How to Get Help with Utility Bills (2026)

If you can’t pay a utility bill right now, you have more options than you might think — and some of them are fast. The average US household paid $412 per month for electricity, gas, and water combined in 2025, up 7% from 2024, according to J.D. Power’s Q4 2025 Utility Share of Wallet Tracker. If that number is unmanageable for you, you’re far from alone.

This page covers everything from cash advance apps that can fund in minutes, to government grants you never pay back, to programs that permanently lower what you owe each month. Start at the top and work your way down.

How to get help with utility bills right now

If your bill is due today, here’s where to start. These options are ordered by speed, fastest first.

1. Call your utility company before anything is shut off

Your utility company would rather keep you as a paying customer than go through the cost of disconnecting and reconnecting service. Most companies offer options they don’t advertise loudly on your bill, but you have to call and ask.

What to ask for when you call:

• Payment arrangement or installment plan. Most utilities will split your past-due balance into equal monthly installments added to your regular bill, typically over 6–12 months. You almost always get better terms when you call proactively rather than waiting for a shutoff notice.
• Hardship grant or customer assistance program (CAP). Some large utilities run their own assistance funds in partnership with nonprofits. PG&E’s REACH program, active into 2026, offers bill credits up to $800 on past-due balances. PG&E’s Match My Payment program matches past-due payments dollar-for-dollar up to $1,000 for qualifying customers. Ask your utility directly whether they have an equivalent program.
• Budget billing or levelized billing. Your utility averages your annual usage and charges you the same amount every month, eliminating surprise spikes in summer or winter.
• Medical certificate protection. If someone in your household has a serious illness — including, in many states, mental health conditions like major depression, PTSD, or anxiety — a letter from a licensed medical provider can block a shutoff. Ask your utility for a “medical certificate” or “serious illness” form.

How to call: Use the customer service number printed on your bill. Tell them you’re having trouble paying and ask specifically about payment arrangements, hardship programs and any assistance funds. Have your account number and most recent bill ready.

2. Know your shutoff protection rights (this could buy you weeks)

Before you pay anything or panic, check whether you’re legally protected from disconnection. These protections vary by state but can buy you critical time to arrange assistance.

• Winter shutoff moratoriums. Many states prohibit utility disconnections during winter months. Massachusetts and New Jersey ban disconnections from approximately November 15 through March 15 for income-eligible households. Michigan’s protection runs November 1 through March 31. To activate protection in most states, you simply file a financial hardship self-certification form with your utility — you typically don’t need to prove income, just sign a form. Contact your utility and ask what shutoff protections apply in your state right now.
• Medical protection. Widely available across states; see details in option 2 above.
• Infants. Several states prohibit shutoffs when an infant under 12 months lives in the home and the household documents financial hardship.
• Active military. Households with a service member on active duty may qualify for up to 90 days of shutoff protection, renewable upon request.

Shutoff protections pause disconnection — they don’t forgive your balance. You’ll still need to arrange payment before the protection period ends.

3. Cash advance apps (fastest — minutes to 1–3 days)

If you need money for a utility bill right now and you have a regular paycheck, a cash advance app is your fastest option. These apps let you borrow against your upcoming paycheck — typically $20 to $750+ with no credit check and no interest. You repay automatically on your next payday or next deposit.

Most apps can deposit funds to your bank account within minutes if you pay a small instant-transfer fee (typically $2–$25 depending on the amount and app). The free standard transfer usually takes one to three business days.

What to know before you borrow:

• Most apps require a regular direct deposit history into a linked bank account, though there are a few apps that don’t require direct deposit.
• Many charge a monthly subscription fee ($5–$20/month) to access cash advances — factor this in when calculating the real cost of borrowing. But there are also mostly free apps.
• A few apps charge no subscription fee and only an optional instant-transfer fee.
• There’s no interest, but subscription fees on small amounts can represent a high effective cost. Only borrow what you need.
• You repay on your next payday — make sure that leaves you enough to cover future bills.
• Even as a gig worker, there are cash advance options available.

