How to get emergency help with utility bills
We all know life can be unpredictable, and utility emergencies can come out of nowhere. A utility emergency happens whenever there’s an unplanned failure of essential services that are needed for health and safety. This can include electricity, gas, water, sewer, or even infrastructure—think widespread power outages, gas leaks, or major water main breaks.
You could also be experiencing a financial emergency, which means you can’t pay your bills, leading to a potential interruption of these necessary services.
If you find yourself in this situation and you need emergency help with utility bills, read on to learn about how to get help with utilities.
How to get help paying utility bills
If you need help paying utility bills, there are a few different avenues you can explore.
Contact your utility company: The first thing to do is contact your utility providers directly and ask if they have programs in place to help low-income families. You may be able to get a discount, a special rate, or even an extension on your bill to ease the financial pressure.
Check on government programs: Then, you can look into government programs such as LIHEAP (Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program) or WAP (Weatherization Assistance Program)—though it’s worth noting that eligibility for both of these depends on your income.
Reach out to your community: Finally, you can tap into your local community resources. Your state or even your city may have programs you can reach out to, or you can receive charity or nonprofit support. You can even try fundraising on your own with GoFundMe.
5 resources to explore when you need utility bill assistance
- Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP)
LIHEAP is a federal program that can assist with energy bills like heating and cooling. It can also help you get emergency services during an energy crisis, such as a natural disaster or a widespread power outage. Depending on where you live, you may also be able to get assistance with your electricity bill.
Eligibility for LIHEAP depends on your income, and each state has its own requirements. You can visit the LIHEAP website and answer a few questions to see if you qualify. Some LIHEAP offices require you to apply in person, while some may allow you to submit your application online.
If your application is approved, your assistance may come in the form of a one-time payment to your utility provider, expedited crisis assistance, or, in some states, funds for weatherization such as insulation or equipment repair.
- Local programs and initiatives
Depending on which state you live in, you may be eligible for certain state programs or initiatives. The best way to find these is to call 211 or visit 211.org. They’ll be able to give you a list of state programs that serve your area.
New Jersey, for example, has the Universal Service Fund (USF). This program provides assistance in the form of a monthly credit on your gas or electric bill.
Meanwhile, Massachusetts has the Good Neighbor Energy Fund, a collaboration between the state’s energy companies and The Salvation Army. This organization provides grants for households who need temporary emergency assistance.
Many other states have programs like these, so call 211 to find the ones that apply to your state.
- Charities and nonprofit organizations
Local charities and nonprofits are also here to help in a utility emergency. Perhaps the most widely known organization is The Salvation Army. This nonprofit has over 7,300 branches across the US, so it’s likely your local branch will be able to help. If they don’t have a program in your area, they can help you find someone who does.
United Way is another charity that’s widespread across the US that offers general utility assistance. They have different programs you can apply for in each state.
- Churches and community groups
You can also reach out to local churches for help. Churches often have funds that they may distribute to those in need within the community—you’ll usually have to provide your homeowner’s document or signed lease, a copy of your utility bill, and a form of ID.
Community Action Agencies (CAAs) also exist across the country. These are local organizations that are part of a national network and are funded by the Economic Opportunity Act of 1964. They assist households with energy bills to help fight poverty.
- Online fundraising
Sometimes you simply don’t have time to apply for help, wait for it to be approved, and then wait for the money to finally reach you.If that’s the case, why not set up a fundraiser for yourself?
A GoFundMe fundraiser lets you tell your story and explain exactly why you need help. What’s more, the donations will go straight to you. You can share your donation page online and ask friends and family to spread the word to their networks too, creating a wide reach in a short amount of time.
How fundraisers can provide emergency help with utility bills
If you’re struggling with your utility bills, setting up a fundraiser could be your best bet. Applying for programs and waiting to receive the assistance sometimes takes longer than you have—and that’s if your application is even approved.
Setting up a fundraiser lets you reach your community directly, and you’ll often find that those who love and care about you are more than willing to help. When you set up your fundraiser, build trust by itemizing your expenses: clearly indicate the exact amount you need to pay your bills, and don’t ask for a penny more. Add your story to explain your situation honestly, and don’t use manipulative language or pressure tactics. Then, add any relevant images to make your page really stand out.
Once you’ve set up your fundraiser, you can share it online—think email and social media platforms—and ask friends and family to share it. You can even ask local nonprofits or churches to share your page to reach the wider community. This community-led approach can boost donations quickly, which is especially useful for short-term emergencies.
When you run your own fundraiser, you get access to the funds within just a few business days after withdrawal, so you can pay your bills without delay, shortening or even preventing your essential utilities from being shut off.
How to avoid financial emergencies in the future
Dealing with a utility emergency is stressful and it’s always good to take steps to avoid them in the future. Here are a few handy tips to follow:
- If you can, set up an emergency fund. You can contribute as much or as little as you want to it per month or per paycheck; even $5 will help. You can also invite friends or family to contribute to it if you’d like. Don’t touch this fund unless it’s a true emergency.
- Seek long-term financial support from the government. Apply for programs like Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF), Supplemental Security Income (SSI), Section 8 Housing, or the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP). Having this financial support will give you more stability and peace of mind if an emergency does crop up.
- Reduce debt by making regular payments of at least the minimum amount of any bills due that may accrue interest.
- If you haven’t already, write out your budget so you can see where your money’s going, and check if there’s anything you can reduce or eliminate.
Getting help with paying utility bills in an emergency
Utility bill emergencies can be upsetting, but know you’re not alone. There is help available if you just reach out and ask for it. Whether you’re applying for a federal program or contacting local churches or nonprofits, there are plenty of ways to get emergency assistance.
Setting up a fundraiser for your utility emergency is also a great way to receive assistance. Community-based platforms like GoFundMe can help you set up your page quickly so you can start sharing with your network, boosting timely donations and addressing your utility crisis.