Where to Get Help Paying an Overdue Electric Bill: The Ultimate 2026 Guide

The lights are still on, but the disconnection notice is sitting on your kitchen table. You are not alone. According to the National Energy Assistance Directors Association, more than 20 million U.S. households were behind on their electric bills entering 2026, with an average arrears balance exceeding $800. Rising energy costs have pushed utility debt to record levels across the country.

If you are searching for where to get help paying an overdue electric bill, there are more options than most people realize. From federal LIHEAP grants to state-specific crisis programs, utility company arrears forgiveness plans, and nonprofit emergency funds, a safety net exists specifically for this situation. This guide walks you through every major avenue, who qualifies, how much you can receive, and exactly how to apply before your service is shut off.

Quick Answer

You can get help paying an overdue electric bill through LIHEAP (federal grants of $200–$1,000), state crisis programs like Ohio's HEAP Summer Crisis Program, utility company arrears forgiveness such as Xcel Energy's RAAP, and nonprofits like the Salvation Army. Call 211 immediately to be connected to local resources before your disconnection date.

1. LIHEAP: The Federal Program That Pays Utility Bills

The Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) is the largest federal program helping households pay overdue electric bills. It is a block grant administered by states, meaning eligibility rules and benefit amounts vary by location.

What LIHEAP Covers

LIHEAP provides cash grants sent directly to your utility company to be credited to your bill. According to the Pennsylvania Department of Human Services, grants range from $200 to $1,000 based on household size, income, and fuel type. These are grants—not loans—and do not need to be repaid.

LIHEAP can help with:

Past-due electric bills
Heating and cooling costs
Crisis assistance when you receive a shutoff notice
Heating equipment repair or replacement

LIHEAP Income Limits for 2026

Federal rules set the maximum income limit at 150% of the Federal Poverty Level (FPL) or 60% of state median income, whichever is higher. In 2026, 150% of the poverty level is approximately:

$21,870 for a single person
$37,050 for a family of three
$44,850 for a family of five

Some states set higher limits. Louisiana, for example, uses 60% of state median income, allowing a household of one to earn up to $30,618** and a family of three up to **$49,460. Georgia's threshold for a household of one is $34,549** and for a household of five is **$77,071.

How to Apply for LIHEAP

There are three ways to apply:

Online: Through your state's benefits portal (e.g., COMPASS in Pennsylvania, OKDHSlive.org in Oklahoma)
By phone: Call the National Energy Assistance Referral line at 1-866-674-6327
In person: Contact your local Community Action Agency

Documents you will need:

Utility bills from the past 30 days
Check stubs from the previous 30 days for all household members
Proof of unearned income (Social Security, unemployment, etc.)
Disconnect or pending disconnection notice (for crisis assistance)
Government-issued photo ID and Social Security cards
Proof of address (lease, rent receipt, or deed)

LIHEAP Crisis Assistance

If you have received a disconnection notice, you may qualify for LIHEAP crisis assistance, which provides additional benefits beyond standard grants. Crisis situations include:

Receipt of a shutoff notice with service termination within 60 days
Broken heating equipment that must be fixed
Lack of fuel (less than a 15-day supply)
Your main heating source has been completely shut off

In Illinois, submitting a LIHEAP or PIPP application temporarily protects you from disconnection for 30 days after the utility receives notice of your application.

2. State and Local Emergency Programs

Every state operates its own energy assistance programs, often with different names and eligibility rules. Here are some notable examples as of 2026.

Ohio HEAP Summer Crisis Program

Ohio's Home Energy Assistance Program (HEAP) Summer Crisis Program provides assistance with electric utility bills, central air conditioning repairs, and air conditioning unit purchases. Effective April 6, 2026, the program is administered by the Ohio Department of Job and Family Services.

Eligible households include those with members age 60 or older, those with a documented medical condition, and households trying to establish new electric service. Appointments are required and can be made through local Community Action Agencies.

