The average American household spends $2,868 per year on electricity alone according to the US Energy Information Administration, and that number jumps higher every winter and summer when heating and cooling costs spike. In 2026, over 20 million households are behind on their utility bills, and utility shutoffs remain a real threat in states where disconnection protections are limited. If you are struggling to keep the lights on, the heat running, or the water flowing, there are programs designed specifically to help — and most people qualify for more assistance than they realize.
Beyond government programs, even a small stream of supplemental income can mean the difference between a paid utility bill and a shutoff notice. With I am Beezy, you can earn $5 to $15 per day from your cell phone by viewing content. That extra $150 to $300 per month covers the average monthly electric bill in most states. But first, let us walk through every utility assistance program you can access right now in 2026.
Federal Utility Assistance Programs Available Nationwide
LIHEAP — Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program
LIHEAP is the largest federal program for utility bill assistance, distributing over $4 billion annually to help low-income households pay heating and cooling costs. The program operates in all 50 states, Washington DC, and US territories. Eligibility is typically set at 150% of the federal poverty level or 60% of your state's median income — whichever is higher. For a family of four in 2026, that means a household income of roughly $46,000 to $55,000 depending on your state. Benefits range from $200 to $1,200 per household per year. Apply through your local Community Action Agency or state LIHEAP office.
WAP — Weatherization Assistance Program
While LIHEAP helps pay current bills, WAP reduces future bills by making your home more energy-efficient for free. The program covers insulation, air sealing, furnace repair or replacement, and energy-efficient windows — improvements that reduce utility costs by an average of $283 per year according to the Department of Energy. Income eligibility is similar to LIHEAP. Contact your state energy office or local Community Action Agency to apply. Wait times can be long (3 to 12 months), so apply early.
Lifeline — phone and internet assistance
While not a traditional utility program, Lifeline provides a $9.25 monthly discount on phone or internet service for qualifying low-income households. If you are already receiving SNAP, Medicaid, SSI, or housing assistance, you automatically qualify. Apply through your phone or internet provider or at lifelinesupport.org. This savings frees up cash for electric, gas, and water bills.
State-Level Utility Assistance Programs
Every state has its own programs
Beyond LIHEAP, every state administers additional utility assistance through different agencies. Some of the most generous programs include California's CARE program (20% to 35% discount on electric and gas bills for qualifying households), New York's Home Energy Assistance Program (up to $726 per year), Texas's LITE-UP program (electricity discounts for low-income customers), and Ohio's PIPP Plus program (caps energy bills at 6% to 10% of household income). Contact your state's public utility commission or dial 211 to find every program available in your area.
| State | Program | Benefit | How to Apply |
|---|---|---|---|
| California | CARE / FERA | 20-35% electric/gas discount | Through your utility provider |
| New York | HEAP | Up to $726/year heating | myBenefits.ny.gov |
| Texas | LITE-UP Texas | Electricity discount | puc.texas.gov |
| Florida | LIHEAP + utility hardship | Up to $600/year | Local Community Action |
| Ohio | PIPP Plus | Bills capped at 6-10% income | energyhelp.ohio.gov |
| Illinois | LIHEAP + PIPP | Up to $1,500 + percentage cap | helpillinoisfamilies.com |
| Pennsylvania | LIHEAP + CAP | Bills capped at 8-10% income | compass.state.pa.us |
| Michigan | State Emergency Relief | Shutoff prevention | michigan.gov/mdhhs |
Nonprofit and Utility Company Programs
Direct utility company assistance
Most major utility companies run their own hardship programs separate from government aid. Programs like Duke Energy's Share the Light, Con Edison's financial hardship program, PG&E's Relief for Energy Assistance through Community Help (REACH), and Dominion Energy's EnergyShare provide direct bill credits, payment plans, and forgiveness. Call the number on your utility bill and ask specifically about hardship or financial assistance programs — customer service representatives are trained to connect you with these options.
Salvation Army and St. Vincent de Paul
Both the Salvation Army and the Society of St. Vincent de Paul provide emergency utility bill assistance in communities across the country. Amounts vary by location but typically range from $100 to $500. You do not need to be a member of any church or faith to receive help. Contact your local office directly — these organizations often have funds available even when government programs have waiting lists.
Combining programs to cover the full bill
Here is what most people miss: you can stack multiple programs. Apply for LIHEAP through your Community Action Agency, request your utility company's hardship program, and contact the Salvation Army or St. Vincent de Paul for the remaining balance. Combining three programs can cover an entire past-due balance that seemed impossible to pay alone. Meanwhile, supplemental income from I am Beezy keeps your current bills from falling behind while past-due amounts get resolved. Users who spend 20 to 30 minutes daily viewing content earn $150 to $300 per month — enough to cover the average monthly electric bill in 42 states.
How to Prevent Utility Shutoffs
Know your rights during extreme weather
Most states prohibit utility disconnections during extreme heat or cold. These "winter moratorium" and "summer protection" rules vary by state, but generally prevent shutoffs when temperatures drop below 32 degrees F or rise above 95 degrees F. If you receive a shutoff notice during extreme weather, contact your state public utility commission immediately. Additionally, households with elderly residents, young children, or medically dependent equipment often have extra protections against disconnection year-round.
Set up a payment arrangement before shutoff
If you receive a disconnection notice, call your utility immediately and request a payment arrangement. By law in most states, utilities must offer a reasonable payment plan before disconnecting service. This typically involves paying a portion of the past-due amount upfront and spreading the rest over 6 to 12 months. Document every conversation — note the date, the representative's name, and what was agreed upon.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I get help with utility bills if I rent my apartment?
Yes. Most utility assistance programs help renters as well as homeowners. If utilities are included in your rent, some programs can still assist by providing funds directly to your landlord. LIHEAP specifically serves both renters and homeowners. Contact your local Community Action Agency to determine which programs apply to your situation.
How quickly can I get utility assistance if I am facing shutoff?
Emergency LIHEAP applications are often processed within 1 to 3 business days for households facing imminent disconnection. Nonprofit organizations like the Salvation Army can sometimes provide same-day assistance. Call 211 and explain that you are facing a shutoff — they will prioritize connecting you with the fastest available resources.
Does utility assistance count as taxable income?
No. LIHEAP benefits and utility assistance from nonprofits are not considered taxable income. You do not need to report these payments on your federal tax return. However, supplemental income from any source, including apps like I am Beezy, is reportable income — keep records of your earnings for tax purposes.
What if I have already been disconnected?
Contact your utility immediately and ask about reconnection programs. Many utilities waive reconnection fees for households that set up a payment plan or receive assistance through LIHEAP or a nonprofit. In some states, reconnection must happen within 24 hours of payment or approved assistance. Dial 211 for emergency help if you are without essential utilities right now.
Keep Your Utilities On and Your Budget Intact
Utility assistance programs exist in every state for a reason — millions of Americans need help keeping essential services running, and there is no shame in using them. Apply for LIHEAP, contact your utility company's hardship program, and reach out to local nonprofits. Stack every program you qualify for. And to keep future bills from becoming a crisis, put your phone to work. Sign up for I am Beezy for free and earn the extra income that keeps your utilities paid, your home comfortable, and your budget breathing.
