Programs that lower the bill.
Real assistance programs, in plain language: who each one is generally for, what it does, and where to apply. We don't decide eligibility — the agencies do.
Compare your household income to the federal poverty guideline. Many programs use a multiple of this figure as a starting point.
What this check is — and isn't.
What it does: A credit toward heating and cooling bills, plus crisis assistance and some weatherization. Applied directly to your utility account.
Generally for: Households with income generally at or below 150% of the federal poverty guideline (states may set their own ceiling up to 60% of state median income).
How eligibility works: Income-based, household size matters. Federally funded, run by your state or tribe.
Apply at: Your state LIHEAP office — find it via the federal LIHEAP map (acf.hhs.gov/ocs/programs/liheap).
What it does: Free home energy upgrades — insulation, air sealing, and HVAC fixes — that cut your bill at the source.
Generally for: Income-eligible households (often auto-eligible if you receive LIHEAP, SSI, or TANF).
How eligibility works: Income-based; priority often given to seniors, people with disabilities, and families with children.
Apply at: Your state weatherization agency (energy.gov/scep/wap).
What it does: Discounted rates, fixed-bill plans, arrearage forgiveness, and shut-off protection. Varies by utility.
Generally for: Customers of a given utility who meet that utility's income or hardship criteria.
How eligibility works: Set by each utility / state regulator — eligibility and benefits differ widely.
Apply at: Your utility's customer-assistance page or billing line.
What it does: A monthly discount on phone or internet — not energy, but it frees up household budget.
Generally for: Households at or below 135% of the federal poverty guideline, or enrolled in programs like SNAP or Medicaid.
How eligibility works: Income- or program-based. One benefit per household.
Apply at: The National Verifier (lifelinesupport.org).
What it does: Extra usage allowance at the lowest rate and added protection against disconnection.
Generally for: Households where a resident relies on electrically powered medical equipment.
How eligibility works: Requires a clinician's certification; offered by many utilities and required in some states.
Apply at: Your utility's medical-baseline form.
Program descriptions are general and subject to change — rules, ceilings, and benefits are set by federal, state, tribal, and utility administrators, not by Meter. The income check uses the 2024 federal poverty guideline (48 contiguous states + DC) and is a rough orientation, not an eligibility determination. Nothing you type here leaves your browser. Beta.