Ohio PIPP Plus

The Percentage of Income Payment Plan (PIPP Plus) allows qualifying Ohioans to pay a reduced, income-based amount—generally no more than 10% of household income—toward energy bills instead of the full monthly cost. Eligibility requires household income at or below 175% of the Federal Poverty Guidelines. Ohio approved a $40 million increase for this program in April 2026.

Seattle City Light Emergency Bill Assistance

Seattle City Light offers $250–$700 or more toward past-due electric bills through its Emergency Bill Assistance Program. The city also offers a 60% discount on electricity bills through its Utility Discount Program for income-eligible customers. In June 2026, the program expanded to offer $710 or more** toward past-due electric bills, plus an additional **$250 credit through Project Share.

California CARE and FERA Programs

California's CARE program provides a 30–35% discount on electric bills for low-income customers. The FERA program applies an 18% discount for families whose income slightly exceeds CARE limits. Income limits effective June 2026 allow a household of 1–2 to earn up to $43,280** for CARE and **$54,100 for FERA.

Key fact: You may automatically qualify for CARE if you already receive Medicaid/Medi-Cal, SNAP, WIC, SSI, or TANF.

Other State Programs

Georgia LIHEAP Cooling Assistance: Applications opened April 1, 2026 for elderly and medically homebound residents; all others may apply starting May 1, 2026
Louisiana LIHEAP: Heating season runs December 15–March 31; crisis assistance available October 1–September 30
North Dakota LIHEAP: Offers heating benefits from $1 minimum to **$7,500 maximum**, available year-round

3. Utility Company Assistance and Arrears Forgiveness

Your electric company may offer its own programs to help you pay overdue bills. These often run alongside LIHEAP and can be combined with federal assistance.

Xcel Energy Residential Arrears Assistance Program (RAAP)

Launched in 2026, RAAP provides a one-time annual bill credit to eligible residential customers who received assistance through the Wisconsin Home Energy Assistance Program (WHEAP) and still carry a qualifying past-due balance. The program is designed to help customers reduce outstanding balances, stabilize accounts, and move forward with more manageable payment options.

Xcel Energy customers who need help should call 1-800-895-4999. Representatives will set up payment arrangements and refer you to agencies that determine LIHEAP eligibility.

PG&E Match My Payment Program

Pacific Gas & Electric offers a Match My Payment Program that provides matching energy bill relief for eligible customers. The program is available while funds last and is designed to help customers catch up on past-due balances.

Payment Arrangements

Every regulated utility in the United States must offer payment arrangements for customers who cannot pay in full. Key tips:

Call before your disconnection date. Most utilities will work with you if you contact them early.
Ask about arrears forgiveness. Some utilities will forgive a portion of your debt if you make consistent on-time payments.
Ask about budget billing. This averages your annual energy costs into equal monthly payments, making bills more predictable.
Mention LIHEAP. Simply telling your utility you have applied for LIHEAP may temporarily pause disconnection proceedings in some states.

4. Nonprofit and Charity Programs

When government programs are not enough or you do not qualify, nonprofit organizations provide emergency assistance with flexible eligibility rules.

Salvation Army

The Salvation Army operates energy assistance programs across the country. In Traverse City, Michigan, the Salvation Army partnered with Traverse City Light & Power to launch a locally administered energy-assistance program beginning October 1, 2026. The program helps qualifying customers pay both electric bills and home-heating costs.

Eligibility requirements typically include:

A disconnect notice on your utility bill
Experiencing a temporary financial crisis or hardship
Meeting state income guidelines
Having an active utility account in your name

The Salvation Army also operates HeatShare programs in Minnesota, Wisconsin, and other states, providing utility assistance to people in need regardless of income level in some locations.

Catholic Charities

Catholic Charities provides emergency financial assistance for utility bills through local offices. Programs vary by diocese but typically offer:

Utility bill payment assistance
Prescription assistance
Rent and eviction prevention

Community Action Agencies

Nearly every county in the United States has a Community Action Agency that administers LIHEAP and other energy assistance programs. These agencies are your best starting point for in-person help. Find yours through the Community Action Partnership website or by calling 211.

