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Life change guide

I can't pay my energy bills

Find energy bill assistance programs. Learn which benefits to apply for first when you can't afford utilities.

Where to start

When energy bills pile up, it can feel overwhelming, especially in very hot or very cold weather. A shut-off notice can make it even more stressful. There is help, and acting early gives you more options.

First, call your utility company. Ask about payment plans and any protections that may apply to you. Then apply for energy help. LIHEAP can help with heating and cooling bills, and it can help in a crisis such as a shut-off notice.

Other programs can help too. Weatherization can make your home use less energy over time. Food help and phone discounts can free up money for your bills. If you already get SNAP, SSI or TANF, you may qualify for LIHEAP automatically in many states.

Do these first

  1. 1

    Call your utility company

    Ask about payment plans and whether any shut-off protections apply to you. Write down who you spoke to and what they said.

  2. 2

    Apply for LIHEAP

    LIHEAP helps pay heating and cooling bills and can help in an energy crisis. If you have a shut-off notice, say so when you apply.

    About LIHEAP
  3. 3

    Apply for SNAP food help

    SNAP helps you buy food, which can free up money for bills. Your utility costs may also count when your state figures your benefit.

    About SNAP
  4. 4

    Ask about weatherization

    Free home improvements like insulation and air sealing may help lower your energy bills over time. Apply through your local weatherization agency.

    About Weatherization
  5. 5

    Lower your phone or internet bill

    Lifeline may give you a discount on phone or internet service, which can ease your monthly budget.

    About Lifeline

Programs that can help

SNAPUSDA Food and Nutrition ServiceSNAP gives monthly benefits on an EBT card to help households with low income buy food.LIHEAPHHS Administration for Children and FamiliesLIHEAP helps households with low income pay heating and cooling bills, and may help in an energy crisis such as a shut-off notice.LifelineFCC / Universal Service Administrative CompanyLifeline is a federal program that may give households with low income a discount on phone or internet service.WeatherizationUS Department of EnergyThe Weatherization Assistance Program makes free energy-saving home improvements, like insulation and heating repairs, for households with low income.

Offers that can help

Services from our partners. You never need a paid service to apply for benefits.

Advertiser disclosure
We may earn a commission when you use partner links. Partners never affect which programs we show, how we rank them, or our editorial content. How we make money

ClearLine Wireless

4.3out of 5 stars,(5,310 reviews)
Phone plansSponsored

Free unlimited talk and text with Lifeline

Qualify through SNAP, Medicaid or SSI and get a free smartphone plan.

Check Lifeline plans

On ClearLine Wireless's secure site

Cost
$0/month
Best for
SNAP or Medicaid households
Setup
Free SIM, keep your number
Pros and details

Pros

  • Unlimited talk and text
  • 4.5 GB data included
  • No contract or credit check

Good to know

Lifeline is limited to one discount per household.

EverWatt Energy

4.1out of 5 stars,(2,210 reviews)
Energy plansSponsored

Lock in a lower electricity rate

Compare fixed-rate energy plans in deregulated states and cut your monthly bill.

Compare energy plans

On EverWatt Energy's secure site

Deposit
$0 on most plans
Best for
Renters in TX, PA, OH, IL
Rate lock
12–24 months
Pros and details

Pros

  • Fixed rates
  • Switch online in 5 minutes
  • Keeps your LIHEAP credit

Good to know

Only available in deregulated energy markets. Early cancellation fees may apply.