Help with Bills

Last updated: May 6, 2026

Quick-start table: where to start

Why utility bills hit seniors hard in 2026

Many older adults live on Social Security, SSI, a small pension, or savings that do not rise as fast as bills. Social Security and SSI benefits received a 2.8% COLA for 2026. That helps, but it may not cover higher electric delivery charges, heating fuel, rent, food, insurance, and medical costs.

Utility shutoff can become a health risk. The CDC warns that some medicines can raise heat risk during hot weather, and older adults can be more vulnerable when homes are too hot. The CDC also lists older adults with poor heating as a risk group for hypothermia risk in cold weather.

Utility help is also hard because it is spread across many places. LIHEAP, weatherization, utility hardship plans, water programs, charities, and local government funds may all use different forms and deadlines. This is why calling 2-1-1 and your utility company early matters.

If energy bills are forcing you to cut food, medicine, or rent, also check food programs for seniors and housing and rent help. Lowering one bill can make it easier to keep up with another.

Start with 2-1-1

In most places, dialing 211 connects you with a free referral service for local help. The FCC says 211 reaches about 99% of the U.S. population and covers all 50 states, D.C., and Puerto Rico through the 211 service.

What 2-1-1 can do

• Find emergency utility-bill help near you.
• Point you to your local LIHEAP office.
• Share warming center, cooling center, and shelter information.
• Refer you to local charities and Community Action Agencies.
• Connect you to food, housing, transportation, and other support.

How to make the call count

• Call with your utility bill in front of you.
• Say if you have a shutoff date.
• Say if you are already disconnected.
• Say if anyone uses oxygen, CPAP, dialysis equipment, a powered wheelchair, or another powered medical device.
• Ask for at least three referrals, not just one.

If forms are hard for you, call the Eldercare Locator at 1-800-677-1116 and ask for your local Area Agency on Aging. They may help you find benefits counseling or a local office that can help with applications.

Call log PDF

LIHEAP energy help

LIHEAP stands for Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program. It helps eligible households with home energy costs. That can include heating bills, cooling bills, crisis help, fuel delivery, reconnection, or emergency energy-related repairs, depending on your state. The federal LIHEAP program is funded by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, but applications are handled by state, tribal, territorial, and local agencies.

You can also use the LIHEAP search tool to find the office for your area. USAGov also has an energy bills guide that explains how LIHEAP and weatherization are handled locally.

What LIHEAP may help with

• Heating bills.
• Cooling bills, in states that run cooling help.
• Electric or gas arrears.
• Bulk fuel, propane, oil, or wood, depending on your state.
• Shutoff prevention or reconnection.
• Emergency heating or cooling equipment help, if your state allows it.

Who may qualify

Each state sets its own income rules within federal limits. The LIHEAP Clearinghouse explains that FY 2026 state rules may use the Federal Poverty Guidelines, State Median Income, or different limits for different LIHEAP parts through its income eligibility table.

For a quick estimate, compare your household income with the 2026 poverty guideline table below. Do not treat this as final approval. Your state may count income differently, use State Median Income, round numbers differently, or ask for different documents. You can also use our Federal Poverty Level calculator before you call.

2026 Federal Poverty Guidelines: 48 states and D.C.

The table below uses the official poverty guidelines for the 48 contiguous states and Washington, D.C. Alaska and Hawaii use higher amounts.

For households with more than 8 people, add $5,680 for each extra person at 100% FPG, $7,668 at 135%, $8,520 at 150%, and $11,360 at 200%.

What LIHEAP benefits look like

LIHEAP usually does not send cash to you. In most cases, the payment goes to your utility, fuel vendor, or approved provider. Some renter situations are handled differently by state, especially when heat is included in rent. Ask your local agency how your benefit would be paid.

