Utility Assistance for Single Mothers in Connecticut

Last updated: September 2025

This is your no‑nonsense guide to getting your lights back on, stopping a shutoff, and lowering bills in Connecticut. Every program and phone number here is official, with direct ways to reach real people. Keep this open while you make calls.

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If You Only Do 3 Things – Emergency Actions to Take

• Call your utility and ask to be coded “financial hardship” now: Ask for shutoff protection and a payment plan while you enroll in help. For Eversource call 1-800-286-2828 (electric) or 1-800-438-2278 (gas), for UI call 1-800-722-5584, for SCG call 1-800-659-8299, and for CNG call 1-800-727-3034; then apply for the Winter Protection Program and Matching Payment. See assistance pages at Eversource Winter Protection, UI Help With Your Bill, and PURA Payment Programs for exact steps and eligibility. (eversource.com)
• Apply for CEAP (energy bill help) today: Use the online portal to start the Connecticut Energy Assistance Program (CEAP), which pays part of your heat or electric costs; it’s LIHEAP funds run by CT DSS with local Community Action Agencies (CAAs). Start at CT HeatingHelp CEAP or DSS CEAP and call 2‑1‑1 if you need help finding your local CAA. Benefits for the 2025–2026 season range about $295–$645 based on your household and heat source. (portal.ct.gov)
• If you have a shutoff notice or a sick child—ask for medical or infant protection: Have a licensed provider submit the medical certification form through the utility’s web portal to stop disconnection while you set up payments. Start with Eversource Medical Protection or UI Medical Protection and keep making at least partial payments to avoid large balances later. (eversource.com)

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Quick Help Box: Numbers and Links You’ll Need

• 2‑1‑1 Connecticut: Call 2‑1‑1 (24/7) for live referrals, or outside CT call 1‑800‑203‑1234; search programs at 211ct.org, and reach statewide United Way at United Way of CT Contact for TTY help at 1‑800‑671‑0737. (uwc.211ct.org)
• CT DSS Benefits Center: Call 1‑855‑626‑6632 (TTY 1‑800‑842‑4524) for CEAP status or benefits questions; find agency pages at DSS Contact Us and program hub at DSS Heating & Utility. (portal.ct.gov)
• PURA Consumer Affairs (escalations/complaints): Call 1‑800‑382‑4586 or file online at PURA File a Complaint; see customer rights at PURA Rights & Responsibilities. TDD: 860‑827‑2837. (portal.ct.gov)
• Operation Fuel (backup energy/water grants): Check season status and apply at Operation Fuel – Get Help; water grants and utility partners at Operation Fuel – Water; phone 1‑860‑243‑2345 (Mon–Fri, 9:00–12:00). (operationfuel.org)
• EnergizeCT weatherization: For no‑cost Home Energy Solutions–Income Eligible (HES‑IE), call 1‑877‑947‑3873 or start at EnergizeCT HES‑IE; compare rebates and savings at EnergizeCT Income‑Eligible Resources. (energizect.com)

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How to Stop a Utility Shutoff in Connecticut Today

Start with the fastest step: get coded for protection, then pull in programs that erase or match your arrears.

• Ask for Winter Protection and a payment arrangement: Tell the customer service rep you have a financial hardship and need Winter Protection from shutoff. From November 1 to May 1, qualifying customers cannot be shut off, but you still owe the bill, so set up a monthly plan. Read the rules at Eversource Winter Protection, UI Winter Protection, and the state overview at PURA Payment Assistance Programs. (eversource.com)
• Use the Matching Payment Program (MPP) or forgiveness plan: Enroll so every dollar you pay—and every CEAP dollar—gets matched to reduce what you owe, often down to zero over time. See steps at Eversource Matching Payment, UI Matching Payment, and gas partners CNG Matching Payment and SCG Payment Help. (eversource.com)
• If someone is seriously ill—activate medical protection: Ask your doctor, APRN, or PA to file the medical certification through the utility portal to stop a shutoff for a serious illness or life‑threatening condition. Use Eversource Medical Protection or UI Medical Protection; you must keep paying something and renew when required. (eversource.com)

What to do if this doesn’t work: Ask for a supervisor or “review officer” and request a written decision, then appeal to PURA Consumer Affairs at 1‑800‑382‑4586 for help with payment arrangements or wrongful shutoff. Keep notes of dates, names, and promises, and keep paying the current bill while the appeal is open. (portal.ct.gov)

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Connecticut Energy Assistance Program (CEAP) – Energy Bill Help

CEAP is the state’s LIHEAP program that lowers your heating and sometimes electric costs during the winter.

