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Check eligibility with the program. Rules, income limits, dates and funding change and differ by area. This site is a directory of official and major nonprofit help. It is not legal or financial advice, and we are not connected to any program. Official programs don’t charge a fee to apply.
1. Call your utility first. Ask for a payment plan and any hardship program. 2. Apply for LIHEAP through your state. 3. Call 211 for local charities and emergency funds.
US programs for energy bills
211
United Way 211 (nonprofit)
A free, confidential helpline that connects you with local help for rent, utilities, food and more. Call or text 211, or search online.
How to get it: Call 211 or visit 211.org and enter your ZIP code.
LIHEAP (Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program)
U.S. Department of Health and Human Services
Federally funded help with heating and cooling bills, energy crises such as shut-off notices, and weatherization. Each state runs its own program, with its own rules and dates.
How to get it: Apply through your state or local LIHEAP office, not the federal government. Find yours on the official state contact list, or call the National Energy Assistance Referral line on 1-866-674-6327.
Weatherization Assistance Program
U.S. Department of Energy
Free home energy improvements, such as insulation and sealing, that lower energy bills for income-eligible households.
How to get it: Apply through your state’s weatherization agency. Your LIHEAP office can often tell you how.
Your utility company’s hardship program
Your electric, gas or water company
Many utilities offer payment plans, budget billing, discounts or hardship funds. Call before you fall too far behind, and ask what help they have.
How to get it: Call the customer service number on your bill and ask about payment arrangements and assistance programs.
Eldercare Locator
U.S. Administration for Community Living
Connects older adults and caregivers with local services, including help with energy bills and other costs.
How to get it: Call 1-800-677-1116 or search online.
BenefitsCheckUp
National Council on Aging (nonprofit)
A free tool that shows benefits older adults and people with disabilities may qualify for, such as help with energy, food and health costs.
How to get it: Answer the questions online.
Help in your state
Each state runs LIHEAP its own way, with its own dates and income limits.
Outside the US
United Kingdom
- Citizens Advice: Free, independent advice on bills, benefits, debt and housing, online, by phone or in person.
- Crisis and Resilience Fund (England): From 1 April 2026, local councils in England give crisis help with essential and housing costs through this fund. It replaced the Household Support Fund and includes what used to be Discretionary Housing Payments.
- Warm Home Discount: A one-off discount on your electricity bill (£150) if you get certain benefits, such as Pension Credit or Universal Credit. Most people get it automatically.
- Help if you can’t afford your energy bills: What your energy supplier should do if you’re struggling, such as agreeing an affordable payment plan, and where to get more help.
- Priority Services Register: Free extra support from your energy supplier and network if you are of pension age, disabled, have a long-term health condition or young children, among other reasons.
- Benefits calculators: Free, independent calculators to check which benefits you could get.
Canada
- 211 Canada: Free help finding local community, social, health and government services.
- Ontario LEAP Emergency Financial Assistance: A one-time grant if you’re behind on your electricity or natural gas bill and could be disconnected: up to $650 for electricity ($780 if your home is electrically heated) or $650 for natural gas.
- Ontario Electricity Support Program (OESP): An ongoing monthly credit on electricity bills for lower-income households, based on household size and income.
- BC Hydro Customer Crisis Fund: Grants for BC Hydro residential customers facing disconnection after a temporary crisis.
- Benefits Finder: Answer questions to see federal, provincial and territorial benefits you may be able to get.
Australia
- National Debt Helpline: Free, confidential financial counselling for help with bills, rent arrears and debt.
- Energy hardship programs: Energy retailers must have hardship policies, including payment plans. If you stick to a hardship arrangement, the retailer can’t disconnect you for not paying.
- Ask Izzy: Find free or low-cost services near you, such as food, housing and money help.
Get ready to apply
Programs usually ask you to prove who you are, where you live and what your household earns. Before you call, it helps to have:
- ID for the person applying
- Recent proof of income for everyone in the home (pay stubs, benefit letters)
- Your latest bill, and any past-due or shut-off notice
- Your lease or rental agreement (for rent help)
- Your account numbers
Call your utility or landlord early. Many will agree a payment plan if you ask before you fall far behind.
Watch out for scams
Real programs don’t charge you to apply. A utility company won’t demand payment by gift card, wire transfer, cryptocurrency or payment app to stop a same-day shut-off. If someone does, hang up and call the number on your bill. FTC: scammers pretend to be your utility company.
Make a plan for next month
Once the urgent bill is covered, a simple budget can help stop it happening again. Our free Budget Planner helps you plan your money each month, the debt payoff calculator shows how to clear what you owe, and the rent affordability calculator checks what rent fits your income.
Find help that fits you
Pick your country and what you need help with to see official programs.
Open the bill help finderFrequently asked questions
What is LIHEAP?
The Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program is a federally funded program that helps eligible low-income households with heating and cooling costs, energy crises and weatherization. States run it, so you apply through your state or local office.
How do I find my LIHEAP office?
Use the official state and territory contact list from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, or call the National Energy Assistance Referral line on 1-866-674-6327.
Can I get help if I have a shut-off notice?
Many LIHEAP programs offer crisis help for shut-off notices or running out of fuel. Tell the program and your utility about the notice straight away.
Is LIHEAP only for heating?
No. It can also help with cooling costs and with weatherization, depending on your state.
Last reviewed: October 2026. General information only — check providers' official sites for current features and pricing.