Checked October 10, 2026
Help paying bills in Pennsylvania
Behind on your electric, gas or rent in Pennsylvania? Here are the real programs, who to call, and what to do first. All free.
Do these 3 things first
- Call your utility and ask about its Customer Assistance Program (CAP). CAP can lower your monthly bill.
- Apply for LIHEAP on COMPASS. The 2026–27 season is scheduled to open November 2, 2026.
- Seriously ill household member? A doctor's medical certificate can stop a shutoff.
Help with electric and gas bills
LIHEAP cash grant
A one-time grant of $200–$1,000 paid straight to your utility or fuel company. It doesn't have to be repaid, and you apply every year. 2026 income limit: $23,940 a year for 1 person, $49,500 for 4. Hotline: 1-866-857-7095 (Mon–Fri).
LIHEAP crisis grant
For heating emergencies: a shutoff notice, no fuel or less than 15 days' supply, or broken heating equipment. Help usually comes within 10 business days, faster in life-threatening cases. Contact your County Assistance Office.
Customer Assistance Programs (CAP)
Lower monthly payments through your utility if you qualify by income. If you qualify, you may not have to pay a deposit.
Got a shutoff notice?
Pennsylvania has a winter shutoff ban from December 1 to March 31 for income-qualified customers. A medical certificate from a doctor, physician assistant or nurse practitioner can stop a shutoff for up to 30 days, with renewals (you must keep paying while it's in place). If your utility won't work with you, call the Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission.
If your utility won't help: Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission · 1-800-692-7380
Behind on rent
Pennsylvania does not have one statewide rent program open right now. Dial 2-1-1 or search PA 211 for emergency rent help in your county.
Food, health care and phone
SNAP (food), Medicaid (health), cash help and LIHEAP
Apply for all of them 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.