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Help with Bills

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Get Help with Your Home Energy Bill

If you can’t afford to pay your home heating or cooling bill, you may be able to get help from the government, a nonprofit, or your local social services agency.

What help is available for my home energy bill?

The Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) may be able to help with:

Assistance to pay your heating or cooling bills
Emergency services in case of an energy crisis, such as a utility shutoff
Low-cost home improvements, known as weatherization, that make your home more energy efficient and lower your utility bills.

LIHEAP funds may not be used to pay water and sewer bills.

Am I eligible for LIHEAP?

This chart from Benefits.gov shows the average LIHEAP eligibility requirements. Actual requirements may vary by state, city, or region. Each local LIHEAP office sets its own eligibility requirements.

A person or family participating in other benefit programs, such as the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), Supplemental Security Income (SSI), Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF or welfare), or certain needs-tested veterans benefits may be automatically eligible.
Being qualified for LIHEAP does not guarantee that you will receive help. Whether or not you receive help depends on how much LIHEAP funding is available for the year.
On average, about 20% of households that are qualified for LIHEAP receive benefits. When LIHEAP funds run out for the year, no more benefits can be given until Congress makes more funds available.

How do I apply for LIHEAP?

Each state has different rules about when you can apply, how you apply, and the criteria you have to meet to get help.

Contact your local LIHEAP office for application details.
Find a list of local intake agencies for your county at LIHEAP Local Providers or call 202-401-9351

Who do I contact for extra LIHEAP help?

To learn more about LIHEAP, see the program’s frequently asked questions list.
If you need help with your LIHEAP application, contact your local LIHEAP office or call 202-401-9351.

Are there other places I can get help if I don’t qualify for LIHEAP?

If your income is too high to qualify for LIHEAP but you need help paying for your energy bills, your local social services agency or a nonprofit organization may have funds to help. You can also contact your gas, oil, or electric company about budget billing programs or new payment options, especially for customers with disabilities who are on Supplemental Security Income (SSI).

Welfare or Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF)

Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) is a federally funded, state-run benefits program. Also known as welfare, TANF helps families achieve independence after experiencing temporary difficulties.

Learn About TANF

Recipients may qualify for help with:

Food
Housing
Home energy
Child care
Job training

Each state runs its TANF program differently and has a different name.
Some tribal groups operate their own TANF programs.

Find Out If You’re Eligible for TANF

Each state or tribal territory has its own rules for who is eligible for financial help, services, or other benefits.
You must be a resident of the state where you are applying.

Apply for TANF

Contact your nearest TANF office to sign-up for benefits.

Report TANF Fraud

If you suspect possible welfare fraud, contact:

Your local TANF office
The Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) Inspector General’s Fraud Hotline

Help with Prescription Drug Costs

Programs from government agencies and pharmaceutical companies can help you pay for prescription drugs. Check with each program to find out if you’re eligible and how to apply.

Find Programs to Help With Prescription Drug Costs

Contact the pharmaceutical companies that make your prescription drugs or devices, and ask for any low-cost options, samples, or discounts.
Learn about finding generic drugs to lower your costs.
State social services agencies and local health centers provide direct assistance to people in distress or with limited access to health care with assistance and referrals to other local organizations that may be able to help.
You or your child may qualify for Medicaid or CHIP. Learn more about these programs.
If you are eligible for Medicare, you can get help paying for your prescriptions through Medicare Part D.