Need emergency help with an electric bill? If you live in the US, national programs assist with utilities. You may qualify for a government grant to help pay past-due utilities, electric, and oil bills.
You may also qualify for assistance from community organizations and churches that help with utility bills—charities like Goodwill Industries, Catholic Charities, and other non-profit agencies. If you are a low-income wage earner, you may need financial help with rent or utilities.
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Get Help with Utility Bills and More
The first place you want to seek help is your utility company. Many utility and electric companies work with the government. These organizations help the government by screening applicants and distributing money for bills. You must qualify financially or be low-income to receive help with utility bills.
To prevent your services from being turned off, contact your utility company as soon as you know you have a problem paying.  They can set up a payment plan by splitting a 12-month bill cycle into equal amounts.
Talk to your utility company to see how they can help you. The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) also helps with utilities, rent, and security deposits.
10 Organizations that Help with Utility Bills
Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP)
The LIHEAP Program grant helps low-income consumers with a one-time check to help with heating or utilities. You may qualify even if you work as long as your income meets Federal Poverty Guidelines. Checks are sent out the first week of January and made out in the consumer’s name.
They also provide emergency help with heating bills. This money can help consumers to begin the new year with a zero balance.  Other locations, such as churches, schools, and community agencies, can enroll.
The Heating System Repair and Replacement Program (HEARTWAP)
HEARTWAP is a program that helps low-income residents repair or replace heating and cooling systems and water heaters. Eligibility for HEARTWAP is based on gross family income. Your income cannot exceed 60% of the Estimated State Median Income. Services are only available to homeowners. Landlords do not qualify.
Repairs or replacements of heating systems are done in the Winter and must be an emergency. To apply for HEARTWAP, contact the Fuel Assistance agency in your city to apply for more information.
Home Weatherization Assistance Program (WAP)
Weatherization Assistance (WAP) offers grants for necessary home repairs to help low-income customers’ families remain in their homes. The program allows homeowners to make home repairs. Repairs must make the home more energy-efficient and lower energy bills. WAP is funded by the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE).
DSS Emergency Assistance to Adults (EAA)
Emergency Assistance to Adults (EAA) – These benefits help adults receive Supplemental Security Income. They help with emergencies, such as rent, electricity, or utility payments.
EAA helps already fragile people to maintain stability and prevent homelessness. They can receive support such as paying utilities, emergency housing, and moving expenses.
Emergency Assistance to Families (EAF)
These benefits help low-income families facing financial, physical, or family emergencies. The family must have a child under 18 or 19 and attend school full-time. A pregnant woman is eligible to apply for EAF benefits. Finances are provided to help with the following:
- Rent
- Childcare
- heating fuel
- Stop evictions
- Utility disconnection
- safe housing for domestic violence
Energy Crisis Interventions Program (ECIP)
The Energy Crisis Interventions Program helps families with low-income families prevent electricity and utilities from being disconnected. They also help with the reconnection of services. Many families have members who have disabilities or are older who use electric-powered medical equipment. However, lifesaving equipment like oxygen, chair lifts, hospital beds, and dialysis is mandatory.
Accordingly, when you are about to have your electricity disconnected, they can intervene by contacting your power company and informing them that they will be handling the past-due amount. Contact DSS to find out what local community organizations give out and receive applications for.
Catholic Charities
Catholic Charities can help you keep your utilities on or turn them back on. You can receive help when you qualify financially, have a disconnection notice, and have finances available. Call or go to your local chapter for help. The organization will also help with groceries and give referrals to other agencies for help with clothes, furniture, etc.
Modest Needs
This non-profit organization offers temporary financial assistance to at-risk families and single adults who work and earn too little to qualify for government assistance. If you live in the U.S. or Canada, you can apply for a grant.
The Salvation Army
The Salvation Army helps with utility bills, and local agencies and charities offer emergency help with utility bills. If your electricity or utilities are disconnected, these agencies can help you stop the disconnection or get your services restored. Additionally, organizations provide financial assistance to low-income families. Most of these organizations are nationwide but also located in most communities in the United States.
State Assistance Programs
If you are too late to register for LIHEAP this year, other government programs may help with heating and utilities. Always check with your power company to see what programs they offer to help you manage and save on your bills—the advantage of the energy-efficient light bulb program.  You can receive free energy-saving bulbs to help lower electricity usage.
Charities that Help with Utility Bills
Charities, churches, and community programs assist you in maintaining the stability of your family. They help prevent eviction, utilities, food, or clothing.  These non-profit organizations and charities work all year round to bring support and emergency assistance to the less fortunate.  These financial grants are given out based on gross family income and the availability of funds.
You will receive a portion of the amount needed to keep your lights on or get services restored. Sometimes you must go to multiple organizations to pay the bill. Funding is not infinite, and there are types during the year, like the Winter, when many require services and funding may run out.
Do you Quality a Home Weatherization Grant?
