Where to get help with utility bills

Events Back. Courses Back. Important notice. Utility Bill Assistance The State Government and some major suppliers of utilities are able to provide assistance for people experiencing financial hardship. Search See Locations. Frequently Asked Questions I just received my utility bill, and I can't afford to pay it. What can I do? How can I manage my bills better? You can ask your energy provider to bill you each month rather than quarterly, this will mean you can pay smaller amounts more regularly.

You could set up a Centrepay deduction to come out of your Centrelink payment each fortnight. You could also set up a direct deposit from your bank account each fortnight, but beware of bank charges if you do not have funds available, you may be charged overdrawn fees. Talk to your supplier about your regular usage, and how much you would need to pay each fortnight to cover this. How can I reduce my bill? What is the help offered for my utility bills?

What kind of utility bills can I get help for? Should my account with the provider currently be active? Yes, your account does need to be open and active. Do I need my name to be on the utility bill? Yes, your name does need to be on the bill to receive assistance. How does this get paid? Do I need to be on Centrelink benefits to receive help?

No, assistance is available for anyone on a low income who is experiencing financial hardship. Please enable JavaScript in your web browser; otherwise some parts of this site might not work properly. If you can't afford to pay your home heating or cooling bill, you may be able to get help from the government or your local social services agency or nonprofit.

This chart from Benefits. Actual requirements may vary by state, city, or region. Each state has different rules about when you can apply, how you apply, and the criteria you have to meet to get help.

If your income is too high to qualify for LIHEAP but you need help paying for your energy bills, your local social services agency or a nonprofit organization may have funds to help. You can also contact your gas, oil, or electric company about budget billing programs or new payment options especially for customers with disabilities who are on Supplemental Security Income SSI.

Landlords now have the ability to evict renters who are not able to pay rent during the COVID pandemic. As a renter or as a landlord, government programs can help you with rent money and advice for your situation. Renters and landlords, use the Emergency Rental Assistance ERA database from the Treasury Department to find rental assistance from state, local, territorial, and tribal programs.

Learn how to avoid eviction and how to make a payment plan with your landlord. If you are going to be evicted and need emergency housing, call for local housing help or search using HUD's Find Shelter tool. Learn how to recover back rent and find out about mortgage forbearance for your property if you are a landlord. Medicaid and CHIP help with medical bills for kids whose families can't afford health insurance or can't get it through work.

People over 65, people with disabilities under 65, and people with end-stage kidney disease are eligible for Medicare.

Learn more about how to apply for Medicare. Each state has different rules about eligibility and applying for Medicaid for adults.

Learn more about eligibility. Each state has different application requirements for Medicaid for adults. Call your state Medicaid program to see if you qualify and to learn how to apply. If your employer does not offer insurance, you're self-employed, or you want to buy your own insurance, you can get it through the Marketplace.

The Health Insurance Marketplace offers health, vision, and dental insurance for you and your family. If a member of your household had their work or schooling moved to an online format but cannot afford home internet access, the following providers offer affordable options:. Comcast Internet Essentials is a similarly priced package for qualifying individuals and households.

Mediacom Connect 2 Compete offers internet access to students at a reduced rate. Verizon Lifeline provides reduced-fee internet services at a 3-tier level for low-income customers. EveryoneOn , through partnerships with local internet service providers, is able to offer free on reduced home internet service in 48 states and the District of Columbia.

If you have an existing provider, they may be making special accommodations in response to the pandemic. Visit their website or contact them via phone for more information.

It helps low-income individuals and families get discounted landline or cell phone service.