Utilities & Internet Assistance Programs
This page lists real government and nonprofit programs that help with electricity, gas, water, and internet costs. Collective Support does not pay utility bills or transmit funds — we share this information so you can contact the right program directly.
Please read before contacting us
- Collective Support is an independent, free referral service. We are not a government agency and are not affiliated with, endorsed by, or partnered with any government program.
- We do not provide money, financial aid, food, loans, debt management, or any other direct services. We share information about external programs that may be able to help — you apply to those programs directly through their own official channels.
- Collective Support is not a nonprofit, charity, or licensed financial services provider.
- This service is completely free. We do not charge fees, accept donations, or receive referral payments of any kind.
Programs to Contact Directly
LIHEAP — Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program
What it is: A federal program that helps low-income households pay heating and cooling bills. Funds are distributed through state and local agencies.
Who may qualify: Income-eligible households. Eligibility thresholds vary by state. Priority is often given to households with young children, elderly members, or people with disabilities.
How to apply: Apply through your state's LIHEAP agency. Find your state contact at the official ACF LIHEAP page, or search at Benefits.gov.
Visit LIHEAP at ACF.HHS.gov ↗Dial 2-1-1 / 211.org
What it is: A free national helpline that connects people to local utility assistance programs, including emergency energy funds, water bill help, and weatherization services.
Who may qualify: Anyone in need.
How to apply: Dial 2-1-1 from any phone, or visit 211.org and search by zip code.
Visit 211.org ↗FCC Lifeline Program
What it is: A federal program that provides discounted monthly telephone and broadband internet service to eligible households.
Who may qualify: Households with income at or below 135% of the federal poverty guidelines, or enrolled in qualifying programs such as Medicaid, SNAP, SSI, Federal Public Housing Assistance, or Veterans Pension.
How to apply: Apply at LifelineSupport.org or through a participating provider. Check fcc.gov/lifeline-consumers for details.
Learn about Lifeline at FCC.gov ↗Benefits.gov — Energy Assistance
What it is: The official U.S. government benefits portal. Search for federal and state energy assistance programs available in your state.
Who may qualify: Varies by program.
How to apply: Visit Benefits.gov and search for "energy assistance" or "utility assistance."
Visit Benefits.gov ↗Your Utility Company's Hardship Program
What it is: Many electric, natural gas, and water utilities offer their own customer assistance programs for households experiencing financial hardship. These vary widely by company.
Who may qualify: Varies by utility company and program.
How to apply: Contact your utility provider directly — call the number on your bill or visit their website and look for "assistance," "hardship program," or "payment options."
Want Help Identifying the Right Program?
Contact us and we can point you toward programs most relevant to your situation. Free referral only — we do not pay bills or transmit funds.
Mon–Fri 8am–6pm CT · Sat–Sun Closed