Utilities are essential to our lives, to keep us warm, to keep us safe, or just so we can cook our food and these services should be accessible to everyone. For those who struggle to pay their utility bills, low-income assistance programs and plans can help them keep these essential services powering their lives.
What Qualifies As Low Income?
Generally, a family is considered low-income if their total household income is 50% or less of the areas median income. The Federal Poverty Levels (FPL) is partially determined by the size of your household or family. The FPL guidelines for 2024 are as follows:
Federal Poverty Guidelines for 2024
| Household or Family Size | Poverty income guideline |
|---|---|
| 1 | $15,060 |
| 2 | $20,440 |
| 3 | $25,820 |
| 4 | $31,200 |
| 5 | $36,580 |
| 6 | $41,960 |
| 7 | $47,340 |
| 8 | $52,720 |
* For families/households with more than 8 people, add $5,380 for each additional person to calculate the poverty income guideline. *
Low-Income Assistance Programs
Here are some of the low-income assistance programs found in the U.S. that can help when it comes to paying for your essential utility services:
- Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP)
- LIHEAP is a government funded benefit program that helps keep families safe and healthy by assisting eligible low-income households reduce the costs associated with their home energy bills, energy crises, home weatherization, and other energy-related home repairs. Around 6.7 million households receive benefits each year through state and local agencies.
- Weatherization Assistance
- The Department of Energy’s Weatherization Assistance Program helps ensure the health and safety of low-income households by reducing energy costs with assistance for improving the energy efficiency of their homes. Nearly 35,000 families each year are assisted through this program. As a result of these improvements and upgrades, households save an average of $372 or more each year.
- Salvation Army’s Project SHARE and HeatShare
- Since 1985, the Salvation Army has partnered with utility companies throughout the country to provide financial and emergency heating assistance to those in need. You can donate by adding $1 or more to your energy utility bill each month. Check with your local utility provider for more information. SHARE is not a government-funded program.
- Lifeline Program
- Lifeline is a federal program administered by the Universal Service Administrative Company (USAC) that helps lower the cost of telephone and internet access for low-income households and seniors. Eligible residents can get up to $9.25 (or on Tribal lands up to $34.25) off the cost of their phone, internet, or bundled services. First you must apply for the Lifeline Program and then sign up with a participating provider. For those who were participating in the now defunded Emergency Broadband Benefit Program or the Affordable Connectivity Program, the Lifeline program is your new option for assistance.
Many public utility providers also offer low-income assistance options like senior discounts or payment assistance plans for those who are struggling with their utility bills. Contact your local public utility provider for more information on the options available to you.