LIHEAP Crisis Assistance

LIHEAP's crisis assistance component is the primary federal resource for utility emergencies. Crisis assistance is available to households that:

- Have received a shutoff notice - Have already had service disconnected - Are in a dangerous situation due to extreme heat or cold - Have run out of heating fuel

Crisis assistance is typically processed faster than regular LIHEAP benefits — often within 18–48 hours for true emergencies. Contact your local LIHEAP office or community action agency immediately if you are in a utility crisis.

Utility Company Emergency Programs

Most major utilities have emergency assistance programs or can connect you with resources when you are facing shutoff. When you call your utility company about a shutoff notice:

• Ask specifically about emergency assistance programs
• Request a payment plan to delay shutoff while you seek assistance
• Ask about medical necessity protections if a household member has a health condition
• Ask about cold weather or heat protection rules in your state
• Request a referral to community assistance programs

Community Action Agencies

Community action agencies (CAAs) are local nonprofits that administer LIHEAP and often have their own emergency utility funds. They can process emergency applications quickly and may be able to provide same-day or next-day assistance in true emergencies.

Find your local community action agency by dialing 2-1-1 or searching the Community Action Partnership directory at communityactionpartnership.com.

Nonprofit and Faith-Based Emergency Funds

Many local nonprofits and faith-based organizations maintain emergency utility assistance funds. These include:

- The Salvation Army — operates utility assistance programs in many communities - Catholic Charities — provides emergency utility help regardless of religion - St. Vincent de Paul — local chapters often assist with utility bills - Local churches and religious organizations — many maintain discretionary funds for utility emergencies

Dial 2-1-1 to find organizations in your area that provide emergency utility assistance.

State Cold Weather and Heat Protection Rules

Most states have rules that restrict when utilities can disconnect service during extreme weather. Common protections include:

- Moratoriums on winter shutoffs (typically November through March or April) - Restrictions on disconnecting service when temperatures are below a certain threshold - Protections for households with elderly members, young children, or people with medical conditions - Requirements to notify social service agencies before disconnecting vulnerable customers

Contact your state public utilities commission to learn about protections in your state.

Steps to Take Right Now

If you have received a shutoff notice or your service has been disconnected:

• Call your utility company immediately — ask about payment plans and emergency programs
• Apply for LIHEAP crisis assistance — contact your local community action agency
• Dial 2-1-1 — for immediate referrals to local emergency utility assistance
• Contact local nonprofits — Salvation Army, Catholic Charities, St. Vincent de Paul
• Know your rights — ask about cold/heat weather protections and medical necessity rules
• If you have a medical condition affected by loss of utilities, get a letter from your doctor