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Updated October 13, 2026 · 6-minute read

Winter heating bill help

Heating bills are the biggest bills of the year for many families. Start now, before the first big bill, while assistance money is still available.

The short version

  1. Apply for LIHEAP now. Money is often first come, first served.
  2. Ask your utility about budget billing and payment plans.
  3. Know your state's winter shutoff rules.
  4. Ask about free weatherization, then do the cheap fixes yourself.
  5. Stay safe. Never heat your home with an oven, grill or generator.

1. Apply for heating assistance early

LIHEAP (the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program) helps pay heating bills. Funding for this winter was kept above $4 billion, and federal law requires most of it to reach states by November 1, 2026. Applications usually stay open through spring or until the money runs out, so apply as early as you can. Seniors and people on SSI or disability are often served first.

Find where to apply: call the National Energy Assistance Referral line at 1-866-674-6327 or dial 211. Step by step: how to apply for LIHEAP.

Out of fuel or facing a shutoff? Ask for crisis assistance. It's part of LIHEAP and usually moves faster.

2. Call your utility before you fall behind

  • Budget billing (also called levelized billing) spreads your yearly cost into equal monthly payments, so winter bills don't spike.
  • Payment plans: if you're behind, ask to spread the past-due amount over several months.
  • Hardship or low-income programs: many utilities have discounts or bill credits. Ask, "Do you have any assistance or discount programs?"
  • Medical needs: if someone at home relies on medical equipment or is seriously ill, ask about a medical certificate. It can delay a shutoff.

3. Know your winter shutoff rules

Many states limit or ban utility shutoffs in cold weather or during set winter months, but the rules differ a lot, and protection is not the same as forgiveness: the bill still adds up. Look up your state's rules and programs on our state pages. Got a notice? Here's what to do today.

4. Free weatherization

The federal Weatherization Assistance Program pays for repairs like insulation, sealing air leaks and furnace fixes for income-eligible households, at no cost to you. It's often run by the same local agency as LIHEAP, so ask about it when you apply. There may be a waiting list, so sign up early.

5. Cheap fixes that cut the bill

  • Turn the heat down at night and when you're out. The Department of Energy says turning your thermostat back 7–10°F for 8 hours a day can save up to about 10% a year on heating and cooling.
  • Stop drafts: door sweeps, weatherstripping and foam outlet gaskets cost a few dollars at a hardware store. A rolled towel works at the bottom of a door.
  • Cover windows: plastic window insulation kits are cheap and go on with tape and a hair dryer. Close curtains at night and open them on sunny days.
  • Change the furnace filter if it's dirty, and keep vents clear of furniture.
  • Close vents and doors in rooms you don't use, unless your system's maker says not to.

Where to find these cheaply

Most of these cost a few dollars at any hardware store, dollar store or big-box store, so check there first. If you'd rather order online, these links open Amazon search results so you can compare prices:

Partner links: As an Amazon Associate, Bill Help Now earns from qualifying purchases. It costs you nothing extra and never changes our advice. How we make money.

Stay safe when it's cold

Never use an oven, stove, grill or generator to heat your home: they can cause carbon monoxide poisoning or fire. If you use a space heater, don't plug it into an extension cord, keep anything that can burn at least 3 feet away, and turn it off when you leave the room or go to sleep. Make sure you have working smoke and carbon monoxide alarms. Many fire departments give alarms out free.

Find help in your state

See energy assistance, shutoff rules and phone numbers for all 50 states and Washington, DC.

Want it all on paper?

The Hard Month Kit adds printable call scripts for your utility, a hardship letter and a 30-day cash plan.

The Hard Month Kit · $9Free Budget Starter

We sell these. They never change the advice above. How we make money.

Sources

Checked October 13, 2026. Programs change their rules. Confirm with the program before you rely on a date or amount. Found something wrong? Email help@billhelpnow.com.

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