• Eligibility at a glance: You live in CT and your income is at or below 60% of State Median Income (SMI), or your household gets SNAP, TFA/TANF, SSI, State Supplement, or Refugee Cash. Current SMI limits (FFY 2026) include $47,764for1personand$62,460 for 2; check all household sizes at DSS CEAP – Who’s Eligible and confirm via HeatingHelp CEAP. (portal.ct.gov)
• How much help: For the 2025–2026 season, basic CEAP benefits are listed around $295–$645 depending on your fuel type, income band, and vulnerability; deliverable fuels may get extra deliveries. Review season details at DSS CEAP – How It Works and the consumer portal HeatingHelp CEAP. Always confirm current amounts with your CAA because funding and tiers change. (portal.ct.gov)
• How to apply fast: Apply online or through your local Community Action Agency. Start at HeatingHelp CEAP – Apply, use CAFCA – Find Your CAA, or call 2‑1‑1 for the nearest intake office. Bring ID, Social Security numbers (if you have them), the last 4 weeks of income, a recent bill, and your lease if heat is included. (portal.ct.gov)
• Timing: Online applications opened in September 2025; fuel deliveries paid by CEAP generally begin in November. Application windows, benefit tiers, and deadlines are posted by CT DSS each season—check the state site before you apply and ask your CAA about local cutoffs and crisis processing. See dates and vendor timelines at DSS Vendor Info & Key Dates. (portal.ct.gov)
• Why CEAP matters even if you owe a lot: CEAP dollars “match” in the Matching Payment Program, so they can erase arrears dollar‑for‑dollar with your payments; this is how many moms eliminate old balances within a year. See matching mechanics at Eversource Matching Payment and UI Matching Payment. (eversource.com)

What to do if this doesn’t work: If you’re denied, ask your CAA for a written reason and how to correct it, then try Operation Fuel as a backup for a one‑time grant when their season is open at Operation Fuel – Get Help. You can also call PURA Customer Affairs to push for an affordable payment plan while you re‑apply. (operationfuel.org)

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Utility Company Programs You Can Stack

These programs are separate from CEAP and can lower the bill every month or forgive old debt.

Eversource customers (electric or gas)

• Electric Bill Discount (10% or 50%): If your account is coded “financial hardship,” you may qualify for a monthly discount based on income or public benefit status. See details at Eversource CT Bill Help and announcements in Eversource News – Assistance Programs. Call 1‑800‑286‑2828. (eversource.com)
• Matching Payment Program (MPP): Pay your budget amount monthly and Eversource matches your payment and CEAP dollars to reduce the arrearage. Learn how at Eversource Matching Payment or call the CT lines above. (eversource.com)
• New Start (arrearage forgiveness): For electric accounts only, consistent on‑time budget payments forgive set portions of past‑due balances, often clearing them in 12–36 months. See examples at Eversource CT News Items and the bill‑help hub above. (eversource.com)
• Medical/Infant Protection: Protects service with a certified serious‑illness or life‑threatening condition, or infant discharge status. Providers file via Eversource Medical Web Portal; call 1‑800‑286‑2828 for help. (eversource.com)

What to do if this doesn’t work: Ask for a supervisor to review your hardship and budget amount; if denied, appeal to PURA and call Operation Fuel to fill gaps. (portal.ct.gov)

United Illuminating (UI) customers (electric)

• Low‑Income Discount Rate (LIDR) and Matching/Forgiveness: UI offers a 10–50% bill discount for hardship customers, a Matching Payment Program, and a Bill Forgiveness Program that can clear balances in 12–36 months with on‑time budget payments. Read UI Help With Your Bill, UI Matching Payment, and UI Bill Forgiveness; call 1‑800‑722‑5584 (800‑7‑CALL‑UI). (uinet.com)
• Flexible payment plans up to 18 months: If you don’t qualify for hardship, you can still spread arrears over time. See UI Payment Help. (uinet.com)
• Medical Protection: Have your provider submit through UI Medical Protection to stop shutoff for serious illness or life‑threatening conditions. (uinet.com)

