Utility Bills
Utility bill assistance programs help households with low incomes pay for heat, electricity, water, phone, and internet. LIHEAP (the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program) helps with heating and cooling bills and can step in during a shutoff emergency. The Lifeline program lowers monthly phone or internet bills for qualifying households. Weatherization assistance pays for home improvements, like insulation, that cut energy costs over time, and LIHWAP has helped some households with water bills. These programs are run by states, so income limits and application seasons differ depending on where you live. None of them charge a fee to apply — anyone who asks for money to process your application is not the real program. Our guides cover who qualifies for each utility bill program, how to apply, and the official application links.
- Low-Cost Internet & Laptops 2026: Nonprofits vs Lifeline
Lifeline's income line is 135% of poverty; nonprofit Human-I-T's is 200% and it accepts WIC and school lunch — but it does not accept pay stubs
- Help With Electric Bills Beyond LIHEAP: Fuel Funds 2026
A free state-by-state directory of the nonprofit funds that pay utility bills — separate from LIHEAP
- Help Paying Your Water Bill 2026: What Exists After LIHWAP
HHS still sends water-bill searches toward LIHEAP — but 42 U.S.C. 8622 defines "home energy" as heating or cooling only, so LIHEAP cannot pay a water bill
- Community Action Agency Near You 2026: What They Help With
Two federal agencies still send you to a "Find Your CAA" locator that would not load on September 5, 2026 — the route that does work is your state CSBG office
- Help Paying Your Electric & Heating Bills: LIHEAP Guide 2026
Help paying heating, cooling, and shutoff emergencies
- Utility Bill Grants 2026: Dollar Energy Fund & How to Apply
Hardship grants paid straight to your utility account, not to you
- Help Paying Bills: What 211 Can Do for You (2026)
One call connects you to local help with bills, food, and housing
- Home Insulation & Energy Repairs 2026: Weatherization (WAP)
Insulation and air sealing for income-eligible homes — average savings $372 or more a year
- LIHEAP Income Limits by State 2026: What Yours Actually Uses
The poverty table LIHEAP must use through September 30, 2026 is the 2025 one — $32,150 for a family of four, not $33,000 — and 32 states skip the poverty table entirely
- Low-Income Phone & Internet Discount 2026: Lifeline Program
Up to $9.25 off your phone or internet bill every month