Find Help Paying Bills
Unexpected expenses or a drop in income can make even the most routine bills feel overwhelming. If you’re facing financial hardship and worried about keeping the lights on, or staying in your home, you’re not alone. Fortunately, there are resources that can help you get through tough times.
How do I get emergency assistance with my bills?
If you’re in crisis and need fast support, emergency assistance programs can help cover essential costs. Many of these programs are designed to help you respond quickly to prevent service disconnections, eviction or worsening debt.
Get help with electricity bills.
Many utility companies offer bill assistance or payment plans. You may also qualify for:
Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP). This federal program helps cover the cost of heating and cooling for eligible households. Depending on your location, it may also help prevent disconnections or restore services. Applications typically open seasonally, and you’ll need to provide proof of income, household size and your recent utility bill.
Weatherization Assistance Program. This service helps low-income households make energy-efficient upgrades, such as insulating walls, sealing windows, and improving heating systems. These upgrades can reduce your future utility bills, making them more manageable long term.
Energy efficiency kits. Local outreach programs and utility providers may offer free kits with LED bulbs, faucet aerators, and other tools to reduce energy usage. Some providers even offer home energy audits to help you understand where you can save.
Get help paying for water.
Access to clean water is essential, and several programs exist to help when you can’t afford your water bill:
Local water payment assistance programs. Many cities or counties have assistance funds supported by donations or grants. These may help cover a portion of your past due balance or offer temporary payment relief.
Emergency water grants from social services agencies. State and county social service offices may provide short-term help if you’re facing disconnection. You’ll typically need to demonstrate financial hardship and provide proof of residency.
Find help paying rent.
Keeping a roof over your head is a top priority, and rental assistance may be available for those at risk of eviction:
State housing authorities. Most states manage rental relief programs that offer funding directly to landlords or tenants. These programs may also cover utility bills bundled with rent.
Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) programs. DHHS may provide short-term financial assistance, including rent subsidies, especially during a crisis such as job loss or illness.
Local nonprofits that support renters at risk of eviction. Organizations like United Way, Catholic Charities and local housing coalitions often provide rental aid, legal referrals and housing counseling.
Get help paying for other bills.
Your financial needs may extend beyond rent and electricity. Here’s how to find help for other essential expenses:
Natural gas. If your home uses natural gas for heating or cooking, your gas provider may offer bill forgiveness for eligible households or allow you to spread costs out over time through a budget billing plan.
Internet and phone bills. The Lifeline program offers discounts on broadband and phone services for qualifying low-income individuals. This helps ensure you can stay connected to work, school and emergency services.
Medical bills. Many hospitals have financial assistance programs for low-income patients. You can ask about income-based discounts, payment plans or charity care if you’re uninsured or underinsured.
What types of utility assistance programs are available?
Utility assistance can come from federal, state or local sources — and knowing what’s out there can help you avoid service shut offs or overwhelming bills.
Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP)
The Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program is one of the most important tools available for low-income households struggling with energy bills. Benefits include:
Energy bill payments. Covers part of your seasonal heating or cooling costs.
Crisis assistance. Offers fast relief if your service has been shut off or you’re at risk of disconnection.
Weatherization services. Helps reduce long-term energy costs by improving home energy efficiency.
To apply, contact your local energy assistance agency or visit your state’s DHHS website. You’ll need income documentation, a recent utility bill, and proof of household size.
Percentage of Income Payment Plan (PIPP)
The Percentage of Income Payment Plan (available in select states like Ohio and Illinois) allows you to pay a percentage of your income toward your energy bill — usually between 6% and 10% of your household income. Benefits include:
Affordable monthly payments. Your payment is tied to what you can realistically afford.
Forgiveness of arrears. After making on-time payments for a set period, past due amounts may be forgiven.
Protection from disconnection. As long as you’re enrolled and current on payments, disconnection is often suspended.
Weatherization Assistance Program
The Weather Assistance Program is a federal program that provides energy-saving improvements at no cost to eligible households. Upgrades include:
- Insulating walls, attics, and floors
- Sealing air leaks around doors and windows
- Servicing or replacing inefficient heating and cooling systems
This not only improves comfort but can significantly lower your monthly bill and reduce energy crisis situations.
Utility Company Programs
Many utility providers offer direct financial assistance, often funded by customers or state initiatives.
These may include:
Payment assistance programs. One-time grants or monthly credits for low-income customers.
Deferred payment plans. Spread large balances over time to make bills more manageable.
Outreach or referral services. Staff may help connect you to local resources, from food pantries to financial counseling.
Visit your utility provider’s website, or call their customer service hotline, for contact information and eligibility requirements.
What do I do if I can’t pay my bills?
When you’re falling behind, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed — but taking action early can prevent things from getting worse.
Find ways to earn fast cash.
Getting even a small amount of extra income can help prevent disconnection or eviction. Try:
Selling unused household items. Use apps or local marketplaces to turn unused electronics, clothing or furniture into cash.
Picking up a side job. Gig apps like DoorDash, Instacart or TaskRabbit allow you to earn quickly with flexible hours.
Looking into emergency benefits. Check for short-term grants from nonprofits, or food assistance programs like SNAP.
Create a budget.
Budgeting helps you prioritize what’s most important and make every dollar count. Here’s how to start a budget:
Determine your monthly income. Focus on the net income — the amount you receive after taxes and other deductions.
List all monthly expenses. Factor in all monthly bills and other recurring payments. These typically include housing, utilities and debt payments.
Focus on essentials first. Prioritize shelter, energy bills and food.
Track past due amounts. This helps you communicate clearly with creditors or assistance programs.
Lean on family and friends.
Asking family for money is never easy, but it can be one of the most reliable forms of support. Consider:
Borrowing with a clear plan. Share how much you need and when you’ll pay it back.
Combining households temporarily. If possible, living with family can cut housing or utility costs.
Sharing bills. If you live with others, discuss how you can fairly divide or adjust shared expenses.
Look into emergency borrowing options.
Short-term loans such as personal installment loans and lines of credit can sometimes bridge the gap in a financial emergency and provide quick cash. However, borrowing comes with interest expenses. Because of this, it should only be pursued when other options are exhausted.
When considering borrowing options, make sure to do your research to find the best fit for your needs and avoid excessive debt.
Check the APR and repayment schedule. A lower rate and longer term may be easier to manage.
Avoid payday loans if possible. These often come with extremely high fees and short repayment periods.
Use only what you need. Borrowing too much can lead to a cycle of debt.
Final Thoughts
Falling behind on bills can be scary, but you’re not without support. From federally funded assistance programs like LIHEAP, PIPP and the Weatherization Assistance Program to local nonprofits and utility-specific support services, there are more resources than you might think.
Take the first step by checking your eligibility, gathering your household size and income details, and reaching out to the appropriate hotline or agency. Even one phone call or email can set you on the path to relief — and give you the clarity and confidence to move forward.
DISCLAIMER: This content is for informational purposes only and should not be considered financial, investment, tax or legal advice.