Compare cash advance apps

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Promoted Finder score 9.5 Excellent EarnIn	Finder score 9.5 Excellent	Up to $150/day, with a max of $1000 between paydays	1–2 business days standard; minutes with Lightning Speed	Free to use or within minutes with a fee as low as $3.99 per transfer	Access up to $150 per day, with a max of $1000 between paydays. Not available to CT or Washington, D.C. residents. Subject to EarnIn terms & conditions.	$50 REWARD Go to siteView details Compare product selection Compare	loading
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Finder score 9.4 Excellent Varo Cash Advance	Finder score 9.4 Excellent	$20 to $500	Instant, once qualified	No membership fee, Flat Fee of $1.6 to $40	Varo Advance (VA) is a small dollar line of credit. Initial limits range from $20-$250. Work your way up to $500 over time. Fees range from $1.60 - $40 based on loan amount and deposits to your Varo Bank Account. No interest is charged. Qualifications Apply.	Go to siteView details Compare product selection Compare	loading
Finder score 8.2 Great Cleo	Finder score 8.2 Great	$20 to $250	3 to 4 days or instant for a fee.	$5.99 monthly membership fee to access cash advances	Automatically monitor your spending plus access cash advances up to $100 at a time.	Go to siteView details Compare product selection Compare	loading
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4. LIHEAP — federal utility assistance (free, no repayment, but takes time to process)

LIHEAP (Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program) is the largest federal utility assistance program. It pays your heating and cooling bills directly to your utility company — you never handle the money, and you never pay it back.

Who qualifies: Households earning up to 150% of the federal poverty guideline (FPG) or 60% of their state’s median income, whichever is higher. Based on 2026 FPL figures, the income limit for a family of four is approximately $49,500 per year. Both homeowners and renters can qualify, including renters whose heat is included in their rent.

How much you can get: Benefits vary by state. Most states also offer emergency “crisis” grants for households facing an immediate shutoff, a broken heating system, or fuel that’s almost depleted — and in many states you can receive both a standard grant and a crisis grant in the same season.

• Pennsylvania: $200–$1,000
• Washington, D.C.: $200–$1,800
• Tennessee: $174–$750

The most important caveat: LIHEAP funds are finite and run out. Columbia University energy insecurity researcher Diana Hernández has found that only about 17% of eligible households actually receive LIHEAP assistance — not because they don’t qualify, but because funds are exhausted. Apply as early in the season as possible. Application periods typically open in October or November.

How to apply: Each state runs its own LIHEAP program. Many states offer online applications.

• Visit benefits.gov
• Call 211 from any US phone
• Call the LIHEAP national hotline at 1-866-674-6327
• Search “LIHEAP [your state]” to find your local agency

Documents you’ll typically need:

• Proof of income (pay stubs or benefit award letters) for all household members
• A recent utility bill showing your account number and balance
• Social Security numbers for household members
• Proof of address

Important note on LIHEAP in 2026: The Trump administration’s FY2026 budget proposed eliminating LIHEAP funding. Congress, including the Senate Appropriations Committee in a bipartisan vote, has rejected that proposal and approved approximately $4 billion in continued LIHEAP funding. Program status can change — check with your state agency for current availability.

5. Community and nonprofit assistance

• 211. Dialing 211 from any US phone connects you to your local United Way 211 service, which maintains a real-time database of utility assistance programs, food banks and emergency resources by zip code. The counselors know about local programs that aren’t easily searchable online.
• Salvation Army. Local Salvation Army offices frequently offer utility assistance through direct bill payment or vouchers. Available regardless of religious affiliation.
• Catholic Charities and St. Vincent de Paul. Both organizations provide utility assistance in many communities, regardless of the recipient’s faith background.
• Community action agencies (CAAs). These federally funded nonprofits administer LIHEAP in many states and often have additional local emergency funds. Search “community action agency [your county]” to find yours.
• USA.gov/financial-hardship. The federal government’s official portal for finding benefits programs including utility assistance, food assistance, and healthcare coverage.

6. Short-term loans (last resort for larger balances)

If assistance funds are exhausted, you have a shutoff notice, and you need more than a cash advance app can provide, short-term loans can fund the same day you apply.

Credit union payday alternative loans (PALs): If you’re a credit union member, federal credit unions offer PALs at a capped rate of 28% APR maximum, in amounts up to $2,000. This is the lowest-cost short-term borrowing option available. Membership is often easy to establish — many credit unions serve anyone who lives or works in a given county.

