Programs and Organizations That Help with Utility Assistance

Heat during the winter. Cool air during the peak of summer. Water when you turn on the taps or the shower. Access to utilities is essential to modern life, but with the costs for them rising, finding the money to pay these bills can be stressful. If you’re struggling to cover your utilities, there are a number of different programs and organizations out there that can help.

Government-Funded Utility Assistance Programs

In the U.S., the federal government funds programs aimed at energy assistance that are then administered at the state level. By reaching out to the government in your state, you can see if you’re qualified to receive any of the below:

Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP)

LIHEAP helps recipients pay for their heating or cooling bills or get emergency services during an energy crisis. It’s based on your household income, but each state and territory has its own requirements. You can start by going here and answering a few questions to see if you qualify. After that, you should find the LIHEAP office for your state or territory and see if you meet their eligibility requirements. For example, in Oklahoma, you must:

•    Be responsible for payment of home energy
•    Be a U.S. citizen or legal permanent resident
•    Have a monthly gross income equal to or less than an income standard that’s 130% of federal poverty level, adjusted for household size

Weatherization Assistance Program (WAP)

Designed to help you save money on energy in the long run, WAP can help you pay for weatherization home improvements. Your eligibility depends on your income and the specific requirements in your state’s WAP office.

Lifeline Program

For phone and internet service, the Lifeline program is federally funded and designed to help low-income households get discounted telephone or internet service. Eligibility is based on income, household size, and whether you receive benefits from a federal assistance program.

Financial Assistance from Energy Companies

Your utility providers might have financial assistance programs that you aren’t even aware of, so it’s worth communicating with your energy provider and investigating what options they have available.

For example, let’s take a look at Oklahoma Gas & Electric, which serves Oklahoma and Arkansas. For Oklahoma residents, they have:

•    Low-Income Assistance Program, which gives qualified customers a monthly credit
•    Residential Energy Efficiency Program, which qualifies customers for energy-saving upgrades
•    Lend-a-Hand, which offers assistance with energy bills in partnership with the Salvation Army
•    Silver Energy Discount, which offers a monthly credit to enrolled customers aged 65+

Nonprofits That Offer Utility Assistance

In addition to government programs, there are quite a few nonprofit organizations that can provide assistance to people who need help covering their bills. Some are national and some are more localized, but all of them are designed to be there for you.

The Salvation Army

Through its service centers all over the country, the Salvation Army has a long tradition of offering utility help and assistance. Each branch works with local utility partners to get you qualified for financial relief, and your household will still have to meet their income eligibility requirements, which often must be at or below 200% of federal poverty guidelines.

United Way

The United Way doesn’t have their own program; rather, they work as a resource and advocate, helping connect people with bill assistance or access to low-cost or free services. All you have to do is call 211 in order to speak to a specialist.

Catholic Charities

Catholic Charities is a network of 168 social service agencies across the country that offer a wide variety of services, including rent and utility assistance, for local community members. You do not have to be Catholic to apply for their help, and you can find your local agency here.

Local Churches, Temples, and Places of Worship

Almost every organized religion — from the United Methodist Church to the Jewish Federations of North America — has charity integrated into their local places of worship, aimed at providing assistance for those in need in the area.

Veterans Organizations That Offer Utility Assistance

For veterans and their families, there are additional options for seeking support.

Supportive Services for Veteran Families (SSVF)

Offered through the organization Veterans Inc., the SSVF program provides direct services and financial assistance, including utility assistance, to individuals and families who are homeless or at risk. To qualify for the SSVF program, you must:

•    Be a veteran or a family where the head of the household or their spouse is a veteran
•    Have an income that does not exceed 50% of your area’s median income
•    Occupy permanent housing and be trying to avoid eviction OR be homeless

Operation Homefront Critical Financial Assistance Program

Operation Homefront is a nationally recognized nonprofit aimed at building strong, stable, and secure military and veteran families by improving their financial, emotional, and social well-being. Their Critical Financial Assistance Program is designed to provide short-term financial help for active-duty members, veterans, and veteran families.

Grants to Provide Stability (GPS)

Funded by the Disabled Veterans National Foundation, GPS is for veterans facing temporary financial setback. The organization provides up to $1,000 to help eligible veterans pay for rent or mortgage and essential utilities.

American Legion Temporary Financial Assistance (TFA)

The American Legion is the largest U.S. veterans organization, strengthening the nation through programs, services, and advocacy for those who have served in the U.S. Armed Forces, youth, and communities. Their TFA program awards cash grants to help families in need meet the cost of basic necessities, including utilities.

Assistance in a Crisis

No one wants to be in a situation where their utilities could be shut off, leaving them without power or water. For those in a financial crisis, unable to pay, it’s helpful to know that there are a lot of options out there to assist you. Lenders like WithU Loans can offer short-term loans to cover emergency costs, with flexible terms and financial support to help you every step of the way.