211 Helpline: Your Fastest Resource

If you do not know where to start, call 211. This is a free, confidential, 24/7 helpline that connects you to local health and human services. Operators can direct you to:

Utility assistance programs in your ZIP code
Food banks and emergency food resources
Housing and rental assistance
Legal aid for utility disconnection issues

How to reach 211:

Call: Dial 2-1-1 from any phone
Text: Text your ZIP code to 898211
Online: Visit 211.org

Since its launch, 211 has made more than 250,000 connections in Lake County, Illinois alone, providing help for rent and utility assistance, food, healthcare, and more.

5. Comparison Table: Programs at a Glance

Program	Type	Max Benefit	Income Limit (Family of 3)	Best For
LIHEAP	Federal	$200–$1,000	150% FPL ($37,050)	Past-due bills
Ohio HEAP Summer Crisis	State	Varies	Varies	Summer cooling bills
Ohio PIPP Plus	State	10% of income	175% FPG	Monthly bill reduction
Seattle City Light	Local	$250–$710+	Varies	Emergency bill help
California CARE	State	30–35% discount	$54,640 (HH of 3)	Ongoing bill reduction
Xcel Energy RAAP	Utility	One-time credit	WHEAP recipients	Arrears forgiveness
Salvation Army	Nonprofit	Varies	Flexible	Emergency assistance
Catholic Charities	Nonprofit	Varies	Flexible	Utility and rent help

Key Takeaways

LIHEAP provides grants of $200–$1,000 sent directly to your utility company—no repayment required.
Crisis assistance is available if you have received a disconnection notice; apply immediately.
Call 211 to be connected to local emergency utility assistance in your ZIP code.
Utility companies like Xcel Energy and PG&E offer arrears forgiveness and payment arrangements.
Applying for LIHEAP may temporarily protect you from disconnection in some states like Illinois.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

How do I get emergency help with an overdue electric bill?

Call 211 immediately to find local resources. Apply for LIHEAP crisis assistance through your state or local Community Action Agency. If you have a disconnection notice, mention it—many programs prioritize crisis applications. The Salvation Army and Catholic Charities also provide emergency utility help.

Can I get help if I have no income and no job?

Yes. LIHEAP does not require employment. Eligibility is based on household income, and a household of one can earn up to approximately $21,870** (150% FPL) in many states, while some states like Georgia allow up to **$34,549. Nonprofits like the Salvation Army also offer flexible eligibility.

Will applying for LIHEAP stop my electric from being shut off?

In some states, yes. Illinois law temporarily protects customers from disconnection for 30 days after the utility receives notice that a LIHEAP or PIPP application has been submitted. Other states have similar protections. Call your utility and your local LIHEAP agency to confirm.

What documents do I need to apply for electric bill assistance?

You typically need: a government-issued photo ID, Social Security cards for all household members, proof of address (lease or utility bill), check stubs from the past 30 days, and your disconnection notice if you have received one.

What if I do not qualify for LIHEAP?

You may still qualify for utility company programs like Xcel Energy's RAAP, nonprofit assistance from the Salvation Army or Catholic Charities, or state-specific programs like Ohio's PIPP Plus (175% FPG) or California's FERA (250% FPG). Call 211 to explore all options in your area.

Conclusion

Getting help paying an overdue electric bill is possible, but it requires quick action. Start by calling 211 to identify local programs. Then apply for LIHEAP through your state or Community Action Agency—if you have a disconnection notice, tell them immediately so your application is processed as a crisis case. Contact your utility company about payment arrangements and arrears forgiveness programs. And do not overlook nonprofit support from the Salvation Army and Catholic Charities.

The most important step is to act before your service is shut off. Most programs have more flexibility and resources for customers who reach out early. Share this guide with someone who needs it, leave a comment about your experience, and subscribe for more practical financial help.

Link to benefits.gov (official government benefits finder)
Link to liheapch.acf.gov (federal LIHEAP clearinghouse with state contacts)