You can receive a weatherization grant if you receive Supplemental Security Income and VA disability Aid to Families with Dependent Children. Finally, contact the government agencies above for a full list of qualifications for the program. Apply Here.
Who is eligible for help with utility bills?
- Families with children
- A household with disabled people
- People over 60 years of age and older
- Gross family income at or below Federal Poverty Guidelines (see above)
In conclusion, following up with the organization listed here, you may receive help when you qualify financially and if funding is available.
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How to Get Help with Rent and Utilities
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I need help with water bill
Can I get info on help for my utility bill and Rent this month, electric shuts off this Tues. Lost my job and waiting to see if I qualify for disability… Heart attack and. Diabetes… Any help will do…thanks
I have some friends that have kids and they need help getting electric turned on today
Hi, Shelly. Tell her she can get emergency help from HUD or Human Services.
Desperately need help with rent I am retired No one seems to be able to help
Hi, Debra. Please go to the Department of Social Service and ask for emergency help with your rent. Also, try Catholic Charities. They also give out groceries.
I am needing help with my light bill it got disconnected I am disabled and need to use my CPAP I have sleep apnea any help would be appreciated
I need help paying my light bill it got disconnected I am on a CPAP and need help getting power back on
I would like to get an assistance for my atmos energy
i came back to check on my father after being away some months and has in dire trouble he has a disconnect notice nearly a thousand $ bill anyone plz help advise or direction any help plz have a blessed day
Hello Randy. All assistance programs are based on gross family income. If you qualify financially and funding is available you can get help. You didn’t say what bill he needed help with but he can check with the Department of Social Services or local charities like Catholic Charities.
My sister recently passed with brain cancer I’m on social security disability we had to make the 8hour trip to be at funeral we were already behind on electric I forgot to notify the company that we were gone upon return my power was off.now I have to pay entire bill reconnect fee and deposit .I need help desperately this amount will be about 700 dollars just need help to get started again thank you
Hello, Timmy. Please contact the department of social services to seek if you are eligible for emergency assistance with the bill.
I have 3 small kids and 2 is in school. I had a job but I had no one to watch my youngest child I had to stay home and pay my bills by my child support. In doing so I got behind in my light bill. I need help please
Hi, Nikki. Please contact the Department of Social Services for emergency help with the light bill.
I am 75 with COPD, no family other than daughter incarcerated for DUI and I was behind
on the electric bill when my home was foreclosed, need to pay past due or will be disconnected in my apartment if not paid by Feb.5. I receive s/s. but it is not enough to pay rent, car, meds and the past due to the electric bill.
Hello, Diane. Please contact the Department of Human Services in your city to ask for emergency help with your bills.
My name Is Roger Bayha And I need A One time help with my electric bill! My furnace went out I’llast winter and I had to use Electric Space heaters!
Hello, Roger. All funding is out for charities because of the holidays. Please go to the Department of Social Services for help with your bill.
I need help with my electric bill. I got sick went to the hospital had an operation needed money to get there and money for my med. I get a small SS, I could not pay my bill will be cut off on (10-09-2019) NEED HELP.
Hello, Rosalia. Please go to the Department of Social Services for help with your bill.
I need a one time help with the electricity. It was cut on Friday and today is Sunday . We are just have a rough time.
Thank you renate
My water got shut off and I recently got approved for disability, but no payment yet,can you help me please
Dear Sir/Madam: I am desperately needing financial assistance for outstanding bills that I have been struggling with for a long time even after I was the caregiver for both of my parents who passed away last year! During the time that I was taking care of them, I was unemployed and I didn’t have any source of income coming in for myself. Now that they are gone, I am now in the process of placing job applications around so that I can possibly get back on my feet again! The thing is until I hear something from either of these areas of possible employment, can I get some financial help from anyone that can/will, please let me have a financial request for the amount of $2,500.00 for these outstanding bills as soon as possible! As of right now, my gas, electric, as well as telephone/internet systems are all in danger of being in a shut off disconnection crisis unless I can pay them all off soon! Please send help assistance proceeds to: 651 North Monroe, Ashdown, AR 71822! I know that the economy is not what it once was and it will only get worse before it can get better for all of us, but please, let’s help one another in our financial woes! Thank you for your time!
Hello, Rodney. We do not give cash. We are a resource website that tries to direct people to agencies that can help. There is not much help for those who do not have dependent children. I would suggest you go to the DSS to apply for general assistance. Also, call 2-1-1 which is the United Way, they may be able to help if they have funding.
Hello, I am a single mother & I have fallen on hard times & I need help please to get our lights reconnected, it’s $284.67 to get them restored. Thanks very much..
Hello, Patricia. Please call the agencies listing in the post, Help with Rent and Utilities . You may also be able to get emergency assistance for the Department of Social Services.
