Behind on Utility Bills This Winter? How to Avoid a Shutoff

1. Call your utility first

Use the phone number on your bill. Ask about a payment plan, budget billing (spreading costs evenly over the year), hardship or low-income programs, and medical protections if someone in your home is seriously ill. Many utilities would rather set up a plan than disconnect you. Get any agreement in writing.

2. Apply for LIHEAP energy assistance

The federal Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) helps eligible households with heating and cooling bills, energy crises and shutoffs, reconnecting service, weatherization and some heating repairs. States and local agencies run it, so eligibility and timing vary.

Find where to apply at EnergyHelp.us (opens in a new tab) or call the National Energy Assistance Referral line at 1-866-674-6327 (weekdays, 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. ET). Learn more at ACF: LIHEAP (opens in a new tab).

Watch for scams: HHS says LIHEAP does not give direct grants to individuals and never charges a fee. Report offers like that to the HHS fraud hotline at 1-800-447-8477.

3. Know your state's winter shutoff protections

Many states limit shutoffs during certain winter months or when it's very cold. The rules vary a lot by state. Some protect only certain households, some require you to be on a payment plan, and they often cover only utilities your state regulates (not always co-ops, city utilities or delivered fuels like propane and oil). Protections can delay a shutoff, but you still owe the bill.

Look up your state's rules and your utility commission's phone number on the LIHEAP Clearinghouse disconnection policies page (opens in a new tab), a federally funded resource. If you can't resolve a problem with your utility, you can file a complaint with your state's public utility or public service commission.

4. Call 211

211 is a free, confidential service that connects you to local help, including utility bill assistance, emergency funds and other support. Dial 211 or find your local 211 at 211.org (opens in a new tab).

5. Get your home weatherized for free

The U.S. Department of Energy's Weatherization Assistance Program (WAP) makes eligible homes more energy-efficient at no cost. DOE says households at or below 200% of the federal poverty guidelines, or that get SSI, are generally eligible, and some states use LIHEAP's criteria. Renters and homeowners can both apply. DOE says households save an average of $372 or more a year. Apply through your state's weatherization agency: DOE: How to apply (opens in a new tab). For low-cost fixes you can do yourself, see our weatherization guide.

A short call script

"Hi, my name is ___ and my account number is ___. I'm behind on my bill and I want to avoid a shutoff. Can you tell me exactly how much I owe and my disconnection date? I'd like to set up a payment plan I can afford, about $___ a month. Do you have budget billing, hardship programs or winter protections I qualify for? I'm also applying for LIHEAP. Can you note that on my account? Can you send this agreement to me in writing? Thank you."

Write down the date, the representative's name and what they agreed to.