Hot weather can make electricity bills much more expensive, especially for households that need air conditioning or other cooling equipment to stay safe and comfortable. If cooling costs are becoming difficult to afford, financial assistance may be available.
The Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) can help eligible households with heating and cooling bills, and some states also provide assistance during an energy crisis. Eligibility and application rules vary by state and territory.
Other options can include weatherization assistance, utility payment arrangements, local community programs, and nonprofit assistance.
Who May Qualify
Depending on the program, assistance may be available to:
- Low-income households
- Families with children
- Seniors
- People with disabilities
- Households facing unusually high summer energy bills
- Households at risk of having electricity disconnected
- People who receive certain government benefits
- Households affected by extreme weather or an emergency
Eligibility requirements vary. Some programs consider income and household size, while others may give priority to households with elderly residents, young children, disabilities, or urgent energy needs.
Check What You May Qualify For
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Available programs can vary based on your income, household situation, location, utility costs, and other eligibility factors.
Types of Help With Cooling Costs
Cooling Bill Assistance
LIHEAP is the main federal program to check when you need help with home energy costs. It can help eligible households pay heating or cooling bills, and some programs provide emergency assistance when there is an energy crisis. Your state or territory determines how its LIHEAP program operates, including eligibility requirements, application procedures, benefit amounts, and the types of cooling expenses covered.
Summer Energy Crisis Assistance
Some LIHEAP programs provide summer crisis assistance for households experiencing an urgent cooling-related energy problem. Depending on the local program, crisis assistance may involve help with an energy bill or cooling-system needs. Because these programs are locally administered, availability can differ significantly from one location to another.
Weatherization Assistance
If your home stays excessively hot or your air conditioner has to run constantly, reducing the home's energy use may help lower future cooling costs. The federal Weatherization Assistance Program (WAP) helps eligible low-income households make homes more energy-efficient. Improvements can reduce heating and cooling costs over time.
Utility Payment Arrangements
If you cannot pay your entire electricity bill, contact your utility company before the account becomes seriously overdue. Depending on the provider, you may be able to arrange a payment plan, request a temporary arrangement, or learn about local assistance programs.
Local Community Assistance
Community organizations, nonprofits, and local agencies may have limited funding for utility bills or emergency energy expenses. In many areas, 211 can help connect households with local social-service resources and utility assistance.
How Cooling Assistance Typically Works
- Check your household's eligibility. Income, household size, location, and other factors may matter.
- Find your local energy assistance office. LIHEAP is administered through state, territory, and tribal programs.
- Gather documentation. You may need proof of income, utility bills, identification, and information about household members.
- Apply for assistance. Some programs allow online applications, while others require applications by phone, mail, or in person.
- Ask about crisis assistance. If your electricity is disconnected or at immediate risk of disconnection, tell the agency.
- Look for energy-efficiency help. Weatherization may reduce future cooling expenses.