What to do if this doesn’t work: Request review by a UI “Review Officer”; if still denied, file an appeal with PURA Customer Affairs; service is protected during your appeal if you keep paying the undisputed current bill. (uinet.com)

Natural Gas: CNG and SCG

• Matching Payment Plans (CNG/SCG): These plans match your monthly payments and CEAP funds and can reduce your balance to zero with on‑time payments. Learn more at CNG Matching Payment and SCG Payment Help; call CNG 1‑860‑524‑8361 (Hartford) or 1‑203‑869‑6900 (Greenwich), SCG 1‑800‑659‑8299. (cngcorp.com)
• Winter Protection (Nov 1–May 1): Hardship customers receive seasonal shutoff protection with annual renewal; read details at CNG Help With Bill and SCG FAQs. (cngcorp.com)
• Medical Protection: Serious illness or life‑threatening conditions qualify for protection; ask your provider to submit the certification and keep paying what you can while protected. See your utility’s medical info via UI/SCG Help With Bill and CNG Help With Bill. (uinet.com)

What to do if this doesn’t work: If you can’t get a plan you can afford, call PURA Consumer Affairs and request assistance with a reasonable arrangement, then apply for Operation Fuel if their energy season is open. (portal.ct.gov)

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Water and Sewer Bill Help

Water shutoffs and fees can hit fast; here’s what exists in Connecticut and how to get it.

• Aquarion Water customers: Apply for a 15% monthly discount under the Low‑Income Rate Assistance Program (LIRAP) if your income is ≤60% SMI, and ask for a one‑time voucher ($50preventionorupto$250 intervention) through Generation Power CT administered via Operation Fuel. Start at Aquarion LIRAP and Aquarion Voucher Program; for help call 1‑800‑732‑9678 or visit Operation Fuel – Water. (aquarionwater.com)
• Connecticut Water customers: Ask for the Water Rate Assistance Program (WRAP) for a 10%, 40%, or 80% discount (income tiers at 100% FPL, 200% FPL, or 60% SMI) and the H2O program (50% arrears credit plus fee waivers with payment plan). See CT Water WRAP and CT Water H2O or call 1‑800‑286‑5700. (ctwater.com)
• Regional Water Authority (RWA – New Haven area): Set up payment arrangements and ask about hardship options by calling 1‑203‑562‑4020; review pay options at RWA Payment & Billing and FAQs at RWA Customer Service FAQ. (rwater.com)
• MDC (Hartford area): For billing help call 1‑860‑278‑7850 (press 4) and ask about hardship arrangements; MDC partners with Operation Fuel for water grants up to $400 when funding is open. See MDC Contact and Operation Fuel – Water. (themdc.org)
• Important protections: Serious illness medical certifications can protect from water shutoff during winter and life‑threatening situations year‑round; confirm status through your utility and PURA guidance at 211 Utility Shutoffs Guide. (uwc.211ct.org)

What to do if this doesn’t work: Keep paying something and ask for a written arrangement offer; if you’re an Aquarion or CT Water customer, apply through Operation Fuel’s water portals; for municipal systems, call the utility manager and your town’s social services office and document every call. (operationfuel.org)

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Weatherization and Lasting Bill Reductions

Use these to cut your bill for good and qualify you for bigger rebates.

• Home Energy Solutions – Income Eligible (HES‑IE): If your household is ≤60% SMI or hardship, you qualify for a no‑cost in‑home energy assessment with on‑the‑spot air sealing, water‑saving devices, and often 100%‑covered insulation. Sign up at EnergizeCT HES‑IE or call 1‑877‑947‑3873; see general program at Home Energy Solutions. (energizect.com)
• Weatherization Assistance Program (WAP): State‑administered by DEEP with CAAs, WAP follows CEAP income rules (≤60% SMI) and installs deeper measures like insulation and heating system tune‑ups; apply alongside CEAP through your CAA and schedule the audit with CRT or CET. Read state details at DEEP – Weatherization in CT. (portal.ct.gov)
• Extra help with repairs or safety barriers: If your home has health/safety issues blocking weatherization, ask about Residential Energy Preparation Services (REPS) at EnergizeCT Income‑Eligible Resources and coordinate with your utility’s hardship code for priority. (energizect.com)

What to do if this doesn’t work: If your landlord won’t sign, send them the EnergizeCT Landlord 2–4 Units page and remind them upgrades reduce their costs, too; if still stuck, ask your CAA about referrals to local code or mediation resources. (energizect.com)

