Last updated: November 6, 2026
Important note
This is general information, not legal, financial, medical, or safety advice. Rules, funding, and utility policies change. Confirm details with the agency or company handling your case.
Bottom line
If you cannot pay an electric, gas, fuel, water, sewer, phone, or internet bill, call the company for a payment plan. Then contact your county LIHEAP agency and 211.
Tennessee LIHEAP helps with heating and cooling costs. For 2026–27, a local LIHEAP agency in Upper East Tennessee lists $300 to $800 in one-time aid based on need and eligibility. Money goes to the energy supplier, not the household.
Some THDA webpages still show 2025–26 figures. Use the posted 2027 documents and confirm your local agency’s intake dates.
Use the Tennessee help guide for a wider benefits plan. The national utility guide explains LIHEAP and other bill-help terms.
If shutoff is close
Act when your disconnect notice arrives. A pending aid application does not automatically stop shutoff. Stay in contact with the utility.
- Call the utility: Ask for an extension, written cutoff rules, or payment plan.
- Call LIHEAP: Give your cutoff date, amount owed, fuel type, and urgent health needs.
- Call 211: Use Tennessee 211 for local utility and shelter referrals.
- Ask about medical needs: Find out if medical proof affects the cutoff process.
- Use the right complaint route: Rules differ for private utilities, TVA-served providers, cities, and co-ops.
If the loss of service would make your home unsafe, use the Tennessee emergency guide as well.
Check funding before shutoff: An accepted application may be placed on a waitlist. Ask your LIHEAP agency if it can pay now, and ask your utility what will keep your account active while you wait.
Where to start
I have a shutoff notice
Call the utility and LIHEAP agency today. Ask what will pause shutoff.
I am behind
Apply early. Ask for budget billing, payment plans, or local aid.
My bills stay high
Ask for weatherization or an energy check to cut future costs.
I have several bills
Check food, housing, health, and child care help to ease your budget.
What changed for 2026–27
In the Upper East Tennessee area, the 2026–27 LIHEAP year began October 1, 2026. The agency lists $300–$800, instead of the 2025–26 range of $174–$750. See Upper East Tennessee LIHEAP for current steps.
THDA has posted its 2027 income matrix and policy manual. Ask your own county agency when applications open; do not rely on old 2025–26 opening dates.
Funding update: Nashville’s Metro Action Commission reported a temporary LIHEAP payment delay on October 1, 2026. Federal records show a new Tennessee LIHEAP award on October 9, but that does not mean each local agency can pay bills right away. As checked October 21, Nashville still showed a waitlist warning on its household assistance page. If you live in Davidson County, ask Metro Action whether funds have reached your case before counting on a payment.
Quick reference
| Need | Best first step | What to ask | Reality check |
|---|---|---|---|
| Heating or cooling bill | Local LIHEAP agency | Is regular or crisis assistance open? | Funding is limited and may not cover the full balance. |
| Disconnect notice | Utility company | Can I get a written payment arrangement or extension? | A pending application may not stop cutoff. |
| Wrong bill or disputed shutoff | Utility, then complaint office | Which rule and regulator apply to this provider? | Not every Tennessee utility is regulated by the same office. |
| Water or sewer bill | Local provider and 211 | Is there a hardship fund, discount, or payment plan? | Federal LIHWAP benefits are no longer available. |
| High future bills | Weatherization provider | Can my home receive an energy audit? | Weatherization is not an immediate bill payment. |
| Phone or internet | Lifeline | Do I qualify by income or another benefit? | Only one Lifeline benefit is allowed per household. |
Tennessee LIHEAP
Tennessee Housing Development Agency (THDA) runs LIHEAP through 19 local agencies serving all 95 counties. Eligible renters and homeowners can get help with heating or cooling costs.
Use the Tennessee LIHEAP page to find your county agency. Workers check household income, size, and energy costs. Many applicants use the SmartSimple application portal.
2026–27 benefit range
For 2026–27, the Upper East Tennessee agency reports $300 to $800 in one-time aid. The amount depends on income, energy burden, and local funds. Ask your county agency which 2027 benefit chart it uses. The $174–$750 range is from 2025–26. This is a local agency’s posted range, not a promise that your county has money ready to pay today.
2026–27 income limits
Tennessee uses 60% of State Median Income. These annual gross-income limits are effective October 1, 2026. Ask how your agency counts income if your earnings change often.
| Household size | Annual gross limit |
|---|---|
| 1 | $32,861 |
| 2 | $42,973 |
| 3 | $53,084 |
| 4 | $63,196 |
| 5 | $73,307 |
| 6 | $83,418 |
| 7 | $85,314 |
| 8 | $87,210 |
See the THDA 2027 forms and matrix for current limits, the policy manual, and income or landlord forms.
How to apply
- Find the THDA-funded LIHEAP agency for your county.
- Ask if 2026–27 applications are open where you live. In the Upper East Tennessee region, the 2026–27 year began October 1, 2026; other agencies may use different intake steps.
- Ask whether to start in SmartSimple and how to get help if you have no email, phone, or internet access.
