The electric bill is due. Your gas bill keeps climbing. And with colder weather approaching, you’re worried about how much it will cost to keep your home warm.
Maybe you’ve already received a shutoff notice. Maybe you’re trying to help an older parent who lives alone and doesn’t want to admit they’re struggling with monthly bills.
If you’re looking for utility assistance in Philadelphia, there are programs that may help with electricity, natural gas, heating costs, emergency repairs, and overdue balances.
The challenge is figuring out which program to contact first.
This guide explains where to find emergency utility assistance in Pennsylvania, how to apply for help with PECO and PGW bills, and what Philadelphia families can do to prepare for winter.
Key Takeaways
- Philadelphia residents may qualify for utility assistance through Pennsylvania LIHEAP, PECO, PGW, and local nonprofit programs.
- The 2026–27 LIHEAP season is scheduled to open November 2, 2026.
- LIHEAP helps with qualifying heating expenses, while PECO and PGW offer separate customer assistance programs.
- Households facing a heating emergency may qualify for additional support.
- Philadelphia’s Heater Hotline helps eligible low-income homeowners with emergency heating repairs.
- BenePhilly and Neighborhood Energy Centers can help residents navigate benefits and utility assistance applications.
- Pristine Home Care provides non-medical home care, not utility bill payments or heating repairs.
Where Can You Get Utility Assistance in Philadelphia?
Start with your utility provider and Pennsylvania’s LIHEAP program, then explore local organizations offering financial assistance and application support.
Different programs address different needs. Some help reduce monthly bills, while others assist with past-due balances, heating emergencies, or broken equipment.
Philadelphia Utility Assistance Programs: Where to Start
| Organization or program | What it may help with | Website or contact |
|---|---|---|
| Pennsylvania LIHEAP | Heating bills and qualifying heating emergencies | PA Department of Human Services |
| PECO Customer Assistance Program | Reduced electric bills for eligible customers | PECO |
| PGW Customer Responsibility Program | Affordable gas payments and potential debt forgiveness | Philadelphia Gas Works |
| Utility Emergency Services Fund (UESF) | Financial assistance for qualifying utility customers | UESF |
| Neighborhood Energy Centers | Utility assistance applications and energy counseling | Philadelphia Utility Resources |
| BenePhilly | Free help applying for public benefits, including energy assistance | BenePhilly |
| Philadelphia Heater Hotline | Emergency heater repairs for eligible low-income homeowners | City Heater Hotline Program |
| Basic Systems Repair Program | Qualifying emergency repairs to essential home systems | City Home Repair Resources |
Before applying: Contact the organization to confirm current funding, eligibility requirements, and whether it is accepting applications.
How Can You Get Free Emergency Utility Assistance in PA?
Pennsylvania LIHEAP Crisis assistance and local utility support programs may help qualifying households facing an urgent heating or utility problem.
If you’re looking for free emergency utility assistance PA resources, begin by identifying whether the emergency involves your heating source, electricity, gas service, or another household utility.
Pennsylvania’s LIHEAP Crisis program addresses certain heating emergencies, which may include:
- Broken heating equipment or leaking heating lines
- Running out of heating fuel
- A heating source being shut off
- Receiving a qualifying notice that heating service will be disconnected
LIHEAP Crisis is not a general grant for every unpaid utility bill. Eligibility depends on the type of emergency and program requirements.
What Should You Do if You Receive a Utility Shutoff Notice?
- Contact your utility provider.
Ask about payment arrangements, customer assistance programs, and available shutoff protections.
- Check LIHEAP Crisis eligibility.
If the shutoff affects your heating source, review the Pennsylvania LIHEAP program.
- Contact local assistance organizations.
The City of Philadelphia’s utility assistance directory identifies programs that may help residents struggling with essential bills.
- Keep your paperwork.
Save utility account numbers, shutoff notices, payment records, and application confirmations.
- Ask for help applying.
BenePhilly and Neighborhood Energy Centers may help residents understand available programs.
Applying for assistance does not automatically stop a utility shutoff. Confirm your account status and deadlines directly with your utility provider.
Looking for Rent and Utility Assistance Near Philadelphia?
Philadelphia has separate programs for rental assistance and utility assistance, and some households may need to contact more than one organization.
If you’ve searched for rent and utility assistance near you, you’re likely dealing with more than one household expense.
An overdue electric bill can become especially difficult when rent, groceries, transportation, and other necessities are already stretching your budget.
Start by identifying which expense is most urgent.
| Household concern | Where to start |
|---|---|
| Overdue rent | Philadelphia Office of Homeless Services |
| Electric bill | PECO |
| Gas bill | Philadelphia Gas Works |
| Heating expenses | Pennsylvania LIHEAP |
| Multiple overdue utility bills | UESF |
| Benefits application support | BenePhilly |
For detailed information about overdue rent, security deposits, eviction prevention, and emergency housing, read Pristine’s guide to rental assistance in Philadelphia.
