Energy and utility assistance explained

Regular assistance versus crisis help

Regular assistance is a seasonal payment made toward your home energy bill. Crisis assistance is for households facing disconnection, already disconnected, or out of fuel — it is processed faster and usually needs a notice from your utility as proof.

Timing matters

• Funding is limited and released in cycles; agencies often open intake in set windows
• Cooling help is typically summer; heating help is typically winter
• Priority commonly goes to households with older adults, young children or people with disabilities
• Payment usually goes directly to the utility, not to the household

Pair bill help with weatherization

Bill assistance solves this month. Weatherization lowers the bill permanently through insulation, air sealing and heating and cooling repairs. Ask about both at the same appointment — many households qualify for each.