- Submit your form and documents. Keep screenshots, copies, and the application ID.
- Call the utility to request an extension or payment plan while the agency decides.
Support forms are available in English and Spanish. If you cannot apply online, ask the county agency to help.
Processing times
Earlier THDA rules called for action on regular applications within 30 business days, and crisis cases within 48 hours (or 18 hours when life is at risk). These are not payment or shutoff guarantees. Confirm 2026–27 rules with your agency.
Earlier rules sometimes allowed 15 business days to send missing documents. For 2026–27, follow your actual notice and request the missing-item list in writing.
LIHEAP reality check
LIHEAP is not a promise to stop shutoff, pay every bill, or approve every household. Keep working with the utility and ask 211 about backup funds while the case is pending.
Shutoff policies and complaint routes
Shutoff rules vary by provider. Each utility’s governing body sets a cutoff policy. Ask for written notice rules, payment plans, medical protections, and reconnection fees.
For an error, request a billing review or supervisor. Keep the bill, cutoff notice, meter details, receipts, and staff names.
| Provider type | Complaint path | Contact point |
|---|---|---|
| Privately owned regulated utility | Tennessee Public Utility Commission | Use the TPUC complaint page after contacting the company. |
| TVA-served local electric utility | Local utility, then TVA | Use the TVA complaint process if the local issue remains unresolved. |
| Municipal or county utility | Local board or government office | Review the Comptroller customer page for direction. |
| Electric cooperative | Cooperative management or board | Ask for the cooperative’s complaint and appeal policy in writing. |
TPUC’s Consumer Services Division lists 615-741-2904 and 800-342-8359 for regulated-utility questions. TVA’s complaint line lists 888-289-8409 after a customer has tried to resolve the issue with the local power company.
Medical equipment or health risk
If anyone depends on powered medical equipment, tell the utility now and ask for its medical certification form and deadlines. A medical flag might change the shutoff process, but it does not erase the balance or guarantee continuous service. Ask a medical provider and the utility about emergency safety options if power is needed to stay safe.
Local and utility-company help
Help is local. Ask the company about payment plans, budget billing, due-date changes, energy checks, and charity funds.
| Area or provider | Programs to check | Where to start |
|---|---|---|
| Nashville and Davidson County | Project HELP, payment arrangements, Metro Action, and NeedLink | Use NES energy help and ask for current partners. |
| Memphis and Shelby County | LIHEAP, Plus-1, On Track, PowerPay, and budget billing | Use MLGW assistance and Shelby County resources. |
| Knoxville and Knox County | LIHEAP and local crisis assistance | Use Knox CAC utility help for current application steps. |
| Chattanooga and Hamilton County | PowerShare, payment arrangements, and local assistance | Use EPB payment assistance and call 211 for referrals. |
| Other counties | LIHEAP, utility funds, churches, and local nonprofits | Call the local agency and 211 for current county options. |
In Memphis, On Track helps some lower-income customers manage overdue debt. PowerPay is prepaid service for smart-meter customers, not a grant. MLGW also lists Plus-1 and payment plans in its August 2026 assistance update. Ask which is best for your account.
Funding changes. Ask each group if it requires a shutoff notice, income proof, an account in your name, or a customer payment.
Hamilton County: The local Office of Family Empowerment says its 2026–27 LIHEAP year runs October 1, 2026, through September 30, 2027. Hamilton County residents can check requirements and apply online, or text LIHEAP to 423-643-7300 for the application link. If a disability stops you from using the online form, ask the office about a paper application. Funding and eligibility rules still apply.
Water and sewer bill help
Federal LIHWAP water-bill benefits have ended, as the federal LIHWAP page explains.
LIHEAP does not normally cover stand-alone water or sewer bills. If one provider bills several services, ask which charges local aid can cover.
Ask the water company, city, Community Action agency, or 211 about hardship aid, leak credits, lower rates, or a payment plan.
- Tennessee American Water: Review water assistance programs and ask 211 about Project Water Help.
- Nashville: Use Metro Water assistance for payment and protection options.
- Other cities: Call the billing office and ask which local agency receives hardship referrals.
If water or sewer charges are included in rent, use the Tennessee housing guide before taking action that could affect your lease.
Weatherization can lower future bills
Tennessee weatherization can cut future energy use. Approved work may include home energy checks, air or duct sealing, and insulation.
Apply through the local provider on THDA’s weatherization program page. Homes with young children, older adults, or people with disabilities may get priority. Waitlists are common.
Weatherization does not pay old bills. Renters may need landlord consent. If you fear retaliation or repair problems, check the Tennessee legal guide.
Phone and internet help
Lifeline may cut phone or internet bills by up to $9.25 monthly, or up to $5.25 for voice-only service. More may be available on eligible Tribal lands.
Apply through Lifeline Support. Only one benefit is allowed per household.
The Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP) ended in 2024. Do not pay a site promising a new ACP benefit. Ask local providers about other low-cost plans.