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Internet and Phone Discounts

• Lifeline (phone/internet): Qualifying households receive up to $9.25/month off phone or internet service; apply through the National Verifier at Lifeline Support – Get Started, see income limits (135% FPL) at Do I Qualify?, and get help at 1‑800‑234‑9473 via Lifeline Support Center. (lifelinesupport.org)
• ACP ended: The federal Affordable Connectivity Program ended for now effective June 1, 2024; review the FCC notice at FCC – ACP Has Ended and updates at FCC ACP Page; ask your provider about their own low‑income plans. (fcc.gov)

What to do if this doesn’t work: If your phone company denies Lifeline improperly, file an FCC complaint at consumercomplaints.fcc.gov and call PURA if the dispute involves a Connecticut carrier practice. (fcc.gov)

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Quick Program Snapshot (Cheat Sheet)

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Required Documents: Print‑Friendly Checklist

• Photo ID for the applicant: CT license, state ID, or other government ID; see acceptable IDs at your local CAA’s CEAP page and upload via the portal. (portal.ct.gov)
• Social Security numbers (if available) for all household members: If someone doesn’t have one, ask your CAA what alternate ID is accepted; eligibility details at DSS CEAP – Who’s Eligible. (portal.ct.gov)
• Last 4 weeks of gross income for everyone 18+: Pay stubs, benefit letters, child support statements; see income documentation notes in Operation Fuel guides and your CAA’s request list. (operationfuel.org)
• Recent utility bill or fuel delivery slip (or lease if heat included): Bill must show your name/account; CEAP application details at HeatingHelp CEAP. (portal.ct.gov)
• Proof of benefits (SNAP/TANF/SSI/Medicaid) if you qualify “categorically”: See qualifying benefits at DSS CEAP eligibility. (portal.ct.gov)

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Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Waiting for a shutoff date before calling: Ask for hardship coding and Winter Protection as soon as you get a past‑due notice; policies are explained at Eversource Winter Protection and PURA Programs. (eversource.com)
• Not stacking programs: CEAP alone rarely clears arrears; combine CEAP + Matching Payment + Discount Rate. Learn how matching works at Eversource MPP and UI MPP. (eversource.com)
• Skipping medical protections when you qualify: If anyone is seriously ill or an infant was recently discharged, file the certification at Eversource Medical Web Portal or UI Medical Protection. (eversource.com)
• Using unverified “grant” websites: Stick to state, utility, or 2‑1‑1 resources. If you suspect a scam, call your utility and PURA Consumer Affairs and rely on 211ct.org searches. (portal.ct.gov)

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Reality Check: Delays, Denials, and Short Funding

• Winter and early spring are busiest: Expect hold times and slower processing at CAAs; build in time and keep documents ready. Program dates and seasonal timelines are posted under DSS Vendor Info & Key Dates; fuel authorization windows and delivery dates matter. (portal.ct.gov)
• Funding can run out mid‑season: Operation Fuel and some water discounts are capped; check live status before applying at Operation Fuel – Get Help and specific water pages like Aquarion LIRAP and CT Water WRAP. (operationfuel.org)
• Protection is not forgiveness: Winter Protection stops shutoffs Nov 1–May 1, but the balance grows; get into Matching Payment or a forgiveness plan now via Eversource or UI. (eversource.com)

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Step‑by‑Step: Applying for CEAP and Utility Programs

• Find your local CAA and make an appointment: Use CAFCA – Find Your CAA or call 2‑1‑1; many CAAs offer phone or online appointments. Bring all documents from the checklist. (cafca.org)
• Set a payment plan now while CEAP processes: Call your utility and enroll in MPP/New Start (Eversource) or MPP/Bill Forgiveness (UI) so payments start crediting; program pages are at Eversource Bill Help and UI Help With Your Bill. (eversource.com)
• Ask for Winter Protection and medical protection if eligible: Provide income or benefit proof for hardship; have your provider file the medical form at Eversource Medical Web Portal or UI Medical Protection. (eversource.com)

What to do if this doesn’t work: Escalate to a supervisor, then file with PURA Customer Affairs and tell your CAA you need a crisis appointment if you’re out of heat; ask Operation Fuel about an emergency grant if their season is open. (portal.ct.gov)

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Utility Contacts and Special Numbers (Table)

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Resources by Region (CAA offices and anchors)