Benefit amounts vary a lot. Your amount can depend on household size, income, fuel type, energy cost, state rules, and whether you are in a crisis. Some households receive a one-time seasonal credit. Some crisis programs pay only the amount needed to stop a shutoff, reconnect service, or deliver fuel.

Current status notes as of May 6, 2026

Many winter LIHEAP seasons are closed or close soon by early May, but this is not the same everywhere. Some states have spring deadlines, summer cooling programs, year-round crisis help, or local funds that stay open until money runs out. Check your state before assuming it is too late.

How to apply for LIHEAP

1. Find your local office. Use 2-1-1, the LIHEAP search tool, or your state human services site.
2. Ask which program fits. Ask about regular heating help, cooling help, crisis help, arrears help, and fuel delivery.
3. Gather documents. Most offices need a utility bill, income proof, ID, and household information.
4. Apply early. Many states use seasonal windows and funds can run out.
5. Follow up. Ask if your application is complete. Missing papers are a common reason for delays.

LIHEAP Cheat Sheet (PDF)
Application Checklist (PDF)

Weatherization help

LIHEAP can help with bills now. Weatherization can help lower future bills. The U.S. Department of Energy’s Weatherization Assistance Program, also called WAP, makes eligible homes safer and more energy efficient. DOE says WAP is run by state and local agencies through the Weatherization Program.

What weatherization may include

• A home energy audit.
• Air sealing to reduce drafts.
• Attic or wall insulation.
• Heating or cooling safety checks.
• Some heating system repairs, if allowed.
• Energy-saving lights or other approved measures.
• A final inspection after work is done.

DOE reports that weatherized households save an average of $372 each year in 2022 dollars, but your savings can be higher or lower based on your home, fuel, weather, and approved work.

Who may qualify for WAP

DOE says households at or below 200% of the poverty guidelines, or households receiving Supplemental Security Income, are generally considered eligible under WAP application rules. States may also use other approved paths.

WAP agencies must give priority to people who are more vulnerable, including older adults, people with disabilities, families with children, high residential energy users, and households with high energy burden.

Weatherization process and wait times

There is no single national wait time. Some homes wait months. Some wait longer than a year. The timeline depends on local crews, funding, your home’s condition, and whether repairs are needed before weatherization can start.

If your home has roof leaks, mold, wiring hazards, or a broken system that blocks weatherization, ask if your agency has readiness funds. Also check home repair grants for safety repairs that may need to happen first.

Lifeline phone and internet discount

Lifeline is a federal program that lowers the monthly cost of phone or internet service for eligible low-income households. The benefit is applied through a participating provider. You do not receive cash.

USAC says Lifeline offers a monthly benefit of up to $9.25 toward phone or internet service, or up to $34.25 for eligible households on Tribal lands through the Lifeline program.

Lifeline benefit amounts in 2026

The Lifeline Support Center’s Lifeline FAQ confirms the standard and Tribal benefit amounts. The FCC extended the pause on the voice-only phase-out through December 1, 2026, through its voice support order.

Ways to qualify

You may qualify by income or by participation in a program such as Medicaid, SNAP, SSI, Federal Public Housing Assistance, Veterans Pension, or Survivors Pension. Tribal households may have more qualifying programs.

How to apply

1. Use the National Verifier, or ask a participating provider to help you apply.
2. Upload proof if the system cannot verify you automatically.
3. Choose a participating phone or internet company.
4. Watch for annual recertification. USAC says recertification began February 16, 2026, with automated checks for subscribers due that year.

The Affordable Connectivity Program ended, but Lifeline is still separate and active.

State and local programs

Federal programs are only part of the picture. Your state, city, county, utility company, or local charity may have extra help. These programs can change fast, so call instead of assuming you do not qualify.

Local help you may find

• Utility payment plans: Spread a past-due balance over several months.
• Budget billing: Make bills more even month to month.
• Hardship funds: Utility or charity funds that help with a shutoff notice.
• Arrears programs: Some states or utilities reduce old debt after on-time payments.
• Medical protections: Some utilities delay shutoff with a doctor’s form.
• Water help: Water and sewer help is often separate from electric or gas help.

