Help paying your bills

Government programs help with heating, cooling, phone and internet bills. Pick your state for its office, website and phone number.

Heating and cooling bills: every state runs the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP), which can pay part of your energy bill or help in an emergency, like a shut-off notice. Each state sets its own income limits and dates.

Phone and internet: the federal Lifeline program lowers a phone or internet bill for households on a low income or on benefits like SNAP or Medicaid. See if you qualify for Lifeline.

Everything else: calling 2-1-1 connects you with local help for rent, water bills, food and more.

Applying is free. Nobody should charge you to fill in the forms.