Utility Bill Help Near Me: Who to Call First, Next and Last

If your situation fits more than one row, work down the list the same day. Aid offices and your utility do not need to wait for each other.

Start here, because only the company can stop or delay a shutoff. Ask for a payment arrangement, ask whether it runs a hardship fund and ask which agency it works with. Many companies list a dedicated assistance line on the back of the bill or on their website. Not sure who your company is? Use the find my electric company tool.

Our pages on payment plans and shutoff protection explain what to ask for.

Each state runs its own LIHEAP program, and many send applicants to local agencies. The table shows the public phone line that the federal listing gives for each state. Where a state publishes no line, the table says to use 2-1-1 or the website. Open your state page for the agency name, the web address and how applications work.

Source: U.S. HHS, Administration for Children and Families, LIHEAP state and territory contact listing, read October 10, 2026. Numbers change, so check the state page before you call.

2-1-1 is a free number that connects people to local health and human services. The FCC set it aside for that purpose in 2000. You can call 2-1-1 or text your five digit ZIP code to 898211, or search 211.org. The most common requests are for help with housing and utility bills.

Know the limits. 2-1-1 refers you to programs and helps you prepare, and it does not pay bills or promise funds. It is not for emergencies, so call 911 when a life is at risk.

Source: 211.org and FCC materials on dialing 211, read October 10, 2026.

Community action agencies are local nonprofits. In many states they take LIHEAP applications, run weatherization and connect households to other aid. Some state offices send applicants to them, so one call can start two programs. Use the agency finder from the Community Action Partnership to locate yours by ZIP code, then ask about energy assistance and the Weatherization Assistance Program.

Local charities and faith groups often keep funds for utility bills, and 2-1-1 can list the ones open near you. They usually pay part of a bill, directly to the utility, and some ask for a shutoff notice first. Specific groups can help too:

• Veterans and service members: veterans utility assistance.
• People with disabilities: disability utility assistance.
• Older adults: senior bill assistance.
• People on medical equipment: medical protections.

Source: Federal rules and program details were read on October 10, 2026 from the sources listed at the end of the page. Programs and funding change, so confirm each point with the office you call. Nothing here promises that a household qualifies.

• U.S. HHS, LIHEAP state and territory contact listing
• 211
• Community Action Partnership, find a Community Action Agency
• 42 U.S.C. 8624, LIHEAP state plans and eligibility