, bill discounts, arrearage forgiveness, or payment plans. You can usually enroll by phone or in person.

4. 4

   Apply for state-specific programs

   Many states offer additional programs beyond LIHEAP. California has CARE/FERA, Ohio has PIPP Plus, Pennsylvania has utility-specific CAPs, New York has HEAP + EAP. Your state may have similar programs. Your 211 call or Community Action Agency can identify these.

5. 5

   Contact nonprofit organizations

   The Salvation Army, St. Vincent de Paul, Catholic Charities, and local nonprofits often provide emergency utility assistance. These can fill gaps when government programs are not enough. Some nonprofit assistance has minimal paperwork requirements and can be processed quickly.

6. 6

   Apply for weatherization

   Apply for the Weatherization Assistance Program through your local Community Action Agency. WAP provides permanent improvements that reduce your bills every month going forward. The wait list can be long (6-12 months), so apply early even if your immediate crisis is resolved.

The Power of Stacking Programs

One of the most important things to understand about utility assistance is that programs can be combined. You are not limited to just one. A household could realistically receive: LIHEAP heating assistance ($300-$1,000), utility company CAP enrollment (reducing monthly bills by 30-50%), nonprofit emergency assistance ($200-$500 from Salvation Army or similar), weatherization improvements (reducing bills permanently by $283/year on average), and state-specific discounts (like California CARE's 30% discount).

In total, these combined benefits could reduce your annual energy costs by $1,500 or more. The key is to apply for everything. Do not assume you cannot get help from multiple sources -- that is exactly what these programs are designed for.

Federal Programs: WAP and LIHWAP

The Weatherization Assistance Program (WAP) is arguably the most valuable utility assistance program because its benefits are permanent. When WAP insulates your home, fixes your furnace, or seals air leaks, those improvements reduce your bills every month for years. The Department of Energy invests an average of $6,500 per home, and the average household saves $283 per year in energy costs. Over 7 million homes have been weatherized since the program began.

The Low Income Household Water Assistance Program (LIHWAP) provided water and wastewater bill assistance from 2021 through March 2024, when its funding expired. As of 2026, there is no direct federal replacement for water bill assistance, though some states have launched their own programs and LIHEAP funds can sometimes be used for water heating costs. Check with your local 211 for current water assistance programs in your area.

Utility Company Programs: What Your Provider Offers

Almost every major utility company in the US operates some form of customer assistance program. These go by many names -- Customer Assistance Program (CAP), Low-Income Home Energy Assistance, Hardship Program, Energy Assistance, or Bill Discount Program. The benefits typically include one or more of: reduced rates or percentage-of-income billing, arrearage forgiveness (gradual forgiveness of past-due balances), levelized or budget billing (consistent monthly payments), extended payment arrangements for overdue balances, and free energy audits or appliance upgrades.

To find your utility's programs, call the customer service number on your bill and say 'I am having trouble paying my bill and I need to know about assistance programs.' You can also check your utility's website (look for sections labeled 'billing help,' 'payment assistance,' 'programs for low-income customers,' or 'hardship programs'). In states with regulated utilities, the state Public Utility Commission often requires utilities to offer these programs by law.

Nonprofit and Community Assistance

Nonprofit organizations fill critical gaps in government programs. When LIHEAP funds run out (which happens in many states by mid-winter), nonprofits are often the last line of defense against utility shutoff. The Salvation Army operates in every US state and provides utility assistance through local chapters. The Society of St. Vincent de Paul operates through over 4,400 parish conferences and is known for accessible, low-barrier assistance. Catholic Charities provides utility help through over 160 dioceses.

Local organizations matter too. Many communities have energy assistance funds run by local churches, community foundations, or service organizations. United Way chapters often administer utility assistance. Utility companies themselves sometimes partner with nonprofits through 'fuel funds' or 'share the warmth' programs funded by voluntary customer donations.

Do not be embarrassed to ask for help. These organizations exist specifically to help people in your situation. They have helped millions of families keep their lights on, and they can help you too.

