Checked October 10, 2026
Help paying bills in California
Behind on your electric, gas or rent in California? Here are the real programs, who to call, and what to do first. All free.
Do these 3 things first
- Call your power or gas company today. Ask for a payment plan and ask to be put on the CARE or FERA discount.
- Apply for LIHEAP through your local agency. Find it with the state's provider finder.
- Dial 2-1-1 for local help with rent, food and bills.
Help with electric and gas bills
LIHEAP (energy bill help)
A one-time payment toward your electric, gas, propane, wood or oil bill. It can also help if you have a shutoff notice. Run by the state's Department of Community Services and Development (CSD) through local agencies. 2026 limit: about $3,332 a month for 1 person, $6,407 for 4. Money is limited, so apply early.
CARE discount
30–35% off your electric bill and 20% off gas at large utilities (20% at smaller ones). You qualify by income (for example, $43,280 a year for 1–2 people, $66,000 for 4) or if you get Medi-Cal, CalFresh, WIC, SSI, LIHEAP or TANF. Apply with your utility.
FERA discount
18% off electric bills for families just over the CARE limit (PG&E, SCE and SDG&E only). Apply with your utility.
Got a shutoff notice?
Ask your utility for a payment plan before the due date, and tell them if someone in your home has a serious medical condition. Utilities offer medical programs that can add protection. If your utility won't work with you, contact the California Public Utilities Commission.
If your utility won't help: California Public Utilities Commission
Behind on rent
California does not have one statewide rent relief program open right now. Your best routes: dial 2-1-1 or visit your county social services office, and ask about emergency rent help and CalWORKs Homeless Assistance if you have children.
Food, health care and phone
CalFresh (food), Medi-Cal (health) and CalWORKs (cash)
Apply for all three in one place.
Lifeline (phone or internet discount)
A federal discount on one phone or internet plan if you get SNAP, Medicaid, SSI or meet income rules.
Lower the bills you pay every month
A 60-second check of your phone, car insurance, bank fees and credit. Free options first.
Make a plan for the next few months
Once the emergency is handled, see where your money goes and which bills to pay from each paycheck. The Budget Starter is free. The Debt Freedom Planner adds your debt-free date and a credit rebuild plan.
Dealing with it right now? The Hard Month Kit ($9) has printable call scripts, a hardship letter and a bill priority worksheet.
We sell the planner. It never changes the advice on this page. How we make money.
Watch out for scams
Real help programs never charge a fee to apply. Never pay with gift cards, wire transfers or crypto, and never give your login or PIN to anyone who calls you. Report scams at reportfraud.ftc.gov.
Sources
Program details change. Confirm with the program before you rely on a date or amount.