Also keep 2‑1‑1 Connecticut handy for after‑hours referrals and shelter diversion if utilities are tied to housing emergencies. (uwc.211ct.org)

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Local Organizations, Charities, Churches, and Support

• Operation Fuel: Year‑round water and seasonal energy help when funds are available—apply at Operation Fuel – Get Help or call 1‑860‑243‑2345; water partners include Aquarion, CT Water, and MDC at Operation Fuel – Water. (operationfuel.org)
• Catholic Charities – Norwich Diocese (New London, Norwich, Willimantic, Middletown): Utility aid when funds allow; call 1‑860‑889‑8346 (ext. 265) or visit Catholic Charities Emergency Basic Needs for locations and intake. (ccfsn.org)
• Hands On Hartford (Hartford): Case management, food access, and navigation to utility/housing resources; contact 1‑860‑728‑3201 and see Hands On Hartford Assistance and Hands On Hartford for hours. (handsonhartford.org)
• Salvation Army (local corps vary): Many corps offer utility/rent help case‑by‑case; find your local office via 2‑1‑1 or start at Salvation Army – Utility/Rent Help and call the nearest corps directly. (waterbury.salvationarmy.org)
• Legal help if threatened with shutoff tied to housing: Start at Connecticut Legal Services or the self‑help library at CTLawHelp.org; for disputes with utilities, file with PURA. (ctlegal.org)

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Real‑World Examples

• **Example 1: Eversource electric, $1,800pastdue,twokids\ast \ast .YoucallEversource,gethardshipcoding,andenrollinMPPwitha$120/month budget. You apply for CEAP through HeatingHelp and get a $500seasonbenefitthatMPPmatchesalongwithyourpayments.Eachmonth,your$120 payment plus CEAP matching wipes $240offthearrears,clearingmostofthe$1,800 in under a year. Details on matching at Eversource MPP and Winter Protection at Eversource Shutoff Protection. (portal.ct.gov)
• Example 2: Aquarion water, shutoff notice, CT Water heat included. You request a Flexible Payment Plan and apply for Aquarion LIRAP (15% discount). You also submit for a one‑time Voucher Program ($50–$250) via Operation Fuel – Water and ask your town social services for a pledge. If someone is seriously ill, ask your provider to certify to stop shutoff as described in 211 Utility Shutoffs. (aquarionwater.com)

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Diverse Communities: Targeted Tips and Access

• LGBTQ+ single mothers: When privacy is critical, ask CAAs for phone or virtual intake and note safe contact times. Use Lifeline to keep a private mobile line active, lean on PURA’s complaint line if a provider discloses your status without consent, and apply for CEAP without needing to disclose orientation. Accessibility and TTY are available via 2‑1‑1 Connecticut. (lifelinesupport.org)
• Single mothers with disabilities or disabled children: Request medical shutoff protection with your clinician using Eversource Medical Web Portal or UI Medical Protection, and use Weatherization WAP to fix unsafe heating systems first. Ask for large‑print applications or TTY access from PURA and DSS (TTY numbers posted). (eversource.com)
• Veteran single mothers: Identify yourself as a veteran to utility reps; many offer extra flexibility. Combine CEAP, Matching Payment, and Operation Fuel if budgets are tight; appeal unfair denials through PURA. (portal.ct.gov)
• Immigrant and refugee single moms: If you lack a Social Security number, ask your CAA about exceptions under CEAP rules; bring other IDs and proof of residence. Use 2‑1‑1 for multilingual referrals and request interpreters when calling DSS Benefits Center and PURA Consumer Affairs. (portal.ct.gov)
• Tribal members (Mashantucket Pequot, Mohegan): Use CEAP through TVCCA/Access CAAs and ask your Tribal social services about any internal energy supports. For broader household support, check Tribal resources via Mashantucket Pequot Tribal Nation and community food programs highlighted by USDA/tribal partnerships covered by CT Public. Coordinate with Lifeline for connectivity. (portal.ct.gov)
• Rural single moms (northeast/northwest hills): Transportation makes in‑person visits hard—request phone/online CEAP intake via CAFCA agency pages, ask utilities for email document uploads (see Eversource Bill Help), and leverage EnergizeCT HES‑IE to cut fuel delivery costs. (cafca.org)
• Single fathers: All programs are household‑based, not gendered; follow the same CEAP and utility steps. Use PURA Rights & Responsibilities to push back if a clerk wrongly says otherwise, and keep 2‑1‑1 handy for local case management referrals. (portal.ct.gov)
• Language access: Ask for interpreters at DSS Benefits Center, PURA, and 2‑1‑1, and request large‑print forms where needed; TTY is available for PURA and United Way at the numbers listed on United Way Contact. (portal.ct.gov)