Online installment loans: Online lenders can fund $300 to $5,000 on the same business day, with repayment spread over months. APRs vary widely — some lenders are over 36%, and some reach triple digits for lower credit tiers. Compare the total repayment amount, not just the monthly payment, before you sign.

Check with your local bank or credit union first before applying with online lenders.

Why utility bills are so hard to pay right now

You’re not imagining it. Utility costs have risen sharply and consistently over the past five years. A 2026 American Home Shield survey of 1,003 consumers found that 49% feel overwhelmed by utility costs, and 61% say their electric bills are unreasonable.

According to the National Energy Assistance Directors Association (NEADA), one out of six US families is currently behind on their home energy bills, with total household utility debt reaching approximately $21 billion — the highest level since 2021.

What the average US household pays for utilities (2026)

According to J.D. Power’s Q4 2025 Quarterly Utility Tracker, the average US household paid $412 per month combined for electricity, gas and water in 2025 — up 7% from 2024.

Source: J.D. Power Q4 2025 Utility Share of Wallet Tracker

Bills vary significantly by state. Hawaii averages $203/month for electricity alone; Utah averages $99/month. West Virginia has some of the highest combined utility costs in the country; Iowa and Illinois have some of the lowest.

Other programs that can lower your bills

Beyond the immediate help options above, these programs can reduce what you owe month to month, or permanently lower your energy use so future bills stay manageable.

Weatherization Assistance Program (WAP): A federal program that pays for home energy efficiency upgrades — insulation, air sealing, heating system repairs, water heater upgrades, and more — at no cost to you. According to the US Department of Energy, WAP improvements save households an average of $372 or more per year. Eligibility is broader than LIHEAP: households at or below 200% of the federal poverty guidelines qualify, as do those already receiving SSI. Both homeowners and renters can apply. Apply through your local community action agency, often the same office that handles LIHEAP.

Many states also run supplemental programs beyond LIHEAP. A few verified examples active in 2025–2026:

• New Jersey Universal Service Fund (USF): Monthly bill credits of $20 to $200 for households at or below 60% of state median income, applied to electric and gas bills.
• Texas LITE-UP: Administered by the Public Utility Commission of Texas. Offers a 10% to 17% discount on the electricity delivery portion of bills for income-eligible customers in deregulated areas.
• Michigan Home Heating Credit: A state tax credit to offset winter heating bills. File anytime between mid-January and September 30, 2026 for the 2025 tax year.

Search your state’s department of health and human services website for programs in your area.

How to reduce your utility bills going forward

Getting current is only half the battle. Here’s how to keep bills lower.

• Enroll in budget billing. Ask your utility about levelized or budget billing so your monthly charge stays flat year-round, eliminating seasonal spikes.
• Request a free energy audit. Many utilities send a technician at no cost to identify where you’re losing energy. Common culprits: air leaks around doors and windows, outdated water heaters and aging appliances.
• Apply for WAP. If your home is drafty or poorly insulated, WAP can fund improvements that lower your bills for years, at no cost to you.
• Adjust your thermostat. The US Department of Energy estimates you can cut 10% off your annual heating and cooling costs by adjusting your thermostat 7–10°F for eight hours a day. A programmable thermostat automates this.
• Switch to LED lighting. LEDs use about 75% less electricity than incandescent bulbs. With the average home having 30 or more light fixtures, the cumulative savings are meaningful.
• Shop your rate if you’re in a deregulated state. If you live in Texas, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Illinois, New Jersey, New York, Connecticut, or another deregulated state, you can choose your electricity supplier independently of your utility. Comparing rates through your state’s official energy shopping site can cut the supply portion of your bill with no lifestyle changes required.
• Look for ENERGY STAR appliances. When appliances need replacing, ENERGY STAR-certified models use 10% to 50% less energy than standard versions.
• Download GasBuddy or Upside. Apps like these help you find the lowest gas prices nearby and earn cashback on fill-ups.

Other alternatives when you need money for utility bills

If you’ve exhausted the options above or need cash fast and don’t qualify for assistance programs, these stopgap moves are worth considering.

