Federal & State Resources
A utility assistance program provides financial aid to low-income households that are struggling to pay electricity, heating, water, and cooling bills—helping families keep essential services on during times of hardship. Millions of Americans qualify and don't know it.
Many low-income households are struggling to keep up with utility bills—a challenge made worse by the economic impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic. Without help, families face the risk of shut-offs, leaving them without electricity, water, or heat. Fortunately, a range of energy assistance programs exist to provide relief. Here is an overview of the types available and how to access them.
From federal grants to local nonprofits, multiple layers of support are available depending on your location and circumstances.
The Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) is the flagship federal program operating in all 50 states. It covers heating bills, cooling bills, and crisis situations where disconnection is imminent. Eligibility is based on income relative to the federal poverty level and household size.
Many utility providers offer their own hardship programs—including budget billing, payment arrangements, Lifeline Assistance for phone and internet, and energy-efficiency upgrades that permanently reduce your monthly bill. Contact your provider directly to ask what is available.
Local community action agencies often serve as the first point of contact for utility help. They administer LIHEAP funds, connect families to local emergency grants, and can address needs on a case-by-case basis beyond what federal programs cover.
The Low Income Household Water Assistance Program (LIHWAP) helps families pay water and sewer bills. Separate from LIHEAP, this program targets the unique challenge of water affordability and works through many of the same local agencies that administer energy aid.
Summer cooling costs can be just as dangerous as winter heating bills. Many states run dedicated cooling assistance programs—often through LIHEAP—that help eligible households pay air conditioning bills or receive fans and cooling equipment during extreme heat events.
Nonprofits and religious organizations often fill gaps that government programs cannot. Organizations like the Salvation Army and Catholic Charities maintain emergency utility funds. Availability and amounts vary by location, so checking locally is essential.
Most utility assistance programs determine eligibility based on two primary factors: household income relative to the federal poverty level (FPL), and household size. For LIHEAP, the type of heating system in the home also matters—households relying on primary systems like furnaces or boilers may receive higher benefit amounts than those using supplemental space heaters.
Additional eligibility requirements may include:
📍 How to Apply
Contact your local Community Action Agency or your state's LIHEAP office. You can find your nearest agency at the Utility Assistance Online resource directory or by calling 211, a free social services hotline available in most states.
Utility shut-offs can be prevented—apply for assistance before your account reaches the disconnection stage.
Check Your Eligibility NowA common misconception is that utility assistance only covers electricity. In reality, programs like LIHEAP are designed around a household's primary heating source—which could be natural gas, propane, oil, wood, or electric—and many states extend the same program to cover cooling costs in summer months.
Beyond energy, the Water Assistance Program helps families pay water and sewer bills, which can be just as financially crippling. Some utility companies also layer on their own discounted-rate programs or energy-efficiency upgrades that permanently lower monthly costs—a long-term solution, not just a short-term patch.
Success stories highlight the real impact: families who kept their heat on through bitter winters, children who could continue online schooling because a disconnection was averted, and seniors who stayed safe during summer heat waves—all because they knew where to ask for help.
Quick answers to the questions families ask most when facing utility hardship.
LIHEAP (the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program) is a federally funded grant program that helps low-income households pay heating and cooling bills, and can provide emergency assistance if your service is about to be disconnected. It does not need to be repaid. To apply, contact your local Community Action Agency or your state's LIHEAP office—you can find these through Utility Assistance Online or by dialing 211. Applications are typically open on a seasonal or year-round basis depending on your state.
Eligibility for most utility assistance programs is based on household income relative to the federal poverty level (FPL) and the number of people in the home. Generally, households at or below 150% of the FPL qualify for LIHEAP, though some states set higher thresholds. Households that have received SNAP, Medicaid, or SSI benefits may automatically qualify. The fastest way to check is to contact your local agency directly or use an eligibility screener on the Utility Assistance Online website.
Yes—the Low Income Household Water Assistance Program (LIHWAP) specifically helps families pay water and sewer bills and is separate from LIHEAP. Additionally, many municipal water utilities offer their own low-income rate programs or emergency funds. Contact your water provider or your local community action agency to find out what water assistance programs are available in your area.
Yes, LIHEAP includes a crisis assistance component specifically for households facing or already experiencing disconnection. Crisis funds are often processed faster than regular applications. Contact your state or local LIHEAP office immediately if you are facing a shut-off—many programs can issue payments directly to the utility company within days to restore service.
When applying for utility assistance programs, you will typically need: proof of income for all household members (pay stubs, tax returns, or benefit award letters), a recent utility bill showing your account number, a government-issued photo ID, Social Security numbers for household members, and proof of residency such as a lease or recent bill. Having these ready before you contact your local agency will speed up the process significantly.
Assistance is available, it's free to apply, and it can make the difference between lights on or lights off. Find programs in your area today.
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