LIHEAP and veterans payments
The federal law that creates LIHEAP lets a state serve a household in which someone receives certain veterans payments, which it lists by section of title 38 of the U.S. Code (sections 1315, 1521, 1541 and 1542). A household can also qualify on income, as the low income page explains. States set their own rules inside the law, and they may count a veterans payment differently.
That is why the first call is to your state office. Ask which of your VA payments count, what proof it wants and whether it gives priority to veterans or to households with a medical need. The official office for every state is on its bill help page.
Source: 42 U.S.C. 8624, LIHEAP state plans and eligibility, read October 10, 2026. The law names the payments by section number. It does not say how each state counts income from VA benefits.
Supportive Services for Veteran Families
SSVF is a VA program that gives housing stability services to low income veteran families. It is meant for veterans who are homeless or at imminent risk of becoming homeless, and it combines rapid rehousing with homelessness prevention. If a past due electric bill is part of what could cost you your home, SSVF is worth a call.
The VA page does not list what each provider can pay for, so ask the provider whether it can help with utility costs in your case. To find one, use the SSVF provider list on the VA page, or call the National Call Center for Homeless Veterans at 877-424-3838. The VA says the call is free and open at all hours.
Source: U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, Supportive Services for Veteran Families, read October 10, 2026.
Relief societies for service members and retirees
Two private nonprofits help with emergency money needs. Both list utility bills among them, and both give help as grants or interest free loans, depending on need.
| Organization | Who it serves | How to start |
|---|---|---|
| Army Emergency Relief | Active duty, retired and medically retired Soldiers and their eligible dependents, plus Army Reserve and National Guard Soldiers on active duty for more than 30 days and surviving spouses and children. | Your chain of command or the Army Community Service office on your installation. |
| Navy-Marine Corps Relief Society | Active duty and retired Sailors and Marines and their families. | The Society office on or near your base. Offices differ in what they offer, so call first. |
Both organizations set their own rules and limits, and they change them. Ask what documents you need, how fast a decision comes and whether the help is a grant or a loan.
A sensible order of calls
- Your electric company. Ask for a payment arrangement and the date of the shutoff, and ask whether a pledge from an aid agency pauses it. See emergency bill assistance.
- Your state LIHEAP office. Ask how VA payments are counted and whether a crisis application is open.
- The relief society for your branch, if you or a family member is serving or retired.
- The VA call center at 877-424-3838, if you are at risk of losing your housing.
- 2-1-1 for local funds and charities. See utility assistance near you.
Watch for scams aimed at veterans
Be careful with anyone who promises a federal utility benefit for a fee, who asks for your VA file number, bank login or a gift card to release help, or who says you must pay today to avoid a shutoff. Real aid offices do not ask for gift cards, and your electric company will give you a written balance and a phone number you can check against your bill.
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.
Sources and further reading
Frequently asked questions
Does the VA pay my electric bill?
The VA page for SSVF does not say that it pays utility bills directly. If you are at risk of losing your housing, call 877-424-3838 and ask what is available in your area.
Do veterans qualify for LIHEAP?
A household can qualify on income, or because someone receives certain veterans payments that the law lists. Each state sets its own rules, so ask your state office how your payments are counted.
Can active duty families get help with utilities?
Army Emergency Relief and the Navy-Marine Corps Relief Society both list utility bills among the needs they help with. Contact the one for your branch.
Is there a discount on electric rates for veterans?
We did not find a federal electric rate discount for veterans. Some utilities and states run their own programs, so ask your electric company and your state veterans office.