Documents and information to gather
Call even if some papers are missing. Ask the worker what other proof is accepted. Keep copies in one folder.
| Item | Why it helps | Practical step |
|---|---|---|
| Utility bill | Shows provider, account, balance, and service address | Photograph every page. |
| Disconnect notice | Shows the cutoff date and reason | Keep the envelope or email date. |
| Income proof | Used for LIHEAP and local funds | Ask which 30-day period is required. |
| Household records | Used to verify household size and eligibility | Ask what works for newborns or missing documents. |
| Lease or landlord statement | Helps when the account is not in your name | Ask which form the agency accepts. |
| Medical verification | May support a utility medical review | Use the provider’s form and deadline. |
Upper East Tennessee note: Its 2026–27 agency asks for photo ID, household Social Security cards, up to 12 months of energy-use records, recent income proof, and a working email. Ask your own county agency what it accepts if a document is missing.
Keep a follow-up note: Write down the day you applied, your case number, any missing documents, and the next date to check your email or call. Ask the utility for written proof of any payment arrangement.
Common mistakes to avoid
- Waiting until cutoff day. Call when the notice arrives or when you know the bill cannot be paid.
- Assuming an application stops shutoff. Confirm the account status with the utility.
- Missing a document deadline. An incomplete LIHEAP application can close after the response period.
- Agreeing to an impossible plan. Ask for a payment that fits the real household budget.
- Using the wrong complaint office. Provider ownership determines where a complaint belongs.
- Thinking LIHEAP pays everything. The benefit is limited and depends on energy burden.
- Using old ACP information. Check Lifeline instead.
If assistance is denied, delayed, or unavailable
Read the notice and ask if the issue is income, household size, missing papers, a duplicate case, or funding. Ask how to correct an error or reapply. Do not miss a hearing deadline.
Earlier THDA rules allowed a written local hearing request within 30 calendar days after a denial or missed decision. A valid request was generally heard within 15 business days. Get the 2027 form and follow the notice’s instructions.
If funds ran out, the appeal rules may differ. After a local hearing, ask about THDA review and its deadline. This is not legal advice.
Save notices and a call log. If your dispute concerns a utility bill or shutoff, use the complaint office for that provider.
Phone scripts
Calling the utility
“My account is [number]. I received a shutoff notice for [date]. Can I get an extension or payment plan? What must I do to keep service on?”
Calling the LIHEAP agency
“I live in [county]. My fuel provider is [name]. Is 2026–27 regular or crisis LIHEAP open, and what papers do I need?”
Calling 211
“I need help with [utility] in [county]. Which local programs have funds, and how can I apply?”
Calling a complaint office
“I disputed my bill with [provider]. Does your office handle complaints for this company, and how do I file?”
Resumen en español
Si tiene una factura atrasada de electricidad, gas, propano, agua, teléfono o internet en Tennessee, llame primero a la compañía y pida un plan de pago. Después llame a la agencia local de LIHEAP y al 211.
LIHEAP puede ayudar con la calefacción o el aire acondicionado. Para 2026–27, una agencia de Tennessee indica ayudas de $300 a $800. Los límites de ingresos cambiaron el 1 de octubre de 2026. El pago depende de los requisitos, los gastos de energía y los fondos disponibles.
Si le niegan la ayuda, pida la razón y los pasos para pedir una audiencia. Confirme el plazo por escrito. Para teléfono o internet, revise Lifeline. El programa ACP terminó en 2024.
FAQs about Tennessee utility assistance
How much does Tennessee LIHEAP pay in 2026–27?
A Tennessee LIHEAP agency lists $300–$800 for 2026–27. The amount depends on energy costs, income, and funding. Ask your county agency to confirm.
What are Tennessee’s 2026–27 income limits?
The 2026–27 annual income limit is $63,196 for four people. Other household sizes have different limits. Ask how to document recent income.
Can a pending LIHEAP application stop shutoff?
No. Call your utility for an extension or written payment plan while you apply.
How fast is crisis LIHEAP processed?
Earlier THDA rules set 48 hours for a crisis and 18 hours if life is at risk. Check the current 2027 rules. Do not wait if someone is in danger.
Is there water bill help in Tennessee?
Federal LIHWAP benefits ended. Local utilities, cities, 211, or charities may offer help or payment plans.
Can Lifeline lower phone or internet costs?
Eligible households may receive up to $9.25 monthly, or $5.25 for voice-only service.
What can I do if LIHEAP is denied?
Ask for a written decision. Earlier THDA rules gave 30 calendar days to request a local hearing. Follow the current notice; a lack of funds may have different rules.
About this guide
This guide uses official federal, state, local, and other high-trust nonprofit and community sources mentioned in the article.
A Single Mother is independent and is not a government agency, benefits office, lender, law firm, medical provider, or tax advisor.
Program rules, funding, local availability, and eligibility can change. Always confirm details with the official program before you apply or make decisions.
Verification: Reviewed October 21, 2026; next review February 4, 2027. Confirm time-sensitive rules with the agency before applying.
Corrections: If you see something wrong or outdated, email suggestions@asinglemother.org.
Disclaimer: This article is for general information only. It is not legal, financial, medical, tax, immigration, disability, safety, or government-agency advice.
Last updated: November 6, 2026 Next review: February 4, 2027