Utility bills can become overwhelming quickly, especially when income is limited, hours are reduced, rent is due, or extreme weather causes heating and cooling costs to rise. For many low-income households, one high electric, gas, propane, oil, or cooling bill can create a serious crisis. There are assistance programs that are able to provide immediate help.
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What Is LIHEAP Crisis Assistance?
LIHEAP crisis assistance is for urgent energy situations. A crisis may include a utility shutoff notice, disconnected service, no heating fuel, unsafe heating conditions, a broken heating system, or a cooling emergency during extreme heat. The exact definition of “crisis” depends on the state, territory, or Tribal program.
For example, a family with a 48-hour electric shutoff notice should ask specifically for LIHEAP crisis assistance, not just regular seasonal assistance. A renter whose power is already disconnected should ask whether the local program can help with reconnection fees, past-due charges, or emergency payment arrangements.
When applying for crisis help, households should have the shutoff notice, current bill, account number, proof of income, identification, and proof of address ready. If there is a medical issue, such as oxygen equipment, a refrigerated medication need, or a heat-sensitive health condition, the household should ask the utility company and LIHEAP office whether medical documentation changes the emergency process.
What to Do If Your Utilities Are About to Be Shut Off
A household that receives a disconnection notice should act immediately. It is usually better to call before the shutoff date than after service is disconnected.
First, contact the utility company and ask for a payment plan, hardship program, medical protection, budget billing, deferred payment agreement, or nonprofit assistance fund. United Way 211 explains that many utility providers offer payment plans, temporary discounts, or work with local nonprofits to provide additional assistance to qualifying households.
Second, call 211 and ask for utility assistance, LIHEAP, crisis assistance, local charities, churches, community action agencies, and emergency funds in your ZIP code. United Way 211 says people can call 211 to speak with a specialist or use local search tools to find help with utility bills.
Third, check your state’s utility disconnection protections. USAGov notes that each state has different policies about when electricity or natural gas can and cannot be disconnected for nonpayment, and those policies may depend on weather, age, disability, or the utility provider.
Fourth, contact the state public utility commission or consumer protection office if you believe the disconnection is improper, the bill is wrong, or the utility company is not following state rules.
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