Help with Bills

Last Updated on January 24, 2024 by Rachel

Affording living expenses can be difficult considering increasing costs for older people whose income is restricted in most cases. There are great numbers of programs and services that offer energy bill assistance for low and moderate-income senior citizens. These benefits are provided by various utility companies, state agencies, and the federal government throughout the country. Let’s look closer at these programs.


  • Weatherization Assistance Program

This program was formed and has been financed by the U.S. Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy with the aim of reducing energy costs for low and middle-income families and individuals. It increases the energy efficiency at its beneficiaries’ homes. Thanks to these new adjustments at their homes, participants have a healthier and safer environment. Research indicates that beneficiaries of this service save approximately $283 and more each year. Seniors who are in financial trouble and are in need of energy efficiency at their homes are prioritized by this program. For further information and to apply, please visit https://www.energy.gov/eere/wap/weatherization-assistance-program.

  • Low Income Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP)

This is a utility assistance program that was constituted and has been managed by the federal authorities. It presents various cash grants and discounts for low income-persons who require help with their utility bills. Its main criteria are the total income of the household and the size of the household. Seniors who are compatible with these criteria are eligible for this program across the country. To learn more, please go to https://www.dhs.pa.gov/Services/Assistance/Pages/LIHEAP.aspx or make a phone call to toll-free number 1 866 674 6327.

  • Oil Heat Program

This utility assistance program was constituted by many electricity companies including CITGO, Citizens Energy, and local utility firms in different states. All of these companies work closely to help low and middle-income households and individuals with their utility expenses. This oil heat program provides cash assistance for eligible households based on their economic condition. Further information can be accessed by clicking on the following link https://www.citgo.com/newsroom/press-releases/2023/citgo-petroleum-corporation-announces-proposed-private-offering-of-senior-secured-notes or dial 1 800 423 8434.

  • Lifeline Program

This benefit was formed and has been subsidized by the Federal Communications Commission for citizens in need. Telephones are vital for older citizens to communicate with their loved ones since some of them are not able to see their friends and family so often. Lifeline Program presents monthly discounts on phone expenses, and also internet costs in some cases. The amount of the monthly support ranges from $9.25 to $34.25 depending on the participants’ needs. Elder citizens who need help with their utility and internet bills are encouraged to apply to this program. For more information, please follow the link https://www.fcc.gov/lifeline-consumers or by phone at 1 888 225 5322.

  • The Emergency Broad Benefit Program

This program was established and has been led by the Federal Communication Commission to assist families and persons who are struggling with paying for their internet service. This is one of the recent federal government programs that aim to maintain connection among people, particularly during difficult times. Seniors who need internet connection at their homes or who already have internet access but cannot afford it are qualified to be part of this program. Beneficiaries will receive a monthly discount that ranges from $50 to $75 depending on the case. Moreover, eligible seniors may have a $100 discount only one time to purchase a desktop computer, desktop, or tablet. To see the application form, please go to https://www.fcc.gov/broadbandbenefit or give it a call at 1 888 225 5322.

  • The Emergency Home Energy Assistance for the Elderly Program

This assistance program was specifically designed to help older people in need by the Senior Resource Alliance. Seniors who are in a financial crisis and need help with covering their utility bills are eligible for this program. Eligible seniors will receive up to $600 help for each season. People who are 60 years of age or older are urged to apply for this service. The link to their official website is as follows https://www.seniorresourcealliance.org/programs/emergency-home-energy-assistance-for-the-elderly/ or make connections with 407 514 1800.

  • The Heating System Repair and Replacement Program (HEARTWAP)

HEARTWAP was founded and has been sponsored by the U.S. Housing and Community Development Department for people who need repair help with their utilities. Seniors who require assistance to fix their heating system and cannot cover it are encouraged to apply for this benefit. Since this is an emergency-based heating system repair program, it is better to apply as early as possible. Find out more information at https://www.communityactioninc.org/fuel-and-energy-programs/ or contact 978 373 1971.

  • The Good Neighbor Energy Fund

This is a local initiative that was created by the Salvation Army Office for persons who are not able to afford their utility bills. Seniors who are facing unexpected short-term economic problems are eligible for this program. The amount of financial assistance is determined by evaluating the current situation of the participant. Read more at https://salvationarmy.ca/maritime/tag/good-neighbour-energy-fund/ or make contact with 1 800 725 2769.

  • JOE-4-SUN

This is a charity-based non-governmental energy assistance program that was built by the Citizens Energy Corporation. Low and middle-income households or persons who need solar energy discounts on their bills are eligible for the JOE-4-SUN. Elder citizens who want to learn more about solar energy can find out more information at https://citizensenergy.com/our-programs/joe-4-sun/ call the mainline 617 338 6300.

  • The Dollar Energy Fund

This non-governmental charity-based utility assistance program was built and has been run by various electricity companies since 1983. The main purpose of this program is to offer energy assistance for those who cannot afford it until they become self-sufficient. The amount of cash support or discounts is decided by the applicant’s current economic situation. Seniors who are in financial hardship and are looking for help are prioritized by this program. To read more and to see the application form, please follow the link https://www.dollarenergy.org/need-help/application-process/ or call toll-free 800 683 7036.

The federal poverty threshold is frequently used by various assistance programs to assess applicants’ financial eligibility. In Federal Poverty Level and Seniors, learn how the FPL benefits seniors.