Utility Assistance Programs

Any residential customers may contact their electric or natural gas company to request budget billing. Budget billing means each monthly bill will be the same amount. The company may adjust the bill up to four times a year, up or down, depending on your usage.

Customer Assistance Programs (CAPs) are designed to help low-income residential customers maintain utility service. CAPs can help lower your monthly utility bill, and may also reduce or remove the amount you already owe. The company works with you to determine what you can pay based on your household income.

The CARES program provides referral service for customers experiencing temporary hardships, such as family emergencies, divorce, unemployment or medical emergencies. CARES may provide support, direction and resources to help customers address their hardship situations and make it easier to pay their utility bills.

LIURP helps eligible low-income residential customers lower the amount of electricity or natural gas used each month. The company may install energy saving features in your home to help reduce bills. A smaller bill means you'll be able to cover more of your bill.

Refer to the chart below for the latest income levels customers must meet for CAP. If your household's monthly income is less than these limits, call your local utility company to see if you qualify.

2020 Household Size Monthly Income - 150% Federal Poverty Income Guidelines

The following income levels for CAP are effective as of January 2020. 

1 person $ 1,595
2 persons $ 2,155
3 persons $ 2,715
4 persons $ 3,275
5 persons $ 3,835
6 persons $ 4,395
7 persons $ 4,955
8 persons $ 5,515 For each additional person in the household, add $560.

Note: The income levels may be slightly higher for LIURP, CARES and Hardship Funds. Income levels may also be higher for People's Natural Gas CAP.

LIHEAP is the federal program that provides financial assistance to needy households for home energy bills. In Pennsylvania, the Department of Human Services (DHS) administers the LIHEAP program. The LIHEAP program provides both cash and crisis benefits to low-income households. Cash benefits help low-income customers pay for their home energy needs, while crisis payments may help resolve emergency home energy situations.

Your household income must be within certain limits to qualify. These limits are listed on the DHS website. 

The LIHEAP Application Form is located on the DHS website. For more information, contact the LIHEAP hotline at 866-857-7095.

The Lifeline Program is a government program that helps low-income consumers with a discount on monthly service for:

• Voice (telephone)
• Broadband internet access service (internet service)
• Combination of telephone and internet service

Lifeline works with both landline and wireless providers. The programs give consumers the opportunities and security that phone and internet service provides, such as connecting to jobs, family, health care, schools, and 911 emergency services.

You may qualify for Lifeline Assistance based on income (at or below 135% of the federal poverty guidelines) or if you participate in any of the following programs:

• Medicaid
• Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP)
• Supplemental Security Income (SSI)
• Veterans and Survivors Pension Benefit
• Federal Public Housing Assistance (FPHA)

Stay Connected with Lifeline - A brochure explaining telephone assistance programs. 

Lifeline Across America Website - This FCC website provides information and resources about federal and state Lifeline programs.

Lifeline Eligibility – This website by Universal Service Administrative Company explains if you qualify for the program.

Wireless Lifeline Providers (Word) - This chart lists the wireless telephone companies that provide Lifeline discounts in Pennsylvania through the federal Lifeline program. The chart describes and highlights each wireless company's service plan options.

Landline Lifeline Providers - This list contains company phone numbers and web addresses for the companies, and the counties served. 

Lifeline Providers by County - This list shows all of the providers in each county.

Customer Participation - Lifeline and Link-Up information for all participating telephone companies in 2017 and 2018.