I have a disabled husband and a 15 year old daughter, and I work part time. I’m barely making ends meet. They are saying that they are going to shut my lights off tomorrow, because I wasn’t able to keep my promise to pay last Friday. I don’t know what to do by tomorrow. I think I have already had all the help that I can get from United services for now. Please help!
Hello, Kamey. Try the Department of Social Services. They will help you once a year with bills.
Please help I do work just got behind with school starting I’m a mother of 2 our electric will be shut off on 8-24-2017 I have already used my one time liheap this year and don’t know what else to do.
Por favor necesito su ayuda… Ya q mi esposo y yo nos fuimo para ciudad d Columbus GA… En esa ciudad no tenemos hogar y estamos durmiendo en el carro Parándonos d sitio en sitio en nuestro auto y hay dormimo… Necesitamos q nos ayuden para poder alquilar un apartamento q encontramos… Pero no tenemos el depósito ni el dinero para la renta… Pq no tenemos dinero hasta el mes d septiembre.
Att: Sra. Gonzalez
Hola, siento que esté pasando por este momento difÃcil. Por favor llame al Ejército de Salvación ((706) 327-02750 en su ciudad para averiguar si hay habitaciones temporales para familias sin hogar. También llame a las Caridades Católicas en su ciudad. Espero que encuentres una casa pronto. OPEN DOOR COMMUNITY HOUSE (706)323-5518
Hey my name is Jeremy Dotson and I am a single father of five kids two twin boys who have asthma a baby girl two boys 7 10 and nobody will help with getting my electricity turned back on i don’t know where else to turn
Hello, Jeremy. In order to receive assistance you have to meet Federal Poverty Guidelines. If you are unemployed, underemployed, or presently receiving help from a government agency you should be eligible for help. Please try contacting some of the church charities in your area. Salvation Army, St Vincent de Paul and the Department of Social Services. Good Luck Jeremy.
I am going to be losing my power any day now and I can’t use liep right now and our local agencies like Salvation Army is out of funds.. I really need help ASAP.. Is there anywhere I can get assistance and help with my power bill..
Hello, Melissa. The Department of Social Services may be able to help with emergency assistance if you qualify financially. Also, call 211 (United Way) for help in your city.
Hello I have a past due bill on electricity that is over 900 I have just now been able to get back to work and I am a single mother of 3 living with my mother. I need help paying it off if anyone helps with that. I am trying to get back on my feet and I can not get my own place until I get my electric and water paid off. I am also paying for a storage unit. If anyone knows of where I might get the help it would be greatly appreciated.
Hello, Kayla. There are a few places that help with past utilities. Did you contact the agencies in the article (Get Emergency Help with Utility Bills?) . If not please do that. For the time being, contact the electric company and may a payback agreement with them.
Hi recently lost my job and my electric bill is due my husband only gets about 12 hours a week. Our electric bill is 205.00 can we get assistance the bill is due may 9.
Hello, please contact the agencies in the post Emergency help with utilities. . You can also contact the Department of Social Services for help or call 211 (United Way) for programs in your area.
Hello. I am senior, disabled female on Sect 8. I left my first apt due to bedbugs. Landlord knew it (violated lease before signing). Landlord no exterminate properly. I moved out less than 30 days. But was told I had to leave utils on AND pay rent, or risk Sect 8 privilege, and $1200 security!! Lost $1200 sec anyway.
AND upon moving to new place found there was previous bal for utils. I tried to work out pmt plan but amount always out of reach.. $3-400! Same for DWP, Gas. Inc $922/mo. No hot water to shower, dishes, cleaning.. or to cook since 3-2016! Power off before holidays.
A friend with same inc., S8, and same kwh use pays $6, my bill $33. trash for him .98, my bill $52! What is wrong?
Gouging? Outraged!
M Remy, L.A. CA
Hello, Marylou. I would first suggest you tell the landlord that you will report him/her to Section 8. If they are breaking laws they will be removed from the Sections 8 Program and lose that income. They don’t want that. Also Contact Section 8 to inform them of the situation. Section 8 needs to be aware of Landlords who take Section 8 money and are taking advantage of the tenants. If you have bed bugs you need to have your new place exterminated. They hid in the smallest areas and you may have brought them to your new home. I would also suggest Good Luck!
I need emergency help with my utilities I am unemployed,unemployment is running 12 weeks behind I have no income HELP
Hello, Carole. You don’t have to be totally without income to get help. Go to you local Department of Social Services for help with your utilities. You can also call 2-1-1 which is the United Way for help in your area.
Hi I had my gas disconnected for few months and I can’t find any one to help,i am on centrelink and in financial hardship
Hello, Stan. I don’t know where you looked for help. Call the United Way for programs in your area.
I just need help one time with payment of electric bill. Family vehicle broke down and had to get it fixed ect.
Hi, Nathan. Please contact the agencies in the article Emergency Help with Utilities You may also be able to get help from the DSS. All programs are based on your financial status and you have to have a pending turn off notice. Good Luck.