If your water bill is the problem, use our guide to water bill help. If you need a nonprofit safety net, check charities helping seniors and local faith groups.

What to ask your utility company

• Do you have a hardship program?
• Can you pause shutoff while I apply for LIHEAP?
• Can I set up a payment plan?
• Do you offer budget billing?
• Do you have a medical certificate process?
• Do you work with a charity fund?
• Can late fees be waived?

Use the phone number printed on your bill. Do not use a number from a surprise text, email, or call.

Documents to gather

Most denials and delays happen because something is missing. Gather the documents below before you apply. If you do not have one item, ask what else the agency can accept.

Some charities ask for bank statements or proof of other bills. Many government programs do not ask for every item listed here, but having them ready can speed up the process.

How to start without wasting time

Apply to more than one program

Apply for LIHEAP, ask the utility for a payment plan, and call local charities at the same time. You may need to report other help you receive, but waiting for one program before calling another can cost valuable time.

Use priority windows

Many states open earlier for older adults, people with disabilities, families with young children, or crisis households. Priority does not mean guaranteed approval. It means you may be allowed to apply earlier or may be placed higher on a list.

Ask if your application is complete

Do not just ask, “Was it received?” Ask, “Is it complete?” A received application can still sit because one proof is missing.

Keep proof of every step

• Take photos of forms before you send them.
• Save confirmation numbers.
• Write down names and dates.
• Save email receipts and portal screenshots.
• Keep copies of shutoff notices.

If you rent

Renters can often apply, even when heat or utilities are included in rent. The rules vary by state. Some programs ask for a lease or landlord form. Some benefits may go to the utility, fuel vendor, landlord, or renter, depending on the program. Ask your local agency how renters are handled before assuming you cannot apply.

Phone scripts you can use

Use these short scripts. Change the words to fit your situation.

Script for 2-1-1

Hello, I am a senior and I need help with a utility bill. I have a past-due bill and I may face shutoff. Can you give me local referrals for LIHEAP crisis help, utility hardship funds, Community Action, and charities that help with utilities?

Script for your utility company

Hello, I am having trouble paying my bill. I want to keep my service on. Do you have a hardship program, payment plan, budget billing, late-fee waiver, or emergency fund? Can you place a temporary hold while I apply for assistance?

Script for medical need

Someone in my home has a medical need and uses powered medical equipment. What medical certification form do you need, and can service be protected while I get the form completed?

Script for a charity or church

Hello, I am a senior with a past-due utility bill. Do you have emergency help for utility bills, or can you refer me to a local fund? I can provide my bill, shutoff notice, ID, and income proof if needed.

Red flags and scam prevention

Scammers know utility shutoff threats are scary. They may pretend to be your utility, a government office, or a grant helper. The FTC warns that grant scam pitches often ask for fees or personal information. The FTC also says to hang up and call the company yourself if someone claims to be your utility through utility scam calls.

Warning signs

• They demand gift cards, crypto, wire transfers, or payment apps.
• They say you must pay in minutes to avoid shutoff.
• They ask for a fee to apply for help.
• They ask for your bank login or passwords.
• They contact you first and ask for your full Social Security number.
• They send a link that does not match your utility’s real site.
• They promise approval or say the benefit is guaranteed.

Safe steps

• Call the number printed on your bill.
• Use official state, utility, 2-1-1, or agency websites.
• Do not pay anyone to “speed up” LIHEAP.
• Ask a trusted family member, senior center, or Area Agency on Aging if you are unsure.
• Report suspicious contacts to the FTC.

When programs are not enough

Sometimes one program will not cover the whole bill. You may need several smaller supports.

Try local charities

Some charities, churches, St. Vincent de Paul groups, Catholic Charities offices, Salvation Army locations, United Way partners, and senior centers may have emergency funds or referrals. Rules are local. Some help only once per year. Some require a shutoff notice.