Families comparing longer-term housing options can also explore Pristine’s low-income housing resources for Philadelphia.
How Do You Apply for LIHEAP in Philadelphia?
Apply through Pennsylvania’s Department of Human Services during the LIHEAP application season.
LIHEAP stands for Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program.
It provides cash grants to qualifying households to help with heating costs. Grants generally range from $200 to $1,000, depending on household circumstances and program rules.
The funds are generally paid directly to the utility company or fuel provider, and grants do not have to be repaid.
When Does LIHEAP Open for 2026–27?
Pennsylvania DHS lists November 2, 2026, as the scheduled opening date for the 2026–27 LIHEAP season.
Check the official LIHEAP website for current dates and application instructions.
Who May Qualify for LIHEAP?
Pennsylvania DHS explains that:
- Renters and homeowners may qualify.
- You do not need to receive other public assistance.
- You do not necessarily need an overdue heating bill.
- Household income and size affect eligibility.
LIHEAP Income Limits for 2026–27
| Household size | Maximum annual income |
|---|---|
| 1 person | $23,940 |
| 2 people | $32,460 |
| 3 people | $40,980 |
| 4 people | $49,500 |
| 5 people | $58,020 |
| 6 people | $66,540 |
These are the published 2026–27 limits. Larger households have additional limits.
What Documents Might You Need?
Depending on your situation, prepare:
- Household identification information
- Proof of income
- Current heating utility or fuel account details
- Residential address
- Shutoff notices, if applicable
- Other documents requested by DHS
Visit the Pennsylvania LIHEAP application page for instructions.
Need Help Paying an Electric Bill in PA?
PECO offers bill assistance programs for qualifying customers who need help managing electricity costs.
If you’re looking for help paying an electric bill in PA, the first step is to contact your electric utility provider.
For many Philadelphia households, that provider is PECO.
How Can PECO Bill Assistance Help?
PECO’s Customer Assistance Program, commonly called CAP, is designed to help eligible customers manage electricity costs.
Depending on program rules and eligibility, assistance may include reduced monthly bills or other support.
PECO customer service: 1-800-494-4000
Official website: PECO
What Should You Ask About PECO Bill Assistance?
When contacting PECO, ask:
- Do I qualify for CAP?
- Can I set up a payment arrangement?
- Is hardship assistance available?
- What options exist if I received a shutoff notice?
- Are energy-saving programs available for my home?
Philadelphia’s Energy Poverty Alleviation Strategy describes PECO’s CAP and other utility assistance resources.
Need Help Paying Your PGW Gas Bill in Philadelphia?
Philadelphia Gas Works offers its Customer Responsibility Program for qualifying low-income customers.
Natural gas costs can increase during winter when households use more energy for heating.
PGW’s Customer Responsibility Program, or CRP, is intended to make monthly bills more affordable for eligible customers.
Certain participants may also qualify for forgiveness of qualifying pre-program debt under applicable rules.
How Does PGW Bill Assistance Work?
PGW customer service: (215) 235-1000
Official website: Philadelphia Gas Works
Ask PGW about:
- CRP eligibility
- Payment arrangements
- LIHEAP
- Hardship assistance
- Energy conservation programs
If you’re already receiving assistance through another program, ask whether that affects your eligibility or application process.
What if You Have a Gas Billing Dispute?
Start by contacting PGW.
If the issue remains unresolved, the Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission provides information about utility complaints and customer rights.
For a suspected gas leak, leave the affected area and call PGW’s emergency line at (215) 235-1212 from a safe location.
What if Your Heater Stops Working in Philadelphia?
A broken heating system requires a different type of assistance than an overdue utility bill. Philadelphia has programs that may help qualifying homeowners with emergency repairs.
Philadelphia Heater Hotline
The Philadelphia Heater Hotline Program provides emergency heater repairs for eligible low-income homeowners.
Heater Hotline: (215) 568-7190
Income and homeownership requirements apply.
Renters should notify their landlord or property manager promptly and document the problem.
Basic Systems Repair Program
Philadelphia’s Basic Systems Repair Program may help qualifying homeowners address emergency heating, electrical, plumbing, roofing, or structural problems.
Program availability, funding, and property eligibility requirements apply.
Never use an oven, outdoor grill, or portable generator indoors as a substitute for a functioning heating system.
Where Can You Get Free Help Applying for Utility Assistance?
BenePhilly and Neighborhood Energy Centers can help eligible Philadelphia residents understand and apply for certain public benefits and utility assistance programs.