Special Situations: DV Survivors, Recently Released, and Recovery

If you are a domestic violence survivor, many utility assistance programs provide priority processing and confidential service. You may be able to establish a new utility account without your abuser knowing your address. Contact the National DV Hotline (1-800-799-7233) for help navigating utility setup in your new location.

If you are recently released from incarceration, you face a unique challenge: no recent utility history and potentially bad credit from before your incarceration. Many utility companies will work with you on deposit requirements if you explain your situation. Apply for LIHEAP immediately -- it can help cover initial utility costs. Prepaid electricity (in deregulated states) avoids the deposit issue entirely.

If you are in addiction recovery and living in a sober living home or halfway house, your utilities are typically included in your rent. But if you are transitioning to independent housing, apply for utility assistance before you move in so benefits are in place from day one. Many Community Action Agencies can help you apply for multiple programs simultaneously.

Water Bill Assistance

Water bill assistance is less developed than energy assistance at the federal level. The LIHWAP program ended in March 2024 when its pandemic-era funding expired. However, water assistance does exist at the state and local level.

Many water utilities offer their own low-income discount programs or hardship payment plans. California has a statewide Low-Income Rate Assistance program for water. Some states allow LIHEAP funds to cover water heating costs. Nonprofits like the Salvation Army and St. Vincent de Paul often help with water bills as well as energy bills.

If you are struggling with your water bill, contact your water utility about hardship programs, call 211, and check if any local nonprofits can help. Water shutoffs for nonpayment are illegal or restricted in many states, especially for households with children, elderly, or medically vulnerable residents.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I get utility assistance if I have a criminal record?

Yes. None of the programs listed here (federal, state, utility company, or nonprofit) check criminal records. Eligibility is based on income, household size, and sometimes participation in other programs like SNAP or SSI. People with felonies, misdemeanors, or any criminal history can apply for and receive utility assistance.

Can I get help from more than one program at the same time?

Yes. This is encouraged. You can receive LIHEAP AND enroll in your utility company's hardship program AND receive nonprofit assistance AND get weatherization services. These programs are designed to be layered. Call 211 to identify every program you qualify for and apply for all of them.

What if LIHEAP funding has run out in my state?

LIHEAP funds are limited and some states exhaust their allocation before the end of heating season. If LIHEAP is not available, apply for your utility company's hardship program, contact nonprofits (Salvation Army, St. Vincent de Paul, Catholic Charities), and ask your utility about payment plans or shutoff protection. Crisis assistance may still be available even if regular LIHEAP funds are exhausted.

How do I find out what programs are available in my area?

The fastest way is to call 211. The 211 helpline has a database of every assistance program in your area and can connect you with the right resources. You can also contact your local Community Action Agency, visit benefits.gov, or call your utility company directly and ask about assistance programs.

I am behind on my bills. Can I still get help?

Yes. Many programs are specifically designed for people who are already behind on bills. LIHEAP crisis assistance helps with shutoff prevention. Utility company CAPs often include arrearage forgiveness (gradual forgiveness of past-due balances). Nonprofits frequently help with overdue bills. Do not wait until you receive a shutoff notice -- apply now, but know that help is available even if you are already in crisis.

Does weatherization really work?

Yes. The Department of Energy has extensively studied WAP outcomes. The average weatherized home saves $283 per year in energy costs. Health benefits include fewer respiratory problems, fewer emergency room visits, and improved comfort. The improvements (insulation, air sealing, furnace repair) last for 15-25 years. For low-income households, weatherization reduces energy burden more effectively than any other single intervention.

Can renters get utility assistance?

Yes. Both renters and homeowners qualify for LIHEAP and most other utility assistance programs. For weatherization (WAP), renters need their landlord's permission for home improvements, but the program can still serve rental units. If your utilities are included in your rent, you may still qualify for LIHEAP in most states (the benefit may be paid directly to you).

What about water bill assistance?

Water bill assistance is more limited than energy assistance at the federal level since LIHWAP ended in March 2024. However, many water utilities offer their own low-income discount programs, states like California have statewide water assistance, and nonprofits often help with water bills. Call 211 or contact your water utility to find programs in your area.