Most people have heard of LIHEAP, the federal program that helps with heating and cooling bills. What fewer people know is that many utility companies, phone carriers, and internet providers have their own discount programs - separate from federal assistance - and some of them are specifically designed for seniors or low-income households.
These programs often go unclaimed simply because people do not know to ask about them. This article covers where to look and how to find out what is available to you.
Utility Company Programs
Many electric, gas, and water companies operate their own low-income or senior discount programs. These programs are separate from LIHEAP and exist independently of whether you qualify for federal assistance. Depending on the utility and your state, discounts can range from a modest percentage reduction to a significantly lower rate structure.
Because these programs are run by individual utilities and often not heavily advertised, the most reliable way to find them is to call your utility company's customer service line and ask directly. Specifically, ask:
- "Do you have a low-income discount program?"
- "Do you have a senior rate or senior discount?"
- "Are there any programs that can help reduce my bill?"
Some utilities also have budget billing programs, arrearage management plans, or medical baseline rate exceptions that may help. A customer service representative can walk you through what is available on your account.
State utility commissions in some states require utilities to offer low-income assistance programs. Your state's public utilities commission website may list what programs are mandated in your area.
Lifeline: Phone and Internet Discounts
Lifeline is a federal program administered by the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) that has provided discounts on phone and internet service for low-income households since 1985. According to the FCC (fcc.gov/general/lifeline-program-low-income-consumers), the program helps ensure that qualifying households can stay connected to jobs, family, and emergency services.
As of mid-2026, Lifeline remains active - but it is worth noting that the program is currently under federal review. In February 2026, the FCC adopted a Notice of Proposed Rulemaking seeking public comment on reforms to the program's eligibility rules and structure. That comment period closed in June 2026, and rule changes may follow. The program's core discount has not been eliminated, but the eligibility and verification rules could shift in the coming months.
Eligibility is currently based on income or participation in certain federal assistance programs such as SNAP or Medicaid. The discount applies to one service per household - either phone or internet, not both separately, though some providers bundle both under the program.
To apply or check current status:
- Visit lifelinesupport.org (the official federal program portal) to confirm current eligibility and find participating providers in your area
- Contact a participating phone or internet provider directly and ask whether they still participate in the Lifeline program
Available providers and discount amounts vary by location. Not every carrier participates, and the service options available under the program differ by provider. Given the ongoing review, confirming current program details directly at lifelinesupport.org before applying is advisable.
The Affordable Connectivity Program
The Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP) was a federal internet discount program that at one point provided broader internet cost relief to qualifying households. As of mid-2024, ACP funding was exhausted and the program was discontinued. It is mentioned here because it is still referenced on some websites and by some providers. If you see references to ACP, confirm the current status with the provider, as it is no longer an active federal benefit at the time this article was written.
BenefitsCheckUp for Utility Programs
BenefitsCheckUp at benefitscheckup.org, operated by the National Council on Aging, covers utility and energy assistance programs as part of its broader benefits screening tool. Running a check there can surface state-specific or local utility programs that would otherwise take research to find. It is free and does not require creating an account.
211 as a Starting Point
Calling 211 is one of the fastest ways to find utility assistance programs available in your area. 211 operators maintain current information on local programs, which can include utility company programs, state-administered assistance, and community resources that go beyond what is easily found through an internet search.
LIHEAP and Utility Programs Together
LIHEAP and utility company programs are separate - qualifying for one does not affect your eligibility for the other. In some cases, a LIHEAP benefit is applied directly to your utility account in addition to any discount or program your utility already provides. Ask your utility company whether they accept LIHEAP payments and how the two interact if you are enrolled in both.
Where to Look
- Your utility company: call customer service and ask specifically about senior or low-income rate programs
- Lifeline (phone and internet): lifelinesupport.org or fcc.gov/general/lifeline-program-low-income-consumers
- BenefitsCheckUp: benefitscheckup.org - covers utility assistance programs alongside other senior benefits
- 211 Helpline: dial 211 or visit 211.org
- LIHEAP (energy bill assistance): see our related article on LIHEAP for federal heating and cooling assistance
Utility discount programs vary by provider, state, and local area. Program availability and eligibility rules can change. Contact your utility company directly or call 211 to find out what is currently available in your area.