Understand your
utility bill options.
Explore energy assistance, crisis help, weatherization and phone discounts. Learn where each one starts and what to do before a shutoff.
Program directory
Utility programs, at a glance
LIHEAP pays bills, weatherization lowers them, and crisis help steps in at a shutoff.
- 01
LIHEAP
Energy assistance
- Support
- Help with heating and cooling bills
- Start here
- Your state LIHEAP office
- 02
LIHEAP crisis help
Emergency energy help
- Support
- Shutoffs and fuel emergencies
- Start here
- Your state LIHEAP office
- 03
- Support
- Free home energy repairs
- Start here
- Your local weatherization agency
- 04
State discount programs
Bill discounts and caps
- Support
- Lower rates in some states
- Start here
- Your utility or state
- 05
Utility hardship funds
Company assistance
- Support
- One-time help from some utilities
- Start here
- Your utility company
- 06
Water bill help
Water and sewer
- Support
- Utility discounts, payment plans and shutoff rules
- Start here
- Your water utility
- 07
Payment plans
Budget billing
- Support
- Spread costs or past-due amounts
- Start here
- Your utility company
- 08
Community Action Agencies
Local help
- Support
- Energy help and referrals
- Start here
- Your local agency
- 09
Lifeline
Phone and internet
- Support
- Monthly discount on one service
- Start here
- A participating provider
LIHEAP money is limited each year, and some states open first to older adults, people with disabilities and families with young children.
Practical next steps
Keeping the heat, lights and water on
- 1Call your utility earlyAsk about payment plans and any hardship programs before a shutoff.
- 2Apply for LIHEAPEach state sets its own dates, so check when yours is open.
- 3Ask about crisis helpIf you have a shutoff notice or no fuel, say so when you apply.
- 4Request weatherizationEnergy repairs can lower bills for the long term.
- 5Keep every noticeSave bills, shutoff notices and letters from the agency.
Get the facts
Energy assistance myths, set straight
- AssumptionLIHEAP is open all year everywhere.What to checkEach state sets its own season and dates. Check your state's LIHEAP office.
- AssumptionA shutoff notice means it is too late.What to checkCrisis help exists for this. Contact your utility and your LIHEAP office right away.
- AssumptionWeatherization costs money.What to checkWeatherization services are free for eligible households.
Common pitfalls
Dates and details that cost people their award
- Waiting for the noticeCall your utility as soon as you know a bill is a problem.
- Missing paperworkKeep a recent bill and proof of income ready to apply.
- Missed application windowsLIHEAP funds can run out, so apply as early as you can.
Frequently asked questions
Utility questions, answered.
Each state runs its own LIHEAP program and sets its own application dates. Some states accept applications year-round, and others open for heating and cooling seasons. Check your state's LIHEAP office.
Contact your utility right away and ask about a payment plan. Then apply for LIHEAP crisis help. Federal law requires crisis assistance to be provided within 48 hours of an eligible application, or 18 hours in life-threatening situations.
No. The Weatherization Assistance Program provides energy repairs at no cost to eligible households. Your local weatherization agency decides which work your home needs.
Yes. The FCC's Lifeline program offers a monthly discount on phone or internet service for eligible households. The separate Affordable Connectivity Program ended in 2024.
Many states limit disconnections during extreme weather or when someone has a medical need. The rules vary, so ask your utility or your state's utility commission.
Official sources
LIHEAP and federal energy program links
Independent guide
GrantsHubUSA explains programs and links to official resources. We do not run these programs or process applications.
Read our editorial policyEligibility wizard
Answer a few questions and see which programs are worth a closer look. Only the agency decides eligibility.