Getting Assistance to Pay Your Electricity Bill

Having the lights go out because you can’t afford the power bill is a crisis no one should have to face But many households struggle to cover the cost of electricity along with other essential expenses If you are having trouble paying your electric bill, there are programs and organizations that may be able to help.

Paying for electricity is not optional for most households. Letting bills go unpaid can lead to service shut offs, fees and damage to your credit. Fortunately assistance is available if you meet eligibility criteria. Here are some of the main options to get help with power bills when funds run short.

Federal LIHEAP Program

One of the largest utility assistance providers is LIHEAP, which stands for Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program. LIHEAP is funded by the federal government and administered by states, local governments and nonprofits.

To get help from LIHEAP with your electricity bill, you must meet certain income qualifications. There are also resources for weatherizing homes to improve energy efficiency. LIHEAP aid can include:

• One-time grants to pay energy bills
• Crisis assistance to avoid shut offs
• Free home energy efficiency improvements

LIHEAP funds are limited, so apply as early as possible once the program year opens. You can find local agencies to get LIHEAP services by state on the Benefits.gov website or by calling 1-866-674-6327.

State and Local Programs

Along with LIHEAP, many states and cities have their own assistance programs for utility bills. These help fill the gaps for those who may not qualify for federal LIHEAP. Some examples of state and local electric bill help include:

• Home Energy Assistance Program (HEAP) – Oregon

• Low Income Assistance Programs – Georgia

• Utility Assistance Program – Houston

• Keep the Heat On – Michigan

Check with your state or city utility commission to find all the electric bill assistance available in your area. Local nonprofit agencies also often have utility grant programs.

Energy Utility Company Assistance

Look into what payment help and special discounts your electric company provides. Most have programs for seniors, people with disabilities, veterans, and low-income households.

• Payment plans – Many utilities allow arranging a monthly payment plan to pay down a past due balance. This helps avoid disconnection of service.

• One-time grants – Some electric companies offer one-time energy grants to cover a current bill. Income limits apply.

• Reduced rates – You may qualify for a discounted utility rate if you meet certain criteria.

• Budget billing – This allows you to pay a fixed amount each month based on average usage to help stabilize electric costs.

Check your monthly electric utility bill or call customer service to ask about assistance programs.

Church and Nonprofit Assistance

Many churches, charities, and nonprofits provide utility grants for those in need. Organizations like The Salvation Army, Catholic Charities, United Way, and Lutheran Social Services can help pay electric bills along with other basic needs.

Local food banks, family crisis agencies, veterans groups, and houses of worship may also have funds to cover an emergency electric bill. Dialing 2-1-1 can connect you with nonprofit assistance in your area.

Government Financial Assistance Programs

Some government programs provide money for necessities like utility bills along with other living expenses. If qualified, the extra funds can be used to maintain electric service. Options include:

• Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF)
• Supplemental Security Income (SSI)
• Social Security Disability (SSDI)
• Housing assistance programs

Visit Benefits.gov or your state or local human services office to learn more about financial help programs you may be eligible for.

Budgeting and Saving Resources

As well as direct utility bill assistance, some organizations provide programs to help households better budget for electricity costs. These include:

• Financial literacy classes

• Budget planning guidance

• Apps to track utility spending

• Tips to save electricity and lower bills

Getting your overall finances on track can help keep the power flowing even with limited income.

When All Else Fails

If you still face electric service shut off after exhausting the above programs, as a last resort you may need to rely on resources like:

• Borrowing from family or friends

• Using credit cards or short-term loans

• Pawning or selling assets

• Temporary work to earn quick cash

Avoid unsafe options like forgoing medications or skipping meals. If you receive a disconnection notice, contact the utility immediately to see if an extension is possible. But the safest approach is getting back on stable financial ground over time with planning and help.

Who is Eligible for Utility Assistance?

While income criteria varies by program, most electric bill help targets households at or below 200% of the federal poverty level. Seniors, people with disabilities, children and veterans often get priority. Check guidelines for the programs in your area.

Other Common Assistance Questions

• What if I rent and utilities are included? Some programs help renters talk to landlords about granting flexibility on rent to keep essential utilities on.

• Where do I apply for help? Start with the LIHEAP website Benefits.gov or dial 2-1-1 to find local agencies taking applications.

• What documents do I need? Proof of income, ID, utility bills and Social Security numbers for the household.

• How long does assistance last? Programs like LIHEAP offer one-time grants. Some others provide ongoing monthly utility discounts.

• Can I get help with a past due balance? Yes, many assistance programs can help pay part or all of an overdue electric bill to help restore service.

• What if I use an alternate fuel like propane? LIHEAP now helps low-income households with heating costs beyond just electricity and gas utility bills.

Don’t Let the Lights Go Out

Having electricity is not a luxury – it is a basic necessity. If you are struggling through a tough time financially, know there are public and private assistance options so you can keep the power on. With help from LIHEAP, nonprofits, churches, utilities and government programs, you can maintain electric service for lighting, appliances and heating or cooling.

Many of the assistance programs are available across the U.S. Visit Benefits.gov or call 2-1-1 to find organizations offering utility bill help near you. Working together, we can keep the lights on for households who need extra support to cover essential utility costs. Small contributions from many sources can get through the darkest times.