I need help with an electric, gas, or water bill. Bill assistance, shut-off help, and making a home cheaper to heat and cool.
PublicAssistance.net is an independent informational website.
It is not a government agency and cannot determine eligibility, approve benefits or
accept applications. Confirm current information with the agency that administers the
program. How this site works
If you need help in the next day or two
These can usually help quickly, and most need little or no paperwork.
211 local referral line — Dial 211 to reach someone local who knows what help actually exists near you tonight — shelter beds, food, rent help and utility assistance. Free and confidential in most of the country.
Official site
LIHEAP (help with energy bills) — Help paying heating and cooling bills, and in most states a separate crisis payment when service is about to be cut off. Run by your state, tribe or territory.
Official site
Start here
The main pathways for utilities, soonest help first.
Weatherization Assistance Program
NationwideMonths, or a waiting list
Administered by U.S. Department of Energy, administered by states.
Free work on your home — insulation, sealing, sometimes heating repairs — to make it cheaper to keep warm and cool. Reduces future bills rather than paying a current one.
May be requested:
Proof of income, Proof you own or rent the home, Recent energy bills.
Official source checked September 4, 2026.
Rules change — confirm current details with the agency.
Where you actually apply
Most of these are federal programs run by your state, so the application, the timeline and
the office you deal with are all your state's. Pick your state to see its own pages and
what it calls each program.
Requirements differ by state and program, and this is a superset rather than a checklist
you must complete. Not having something is a reason to ask what the alternatives are,
not a reason to give up on the application.
Your most recent energy bill
Proof of income
Photo ID
The shut-off notice if you have one
Proof you own or rent the home
Recent energy bills
Common mistakes, and how to avoid being scammed
Nobody legitimate charges you to apply. Every program on this page is
free to apply for. If a site or a person asks for a fee to file, or for a "processing
payment", walk away.
Assuming you earn too much. Limits are often higher than people expect,
and several of these programs count income differently from how you might.
Only applying for one thing. Several states decide food, cash and health
coverage from one application, and applying for one can start the others.
Waiting to have every document. Applying starts the clock. In most
programs you can supply missing paperwork afterwards.
Giving up after a refusal. Refusals are frequently overturned on appeal,
and the letter you receive must tell you how to appeal and by when.
Never share your Social Security number, bank details or benefit card PIN
with anyone who contacts you unexpectedly, by text, call or email — including anyone
claiming to be from a benefits agency.