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City‑Specific How‑To Headliners

• Hartford Eversource Bill Help: Call 1‑800‑286‑2828, request hardship coding and MPP, then apply with CRT CEAP or online via CEAP portal. If water is MDC, call 1‑860‑278‑7850 (press 4) and ask for a payment plan; see MDC Contact. (portal.ct.gov)
• New Haven UI Bill Help: Call 1‑800‑722‑5584, enroll in UI MPP or Bill Forgiveness, and apply for CEAP with CAANH. For RWA water, call 1‑203‑562‑4020 to set arrangements. Use EnergizeCT HES‑IE for weatherization. (uinet.com)
• Bridgeport/Fairfield UI Bill Help: Call 1‑800‑722‑5584 and apply with Alliance for Community Empowerment for CEAP; if Aquarion water, apply for LIRAP. Check Operation Fuel – Water for vouchers. (cafca.org)
• Waterbury & Meriden Eversource Bill Help: Call 1‑800‑286‑2828, then apply through New Opportunities, Inc. for CEAP or use the CEAP portal. Combine MPP with Discount Rate. (cafca.org)
• Norwich/New London Eversource Bill Help: Start with TVCCA for CEAP and ask your Eversource rep about MPP; if Aquarion water, check Voucher Program through Operation Fuel. (portal.ct.gov)

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Quick Reference: Calendar and Deadlines

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Troubleshooting: If Your Application Gets Denied

• Ask why in writing: Request the denial reason and the exact document missing; then resubmit. Use the CAA contact list at DSS CEAP contacts and CAFCA agencies. (portal.ct.gov)
• Keep protection active: While fixing the application, maintain your hardship code and plan through Eversource Bill Help or UI payment help so you don’t get shut off. (eversource.com)
• Escalate when stuck: File a complaint with PURA Consumer Affairs and call 2‑1‑1 for advocacy. If a shutoff is tied to health, get Medical Protection certified immediately. (portal.ct.gov)

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FAQs (Connecticut‑specific)

1. How fast can CEAP help after I apply?
   Processing times vary by season and local volume; deliveries paid by CEAP typically start in early November once vendors are authorized. Watch key dates at DSS CEAP Vendor Information and ask your CAA for current timelines. (portal.ct.gov)
2. Can Winter Protection stop a shutoff today?
   If you meet hardship or medical rules, yes—the utility can code your account to stop a shutoff during the Nov 1–May 1 moratorium. Call your utility now and review Eversource Winter Protection and PURA’s overview. (eversource.com)
3. What if my power is already off?
   Call your utility and ask for reconnection terms under hardship; Eversource outlines reconnection steps and down‑payment rules at Reconnect or Avoid Shut‑Off, then enroll in MPP and apply for CEAP. (eversource.com)
4. Are there discounts off the monthly electric bill, not just arrears help?
   Yes—Eversource and UI offer 10% or 50% monthly discounts for hardship accounts; see Eversource Bill Help and UI’s Help With Your Bill. (eversource.com)
5. Is the Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP) still active?
   No. The FCC confirms ACP ended for now effective June 1, 2024; check FCC ACP Has Ended and consider Lifeline for ongoing phone/internet discounts. (fcc.gov)
6. I heat with oil/propane. Can I still get help?
   Yes. CEAP supports deliverable fuels and can fund deliveries when authorized; apply at CEAP portal and ask your CAA about crisis deliveries. (portal.ct.gov)
7. Is there help for water bills?
   Yes. Aquarion offers a 15% discount (LIRAP) and vouchers; CT Water offers WRAP (10/40/80% discount) and H2O arrears help; MDC and others partner with Operation Fuel – Water for grants. (aquarionwater.com)
8. Who do I call if the utility won’t work with me?
   Contact PURA Customer Affairs at 1‑800‑382‑4586 for help securing arrangements and reviewing disputes. (portal.ct.gov)
9. What weatherization is free for renters?
   If income‑eligible, you can get no‑cost HES‑IE with landlord permission; start at EnergizeCT HES‑IE and give your landlord the Landlord Info page. (energizect.com)
10. I need a phone for job calls and kid emergencies. What’s the fastest option?
    Apply for Lifeline online, then pick a participating carrier; get help from the Lifeline Support Center at 1‑800‑234‑9473, and ask 2‑1‑1 for local device programs. (lifelinesupport.org)

