Receiving a utility shutoff notice can be stressful, especially when your household is already struggling to pay for rent, food, healthcare, and other essential expenses. If you have fallen behind on your electricity, gas, or water bill, assistance may be available to help you manage the balance or explore options to keep your service connected.
In the United States, eligible households may find support through government energy assistance programs, utility company hardship plans, community organizations, and nonprofit agencies. The programs available depend on your location, financial circumstances, the type of utility involved, and whether your service has already been disconnected.
OpenGrants Network helps people explore assistance options that may fit their circumstances. We do not issue grants, pay utility bills, or guarantee approval. Eligibility checks, program matching, and guidance are free.
Who May Qualify for Utility Shutoff Assistance?
Utility assistance programs often prioritize households experiencing financial hardship or facing an immediate loss of essential services. You may qualify for assistance if you:
- Have a low or limited household income
- Have received a utility disconnection warning
- Have overdue electricity, gas, or water bills
- Are unemployed or have recently experienced a reduction in income
- Are a senior living on a fixed income
- Have a disability or a medical condition requiring essential utilities
- Have children or other dependents in your household
- Receive qualifying government benefits
Each program has its own requirements. Some provide help only to households that meet specific income limits, while others may focus on emergency situations or particular utility expenses.
Check What You May Qualify For
If your utility service is at risk, you may be able to explore emergency bill assistance, payment arrangements, or programs designed to support households experiencing financial hardship.
- ✓ Free eligibility check
- ✓ Free guidance if needed
Program availability and approval depend on individual requirements and available funding.
Types of Utility Shutoff Assistance
1. Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP)
LIHEAP is a U.S. government-funded program that helps eligible households with certain home energy costs. Depending on local program rules, assistance may include energy bills, crisis assistance, or support for households experiencing an energy emergency.
Some programs may help households facing an imminent disconnection or needing to restore energy service. Benefits and application procedures vary by state and territory.
2. Emergency Utility Bill Assistance
Local government agencies, community action organizations, and nonprofit groups may offer emergency help for households with overdue utility bills.
Funding may be limited, and some programs prioritize people with shutoff notices or urgent financial needs. Ask what documents are required and whether assistance can be processed before your scheduled disconnection.
3. Utility Company Hardship Programs
Some electricity, gas, and water providers offer payment arrangements, temporary discounts, hardship programs, or referrals to organizations that help customers pay overdue balances.
Contact your provider directly and explain your situation. Ask whether you can arrange affordable payments or request a temporary hold while you seek assistance. A hold is not guaranteed, so confirm any agreement with the provider.
4. Local Community and Nonprofit Assistance
Community action agencies, charities, and other nonprofit organizations may help with utility bills or connect households with relevant assistance programs.
United Way 211 can help people in the United States find local utility assistance and other community resources.
5. Assistance for Seniors and People With Disabilities
Some energy assistance programs consider age, disability, medical needs, or household vulnerability when determining eligibility or priority.
If losing electricity could affect essential medical equipment or create a serious health risk, explain this to your utility provider and assistance agency immediately. Ask about emergency options and any protections that may apply in your state.
6. Water Bill Assistance
Households struggling with water or sewer bills may be able to find support through municipal utility programs, local charities, or community assistance agencies.
Water assistance is often administered separately from energy assistance, so ask specifically about water and sewer charges when contacting local organizations.
What If Your Utility Shutoff Is Imminent?
If you have received a disconnection notice, act as soon as possible.
- Call the utility company using the contact information on your bill
- Explain that you are experiencing financial hardship and ask about payment arrangements
- Contact your local assistance office to ask about emergency funding
- Call 211 or visit its website to search for local support
- Keep a copy of your shutoff notice and recent bills
- Ask whether your application can be considered urgently
If your service has already been disconnected, ask the utility provider what is required for reconnection and contact local assistance agencies immediately.
How to Find Utility Shutoff Assistance
- Read your shutoff notice. Identify the utility involved, the outstanding balance, and the scheduled disconnection date.
- Contact your utility provider. Ask about payment plans, hardship assistance, and possible temporary protections.
- Check LIHEAP eligibility. If the problem involves electricity or another covered energy expense, find your state or territory's program.
- Contact 211. Search for nearby organizations that may help with utility payments.
- Search for local emergency assistance. Community action agencies and nonprofit organizations may have programs for households in crisis.
- Gather your documents. Prepare your utility bill, shutoff notice, identification, proof of residence, and income information.
- Explain urgent circumstances. Mention the disconnection date and any essential medical or household needs.
- Submit applications promptly. Follow the instructions and respond to requests for additional information.
- Confirm payment arrangements. Ask the utility provider whether your service will remain connected while an agreed payment plan is active.
- Keep records. Save application confirmations, case numbers, receipts, and the names of people you contact.