Checked October 13, 2026
Help paying bills in Rhode Island
Behind on your electric, gas or rent in Rhode Island? Here are the real programs, who to call, and what to do first. All free.
Do these 3 things first
- Call your utility before the due date. Ask for a payment plan and any low-income discount or hardship program.
- Apply for LIHEAP. Start at the state program page, or call 1-866-674-6327 (free) to find where to apply.
- Dial 2-1-1 for local help with rent, food and bills.
Help with electric and gas bills
LIHEAP
Run by the RI Department of Human Services through local community action agencies. If you have a shutoff notice or are out of fuel, say so and ask for crisis help.
Got a shutoff notice?
Rhode Island has winter shutoff protections from November 1 to April 15 for qualifying households (for example, those getting LIHEAP or with a serious illness). Ask your utility. If your utility won't work with you, contact the state utility commission. These rules usually cover companies the state regulates, not every city utility or co-op.
If your utility won't help: Rhode Island Public Utilities Commission and Division of Public Utilities · 401-941-4500
Behind on rent
Rent help in Rhode Island is mostly run by counties, cities and local agencies. Dial 2-1-1 for emergency rent help near you, and ask your local community action agency (often the same office that handles energy help). If you get court papers, don't ignore them: call legal aid right away.
Food, health care and phone
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 spending tracker.
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
- Rhode Island LIHEAP
- LIHEAP Clearinghouse: state disconnect policies
- LIHEAP Clearinghouse: cold weather rules
- USDA SNAP state directory
- Rhode Island Public Utilities Commission and Division of Public Utilities
Program details change. Confirm with the program before you rely on a date or amount.
Want this for later, or know someone who needs it? Save it on Pinterest or share this page. No account needed to use the site.