Key takeaways

  • LIHEAP is federally funded but run by states, tribes and territories, so eligibility, benefits and application dates depend on where you live.
  • The Weatherization Assistance Program focuses on long-term energy efficiency improvements to the homes of eligible households.
  • Many utilities have their own payment arrangements, discount rates or hardship funds. The only way to know is to ask.
  • Apply as early as you can. Funding is limited and many programs open on a seasonal schedule.
  • Legitimate programs do not charge a fee to apply. Be wary of anyone who does.

If a heating or cooling bill is more than your budget can handle, you're far from alone, and there are long-standing public programs designed for exactly this situation. The system can be confusing, though, because help comes from several places at once: federal programs run through state and local agencies, programs offered by utility companies, and community organizations. This guide explains how the main pieces fit together and how to find the office that serves your address.

The main types of energy assistance

LIHEAP: help with heating and cooling bills

The Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program, known as LIHEAP, is a federally funded program overseen by the Administration for Children and Families within the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. The federal government provides the funding, but states, tribes and territories run their own programs. That's why the program's name, rules and timing can look different depending on where you live.

Depending on your state, LIHEAP may help with:

  • Regular heating or cooling costs, often as a payment sent directly to your utility or fuel supplier
  • Energy emergencies, such as a disconnection notice or running out of heating fuel
  • In some areas, weatherization or minor energy-related home repairs

Eligibility is generally based on household income and size, within limits each program sets under federal guidelines. Many programs give priority to households that include older adults, people with disabilities or young children.

The Weatherization Assistance Program

The Weatherization Assistance Program, funded through the U.S. Department of Energy and delivered by state and local agencies, helps eligible households make their homes more energy efficient. Instead of paying a bill, it focuses on the home itself. Depending on an assessment of the house or apartment, that might mean adding insulation, sealing air leaks or addressing problems with the heating system. Eligible households receive these services at no cost.

Renters can often take part too, usually with the landlord's permission. Because there may be a waiting list, it's worth applying before the weather turns.

Utility and community programs

Many utilities run their own programs alongside the public ones. Depending on your provider, these might include payment arrangements that spread a past-due balance over several months, reduced rates for customers who qualify, or hardship funds supported by customer donations and managed by a local charity. Local nonprofits, faith groups and community action agencies may also offer emergency help. These programs vary widely, and the only reliable way to know what's available is to ask.

How to find help near you

Because programs are run locally, the most useful first step is finding the office that serves your address. A few reliable ways to do that:

  1. Call your utility. Ask the billing or customer service team which assistance programs it works with, and whether it has programs of its own. The phone number is printed on your bill.
  2. Contact your local community action agency. In many areas, these local agencies take applications for LIHEAP and weatherization.
  3. Dial 2-1-1. In most of the country, 211 is a confidential referral line that connects callers with local services, including help with utility bills.
  4. Go to official government websites directly. Type the address yourself rather than clicking search ads. Some ads lead to private sites that charge for help that public programs provide at no cost.

If you've received a shutoff notice

A disconnection notice is stressful, but it usually gives you some time to act. Call your utility right away, explain your situation and ask:

  • Whether a payment arrangement can stop or delay the disconnection
  • Whether seasonal protections apply where you live, since many states limit shutoffs during extreme cold or heat
  • Whether a certificate from a doctor can delay disconnection if someone in the home has a serious medical condition
  • Whether the utility has received your assistance application, and what else it needs from you

These protections differ from state to state. Your state's public utility commission can explain the rules that apply to you.

Timing matters

Funding for many assistance programs is limited each year, and some programs open on a seasonal schedule, with heating help often starting in the fall and cooling help in the warmer months. Applying as early as you can gives you the best chance of getting help before a bill becomes a crisis. If your application is denied, ask for the reason, and whether you can appeal or apply again later.

Asking for help is a practical step

Energy assistance exists for moments like this. Reaching out is a sensible, responsible move, and the sooner you ask, the more options you're likely to have. If paying the rest of your bills on time is also a struggle, our guides on talking to service providers and choosing a budgeting method can help you plan the next few months.

Helpful official resources

These links go to the home pages of official public websites. Action2Day is not affiliated with, endorsed by or acting for any of these organizations.

About this guide. Written and reviewed by the Action2Day editorial team and last checked in September 2026. It is general educational information, not financial, legal or insurance advice. Program rules and provider policies vary, so confirm details with the organization involved. Spotted something out of date? Let us know.