• Ask your employer for a paycheck advance. Some employers will advance a portion of your next paycheck, deducted from your following pay. It costs nothing and doesn’t involve a lender. Worth a quick conversation with HR or your manager.
• Check whether you have a credit card with available balance. Paying a utility bill on a credit card buys you time and avoids a shutoff. Just make sure you have a plan to pay the card balance — carrying it at a high interest rate can make a bad situation worse.
• Sell something you’re not using. Facebook Marketplace, OfferUp and similar apps let you turn unused electronics, furniture, or tools into fast cash — often same day if you price to sell.
• Take on a gig shift. Apps like DoorDash, Instacart and Uber let you start earning the same day you sign up in most cities. Even a few hours can cover a utility payment.
• Visit a pawn shop. If you have something of value, a pawn shop can give you cash on the spot. Rates on pawn loans are high, so only borrow what you need and retrieve your item as quickly as possible.
• Ask family or friends. It’s not easy to do, but a short-term loan from someone you trust is almost always cheaper than any formal borrowing option.

Bottom line

If your utility bill is due right now and you need money fast, a cash advance app is your quickest option. But before you borrow anything, call your utility company — many will work with you on payment arrangements or hardship grants you didn’t know existed. Layer in LIHEAP if you qualify, and call 211 to find programs in your area.

The most important thing is to act early: LIHEAP funds run out, shutoff protection windows close and payment arrangements are almost always easier to get before a bill is overdue.

Frequently asked questions

• What do I do if my utilities are about to be shut off?

  Call your utility company right now, before the shutoff happens. Ask for a payment arrangement and find out if your state has a shutoff moratorium in effect. Then call 211 to find emergency assistance funds in your area.

• Can I get help with a water bill specifically?

  Yes, though options are more limited than for energy bills. Call 211 and ask about water bill assistance in your area, and call your water company directly to ask about low-income discounts or payment plans.

• Can renters apply for LIHEAP?

  Yes. You can apply even if your heat is included in your rent. Check with your local LIHEAP office on how that's handled in your state.

• What if I'm denied LIHEAP?

  You can appeal. Ask the agency for the appeals process in writing. Local legal aid organizations can help you with this for free.

• Do utility assistance programs affect my credit score?

  No. LIHEAP, utility hardship programs and payment arrangements don't show up on your credit report.

• How do I get help paying my DTE bill in Michigan?

  Call DTE at 800-477-4747 or visit dteenergy.com/help. DTE offers the Residential Income Assistance Credit (a monthly discount on your bill), the Low-Income Self-Sufficiency Plan (fixed payments based on your income), and can connect you to State Emergency Relief if you have a shutoff notice. You can also call 211 to apply for LIHEAP and the Michigan Energy Assistance Program through a local agency.

• How do I get help paying utility bills in Ohio?

  Ohio's two main programs are HEAP and PIPP. HEAP is a one-time seasonal payment applied directly to your bill — apply at energyhelp.ohio.gov. PIPP is a year-round plan that caps your monthly payment at a percentage of your income, with the state covering the rest. If you're facing disconnection between November and March, the Winter Crisis Program can help. Apply through your local community action agency or at energyhelp.ohio.gov.

• What is the hardship program in Pennsylvania?

  Pennsylvania has two main options. LIHEAP gives eligible households a grant of $200 to $1,000 paid directly to your utility — no repayment required. The Dollar Energy Fund Hardship Program is a separate utility-funded grant available through companies like Duquesne Light and FirstEnergy. Most PA utilities also run their own Customer Assistance Programs that reduce your ongoing monthly bill based on income. Apply for LIHEAP at dhs.pa.gov or call 1-866-857-7095.

To make sure you get accurate and helpful information, this guide has been edited by Richard Laycock as part of our fact-checking process.

Written by

Megan B. Shepherd

Editor, Loans & Insurance

Megan B. Shepherd is a personal finance expert and editor for loans and insurance at Finder. Her personal finance expertise has been featured on Forbes, Nasdaq, MediaFeed, Fox News, Time, Reviews.com, and carinsurance.com, adding invaluable information related to personal loans, financial strategies and smart borrowing tactics. Megan graduated from the University of Texas at Dallas with a BS in Business Administration with an entrepreneurial focus. She's worked as a certified financial adviser and has earned certificates of completion from A.D. Banker & Company. See full bio

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