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Quick‑Glance Documents Table (to keep nearby)

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Plan B Paths If Funding Is Tight

• Use Operation Fuel in between CEAP seasons: Watch Operation Fuel – Get Help and Water pages for openings. If energy is closed, water may still be open. (operationfuel.org)
• Legal backup: If a shutoff risks unsafe housing or involves a medical need, call Connecticut Legal Services and escalate with PURA Consumer Affairs. (ctlegal.org)
• Energy efficiency to lower the balance: Request HES‑IE and ask your utility to recalculate your budget amount after the visit. (energizect.com)

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Quick Help: Who to Call First (Table)

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Spanish Summary (Resumen en Español)

Traducción generada con herramientas de IA. Verifique los detalles por teléfono y en los enlaces oficiales.

• Pida el código de “dificultad económica” y Protección de Invierno con su compañía (Eversource 1‑800‑286‑2828; UI 1‑800‑722‑5584; SCG 1‑800‑659‑8299; CNG 1‑800‑727‑3034). Vea Protección de Invierno Eversource y Programas de pago PURA. (eversource.com)
• Solicite CEAP (ayuda para energía) en HeatingHelp – CEAP o llame al 2‑1‑1 para su agencia local. Los beneficios dependen del tamaño del hogar y el tipo de calefacción. (portal.ct.gov)
• Pida descuento mensual y plan de pago con perdón de deuda: Eversource – Programas, UI – Ayuda con la factura, y EnergizeCT – HES‑IE para reducir el consumo. Para quejas o apelaciones, contacte a PURA (1‑800‑382‑4586). (eversource.com)

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About This Guide

Compiled by the ASingleMother.org Editorial Team.

This guide uses official sources including:

• Connecticut Department of Social Services (DSS)
• CT HeatingHelp – CEAP
• Public Utilities Regulatory Authority (PURA)
• Eversource Connecticut
• United Illuminating (UI)
• Connecticut Natural Gas (CNG) and Southern Connecticut Gas (SCG)
• Operation Fuel
• EnergizeCT
• Aquarion Water, Connecticut Water, Regional Water Authority, MDC
• 2‑1‑1 Connecticut
• USAC Lifeline

Last verified September 2025, next review April January 2026.

Please note that despite our careful verification process, errors may still occur—email info@asinglemother.org with corrections and we respond within 72 hours.

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Disclaimer

This guide provides general information based on official sources and is not legal advice. Program funding, eligibility rules, benefit levels, and timelines change during the year. Always confirm current availability and amounts with your utility, your Community Action Agency, or the State of Connecticut before applying. If you’re facing an imminent shutoff, call your utility immediately and document all calls.

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Notes on availability, amounts, dates, and rules in this guide were confirmed through official sites and press pages as of September 2025, including CEAP eligibility and season structure (DSS and HeatingHelp), Winter Protection dates and utility shutoff rules (Eversource, UI, 2‑1‑1, PURA), arrearage‑matching programs, water bill programs (Aquarion LIRAP/Voucher, CT Water WRAP/H2O), Operation Fuel grant levels/timing, and Lifeline/ACP status (FCC). Always call to confirm current availability before applying. (portal.ct.gov)

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🏛️More Connecticut Resources for Single Mothers

Explore all assistance programs in 34 categories available in Connecticut

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• 🏥 Healthcare Assistance
• 🚨 Emergency Assistance
• 🤝 Community Support
• 🎯 Disability & Special Needs Support
• 🛋️ Free Furniture & Household Items
• 🏫 Afterschool & Summer Programs
• 🍼 Free Baby Gear & Children's Items
• 🎒 Free School Supplies & Backpacks
• 🏡 Home Buyer Down Payment Grants
• 🤱 Postpartum Health & Maternity Support
• 👩‍💼 Workplace Rights & Pregnancy Protection
• 💼 Business Grants & Assistance
• 🛡️ Domestic Violence Resources & Safety
• 💻 Digital Literacy & Technology Assistance
• 🤱 Free Breast Pumps & Maternity Support
• 📈 Credit Repair & Financial Recovery