Ask about water, rent, and food too

If several bills are late, do not only ask about electricity. A food pantry, SNAP, rent help, water fund, or medical savings program may free up money for utilities. Use local referrals and check programs one by one.

Make a short-term bill plan

• Ask the utility to divide the past-due amount into payments.
• Ask if late fees can be removed after you enroll in a plan.
• Ask if budget billing is safe for you. It may help with spikes, but it may not lower the total you owe.
• Do not skip medication, safe food, or medical care to pay a bill without asking for help first.

How much help can you really get?

There is no single amount. Help may come as a bill credit, a fuel delivery, a payment plan, a phone discount, or home upgrades. The examples below are only planning examples. They are not promises.

Example 1: Mary lives alone

Mary receives $1,800 per month from Social Security. Her winter gas bill is past due. She calls 2-1-1, applies for LIHEAP, and asks her utility for a payment plan. If approved, LIHEAP may send a one-time credit to the utility. The payment plan spreads the rest over time.

Example 2: Robert uses SSI

Robert receives SSI and has a high electric bill. He may qualify for Lifeline through SSI. He also applies for LIHEAP and asks about weatherization. If he is approved for weatherization, the work may take time, but it could lower future bills.

Example 3: Susan and James rent

Susan and James rent an apartment where heat is included in rent. They should still call the local LIHEAP office. Some states allow renters to qualify with a lease or rent proof, but payment rules vary.

How to use these examples

• Find your state’s LIHEAP rules.
• Ask your utility about payment plans.
• Ask 2-1-1 about local charities.
• Apply for weatherization if high bills keep coming back.
• Check Lifeline if phone or internet costs are part of the problem.

Helpful contacts

National starting points

• 2-1-1: Dial 211 for local utility, food, housing, and emergency referrals.
• LIHEAP referral line: Call 1-866-674-6327 for help finding where to apply locally.
• Eldercare Locator: Call 1-800-677-1116 for aging services and local support.
• 988 Lifeline: Call or text 988 for mental health crisis support. If there is immediate danger, call 911.

Official program sites

• Use the LIHEAP search tool to find your local energy assistance office.
• Use DOE’s weatherization page to find your state weatherization office.
• Use USAC’s Lifeline site to apply for phone or internet discounts.
• Use your utility bill to find the safest customer service number.

If you want a simple starting place for other topics too, the Grants for Seniors home page has guides for utilities, housing, food, health costs, and more.

Need the senior-friendly utility guides in one place?
Download the Utility Help Toolkit 2026 from Grants for Seniors. It includes the cheat sheet, checklist, and call script in one file.

Download Utility Toolkit (PDF)

© 2026 GrantsForSeniors.org. For informational purposes only. Verify with your state or local agency.

Resumen en español

Si usted es una persona mayor y tiene problemas para pagar la luz, gas, calefacción, agua, teléfono o internet, pida ayuda lo antes posible. No espere hasta que el servicio sea cortado.

• Llame al 2-1-1 y pida ayuda local para facturas de servicios públicos.
• Llame a la compañía de servicios y pida un plan de pago, protección médica o ayuda por dificultad económica.
• Pregunte por LIHEAP si necesita ayuda con calefacción, aire acondicionado, combustible o una emergencia de energía.
• Pregunte por weatherization si su casa tiene corrientes de aire, mala aislación o costos altos de energía.
• Pregunte por Lifeline si necesita bajar el costo del teléfono o internet.

Los programas cambian por estado y por condado. La ayuda no está garantizada, y algunos fondos se terminan. Tenga lista su factura, aviso de corte, identificación, prueba de ingresos y prueba de domicilio. Si no habla inglés bien, pida un intérprete cuando llame al 2-1-1, a LIHEAP o a su compañía de servicios.

FAQ