If you are struggling to pay your electricity, heating, cooling, or other home energy bills, you may have assistance options available. Depending on your income, household size, location, and circumstances, programs may help with current energy costs, emergency situations, or improvements that can reduce future energy expenses.
In the U.S., the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) can help eligible households with heating and cooling bills and, depending on the state, other electric expenses. Some programs also provide emergency energy assistance.
Who May Qualify
Programs generally consider factors such as:
- Household income
- Number of people in the household
- Energy costs
- State or local residency
- Whether someone in the household is elderly
- Whether someone has a disability
- Whether young children live in the household
- Whether the household is facing an energy emergency
LIHEAP specifically prioritizes households with low incomes and can place additional emphasis on households with older adults, people with disabilities, young children, or high energy burdens.
Check What You May Qualify For
If energy bills are putting pressure on your household budget, you may have assistance options worth exploring. OpenGrants Network helps you discover legitimate programs that may match your situation.
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Programs vary based on eligibility, location, household circumstances, and the type of assistance available.
Types of Help With Energy Bills
Electricity Bill Assistance
Some assistance programs can help eligible households with electric bills. Availability and application requirements vary by state and local program.
Heating Assistance
LIHEAP may help eligible households with heating expenses. The type and amount of assistance depends on the program serving your area.
Cooling Assistance
Some programs provide assistance with cooling costs, particularly for households experiencing financial hardship or increased health and safety risks from extreme temperatures.
Emergency Energy Assistance
If your electricity or heating service has been disconnected or is at risk of disconnection, emergency assistance may be available. State rules determine when utilities can disconnect service and what protections may apply.
Weatherization Assistance
The Weatherization Assistance Program can help eligible households make energy-saving improvements to their homes. These improvements can make a home more energy efficient and potentially reduce future heating and cooling costs.
Other Utility Assistance
Families facing broader financial hardship may also qualify for programs that help with food, housing, healthcare, or other basic expenses, potentially freeing up household income for utility costs.
How Energy Assistance Typically Works
- Check whether you meet the income and household requirements.
- Identify the energy assistance program serving your area.
- Gather documents such as identification, income information, and recent utility bills.
- Submit an application through the appropriate state, local, or tribal agency.
- Provide any additional information requested.
- Wait for the agency to determine eligibility and available assistance.
USA.gov provides a tool for finding government benefits by categories including housing and utilities, food, health, families, disabilities, and financial assistance.