Utility Assistance Programs: Help Paying Energy, Water, and Phone Bills

You Do Not Have to Face Utility Bills Alone

When money is tight, utility bills — electricity, heating, water, phone — can feel impossible to manage. Going without heat in winter or losing phone service that you depend on for work can have serious health, safety, and financial consequences. The good news: there are multiple federal, state, local, and private assistance programs designed specifically to help low- and moderate-income households keep their utilities on. This guide covers the major programs available and how to access them.

LIHEAP: The Main Federal Energy Assistance Program

The Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) is a federally funded program administered by states that helps qualifying households pay heating and cooling costs. It provides:

• Heating assistance: Grants or payments applied directly to your heating utility account or fuel supplier.
• Cooling assistance: Help with electricity costs during summer months in participating states.
• Crisis assistance: Emergency funds for households facing imminent disconnection or dangerous conditions.
• Weatherization: Some states use LIHEAP funds to improve home energy efficiency, reducing future bills.

Eligibility is based on household income and size. Generally, households earning at or below 150% of the federal poverty level qualify, though some states set higher thresholds. A household of four with income up to approximately $45,000 may qualify depending on the state.

How to apply: Contact your state LIHEAP office or a local community action agency. Find your local agency at needhelppayingbills.com or by calling 211. Applications are typically available online, by phone, or in person. Apply early in the program year — many states run out of funds before all eligible households are served.

Utility Company Assistance Programs

Most large utility companies operate their own assistance programs for low-income customers, separate from LIHEAP. Common offerings include:

• Low-income rate discounts: Reduced rates for qualifying customers, applied monthly to your bill.
• Budget billing: Spread your annual energy cost evenly across 12 months to avoid large seasonal spikes.
• Payment plans: Arrangements to pay past-due balances over time without disconnection.
• Arrearage management programs: Forgiveness of past-due balances in exchange for timely payment of current bills over a defined period.

Contact your utility company directly and ask what assistance programs they offer. Tell them your household income and that you are experiencing difficulty paying. Ask specifically about:

• Any low-income discount programs
• Payment plan options for your past-due balance
• Any arrearage forgiveness programs
• Whether they participate in LIHEAP direct payment

Lifeline Program: Help with Phone and Internet Service

The FCC's Lifeline program provides a monthly discount on phone or broadband internet service for eligible low-income consumers. Benefits include:

• Up to $9.25/month discount on phone or broadband service
• Up to $34.25/month for qualifying households on Tribal lands
• One benefit per household

Eligibility is based on income (at or below 135% of the federal poverty level) or participation in qualifying government programs such as Medicaid, SNAP, SSI, Federal Public Housing Assistance, or Veterans Pension and Survivors Benefit.

How to apply: Visit lifelinesupport.org to find providers in your area and apply online. Providers include major carriers like AT&T, T-Mobile, Verizon, and many regional carriers.

Affordable Connectivity Program

Note: The Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP), which provided up to $30/month off broadband service, ended in June 2024 when funding ran out. Congress has been considering reauthorization. Check the FCC website (fcc.gov/acp) for current status and any successor programs.

Water Bill Assistance

Help paying water bills is available through several sources:

• Local utility assistance programs: Many municipal water utilities have low-income assistance programs or payment plans. Contact your water provider directly.
• Community action agencies: Local agencies may have funds for water assistance or can connect you with resources.
• State programs: Some states have specific water assistance programs, particularly in areas with water affordability challenges.
• HHS Low Income Household Water Assistance Program (LIHWAP): A newer federally funded program for water and wastewater bill assistance, administered through states. Availability and funding levels vary — contact your local community action agency to check current availability.

Local and Nonprofit Assistance

Beyond government programs, many local organizations provide emergency utility assistance:

• Community action agencies: These local nonprofits receive federal and state funding to help low-income households with a wide range of needs including utilities. Find yours at communityactionpartnership.com.
• Salvation Army: Many local chapters provide emergency utility assistance through their social services programs.
• Catholic Charities: Provides emergency financial assistance including utility help regardless of religious affiliation.
• St. Vincent de Paul Society: Local chapters often provide emergency utility assistance.
• Local faith communities: Many churches, mosques, and synagogues maintain emergency assistance funds for community members.

How to Find All Available Programs in Your Area

The fastest way to find all available assistance in your area is to call 211. This free, confidential service connects you with trained specialists who can identify and refer you to all available local resources for utilities, food, housing, healthcare, and other needs. Available 24/7 in most areas and accessible by phone, text, or at 211.org.