Utilities Assistance

Paying your electric, gas, water, or internet bills can be overwhelming, especially after the loss of a job or experiencing a medical emergency. If you are having trouble keeping up with your utilities bills, you are not alone.

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Contact 211

If you are having trouble paying a utility bill or need help finding lower-cost options for phone or internet, you can always contact your local 211 for help. Simply call 211 to speak to a specialist, or use this search to find more contact information, including online searchable databases.

Talk to Your Provider

Many utilities providers offer programs to assist households when they cannot pay their bills on time. Companies may offer a payment plan or temporary discount on your bill if you can pay some, but not all, of what you owe. Some companies also work with local non-profits to provide additional financial assistance to qualifying households. Contact your utility provider, explain your situation, and ask about options to help you pay. If you are unsure how to contact them, this information is usually included on your monthly bill.

Every year, the 211 network responds to more requests for help paying utilities bills than almost any other topic. In 2019, we made more than 2.1 million connections to resources to help people pay utilities bills or access low-cost or free services.

More Utilities Assistance

The Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) is a state benefit program that assists eligible low-income households with their heating and cooling energy costs, bill payment assistance, energy crisis assistance, weatherization and energy-related home repairs.

To find out whether you are eligible to receive LIHEAP benefits, contact your state or tribal LIHEAP office.

For help applying for LIHEAP benefits, you may also call this toll-free number: 1-866-674-6327.
If a member of your household had their work or schooling moved to an online format but cannot afford home internet access, the following providers offer affordable options:
- Emergency Broadband Benefit is an FCC program that will provide a discount of up to $50 per month towards broadband service for eligible households and up to $75 per month for households on qualifying Tribal lands.
- Access from AT&T is a low-cost home internet package for qualifying individuals and households.
- Comcast Internet Essentials is a similarly priced package for qualifying individuals and households. Due to COVID-19, it is currently available for free for the first two months.
- Mediacom Connect 2 Compete offers internet access to students at a reduced rate.
- Verizon Lifeline provides reduced-fee internet services at a 3-tier level for low-income customers.
- EveryoneOn, through partnerships with local internet service providers, is able to offer free on reduced home internet service in 48 states and the District of Columbia.
If you have an existing provider, they may be making special accommodations in response to the pandemic. Visit their website or contact them via phone for more information.

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Caregiver Resources

I need help paying my bills

Housing Expenses

Not sure where to start? We can help. Call 211

Utilities Assistance

More Utilities Assistance

LIHEAP (Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program)

Home Internet

Phone Service

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