How to Get Help With a Past-Due Electric Bill in 2026
- LIHEAP can help pay heating, cooling, and past-due energy bills.
- Utility companies offer payment plans, budget billing, and crisis help.
- Ask about shutoff protections before your service is cut.
- Weatherization lowers future bills – apply for both.
Falling behind on your electric bill is stressful, but there are real programs to help you catch up and keep the power on. Here is how to get help with a past-due electric bill in 2026.
Apply for LIHEAP
The Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) helps eligible households pay heating and cooling bills, and most states have a crisis component for past-due bills or a shutoff notice. Start with how to apply for LIHEAP and the utility assistance guide.
Call your utility company first
Utilities would rather set up a plan than cut you off. Ask about:
- A payment plan or deferred payment arrangement to spread the balance.
- Budget billing, which evens out your payments across the year.
- The company’s own hardship or bill-assistance fund.
- Medical or weather-related shutoff protections you may qualify for.
Know your shutoff protections
Many states limit shutoffs during extreme heat or cold or for households with a serious medical condition. If you get a shutoff notice, act immediately – see how to stop a utility shutoff – and tell the utility you have applied for LIHEAP.
Lower future bills
- Apply for the Weatherization Assistance Program to make your home more efficient.
- If your water bill is also behind, see help paying your water bill (LIHWAP).
Other help
Dial 2-1-1 for local energy funds and community action agencies. If money is short across the board, see emergency cash assistance, and families can review benefits for single mothers and the benefits overview for seniors.
Tips
- Do not wait for the shutoff notice – apply for LIHEAP and call the utility early.
- Get any agreement in writing and keep confirmation numbers.
- Apply for LIHEAP and Weatherization together to fix both the past-due bill and future costs.
The order to do things in
When a bill is past due, sequence matters. First, call the utility today and say you cannot pay in full – ask them to hold any shutoff while you apply for help, and get the shutoff date. Second, apply for LIHEAP crisis assistance and ask the agency to contact the utility on your behalf. Third, set up a payment plan or budget billing for the remaining balance. Fourth, apply for Weatherization to cut future bills so you do not fall behind again. Keep names, dates, and confirmation numbers from every call. If you use medical equipment that needs power, or if severe heat or cold is a factor, say so – it may qualify you for extra shutoff protection. Acting a few days early gives every program time to work.
Official source
Find LIHEAP and energy help through the Office of Community Services at acf.hhs.gov/ocs/programs/liheap and the state contact map at acf.hhs.gov/ocs. Applying is free.
Frequently asked questions
Can LIHEAP pay a bill that is already past due?
Often yes. Most states have a crisis component that can help with past-due bills or a shutoff notice. Apply as soon as you fall behind or get a notice.
Will the utility work with me?
Usually. Ask about payment plans, budget billing, and hardship funds – companies generally prefer an arrangement over a shutoff. Get it in writing.
How do I avoid a shutoff?
Apply for LIHEAP, tell the utility you applied, ask about medical or weather protections, and set up a payment plan before the shutoff date.
What to Do Next
Ready to act? Applying, checking status, and getting help are free through the official agency – you never pay a third party. Gather what you need, apply or respond early, and keep copies of everything you submit.