BenePhilly
BenePhilly provides free, one-on-one support with public benefits applications.
Assistance may include:
- Heating and utility benefits
- Food assistance
- Health coverage
- Prescription assistance
- Certain tax benefits
- Other qualifying programs
BenePhilly Helpline: (800) 994-5537
Official website: BenePhilly
Neighborhood Energy Centers
Neighborhood Energy Centers may help with utility assistance applications, energy counseling, and conservation information.
Find resources through the City of Philadelphia’s utility assistance directory.
Why Are Philadelphia Winters Especially Challenging for Older Adults?
Philadelphia’s winters make reliable heating especially important.
According to the National Weather Service, the average January low at Philadelphia International Airport is approximately 26°F.
The city’s housing history also matters.
Philadelphia’s rowhouse neighborhoods developed over generations, creating homes with different layouts, ages, insulation, and heating systems. The Encyclopedia of Greater Philadelphia explains how rowhouses became a defining part of the region’s residential landscape. Older homes aren’t automatically inefficient, but heating and maintenance needs can vary significantly.
For an older adult living on a fixed income, high heating costs may compete with groceries, transportation, and other essentials.
Questions to Ask an Older Loved One
- Is your home warm enough throughout the day?
- Are electric or gas bills becoming difficult to pay?
- Is the heating system working properly?
- Do you know whom to contact if the heat stops?
- Do you have groceries and essential supplies for bad-weather days?
- Would assistance with daily routines make winter easier?
Pristine’s article on winter safety tips for seniors offers additional preparation ideas.
Your Philadelphia Utility Assistance Checklist
If you’re trying to help yourself or a family member, start here:
- Review electric, gas, and heating bills.
- Contact PECO or PGW about customer assistance programs.
- Check LIHEAP eligibility and application dates.
- Ask about emergency assistance if a shutoff affects your heating source.
- Contact UESF about available utility support.
- Save utility account numbers and shutoff notices.
- Ask BenePhilly for application support if needed.
- Check whether the heating system needs maintenance.
- Arrange regular winter check-ins with older relatives.
- Review the National Weather Service forecast before severe weather.
Can Home Care Help an Older Adult During Winter?
Non-medical home care may help older adults and eligible individuals with disabilities manage everyday routines when winter weather makes certain activities more difficult.
Pristine Home Care does not pay utility bills, repair heaters, or provide emergency utility services.
However, non-medical caregivers can help with:
- Bathing and dressing
- Meal preparation
- Companionship
- Mobility around the home
- Everyday routines
- Other approved personal care activities, like exercise assistance, errand running, and medication tracking.
Explore all of Pristine’s home care services and personal care assistance.
You can learn more about Pristine’s culturally fluent, person-centered approach on its About Us page. If you’re unsure whether an older loved one needs additional help, read Pristine’s article on when to consider home care.
Get Help With Your Bills and Support at Home
When utility bills become difficult to manage, knowing where to start can make the process less overwhelming. For financial assistance, contact the utility providers, government programs, and community organizations listed above.
If you or an older loved one also needs help with daily activities, Pristine Home Care can discuss appropriate non-medical care options.
Need home care for yourself or a loved one? Complete Pristine’s Client Registration Form or call (215) 621-7431.
Interested in becoming a caregiver? Explore Pristine’s Caregiver Career Opportunities, including possible paid family caregiving arrangements for eligible individuals and weekly pay.
For any additional questions, contact Pristine Home Care.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Where can I apply for utility assistance in Philadelphia??
A: Start with Pennsylvania LIHEAP, your utility provider, and the City of Philadelphia’s utility assistance resources.
Q: Is there free emergency utility assistance in PA??
A: Some qualifying households may receive grants through LIHEAP Crisis or other assistance programs. Eligibility and available funding vary.
Q: Where can I find rent and utility assistance near me?
A: Philadelphia residents can contact the Office of Homeless Services for housing assistance and their utility provider or local assistance organizations for utility support.
Q: Can I get help paying my PECO electric bill?
A: PECO offers assistance programs for eligible customers, including CAP. Contact PECO to review available options.
Q: Does PGW offer assistance with gas bills? services?
A: Yes. PGW offers its Customer Responsibility Program and other support options for qualifying customers.
Q: When does LIHEAP open for 2026–27?
A:Pennsylvania DHS currently lists November 2, 2026, as the scheduled opening date.
Q: Can renters qualify for LIHEAP?
A: Yes. Renters may qualify if they meet the program’s eligibility requirements.
Q: Can Pristine Home Care help with utility bills?
A: Pristine provides non-medical home care, not utility bill payments. Its team can discuss daily living support for people who need assistance at home.
