Last updated: May 20, 2026
Bottom line
If you are a single mother in Delaware and cannot pay an electric, gas, heating, cooling, water, phone, or internet bill, start with the program that matches the bill and the deadline. For most home energy bills, the main path is Delaware’s LIHEAP program, also called DEAP. You can check state benefit options through Delaware ASSIST, and you can contact Catholic Charities because it handles LIHEAP energy assistance statewide.
If you have a shutoff notice, do not wait for a benefit decision. Call the utility first, ask for a payment arrangement, then contact Delaware 211 utilities for local referrals. If the bill dispute is not fixed after you contact the utility, the Delaware Public Service Commission and the Division of the Public Advocate may help with the complaint process.
For a wider look at benefits, use the Delaware aid hub. For national utility and emergency bill paths, see our utility bill help guide.
Urgent help if you may lose service
If your power, gas, water, or heat may be shut off soon, take three steps today. First, call the utility and say you are trying to prevent shutoff. Ask for the exact past-due amount, the shutoff date, and the lowest payment that can stop disconnection. Second, ask if you can get a payment plan, bill extension, budget billing, medical certification protection, or a third-party notice. Third, call 2-1-1 or use Delaware 211 online to find local help that is open this week.
If a child, pregnant person, older adult, or person with a serious medical condition lives in the home, tell the utility. Delaware’s PSC explains that medical certification may affect termination for gas, water, or electric service when a licensed medical professional certifies that shutoff would hurt a person’s health or recovery. Check the PSC shutoff FAQ and ask your utility for its medical form right away.
If the utility will not answer, gives confusing information, or you believe the bill is wrong, use PSC customer assistance for complaint steps. If you need food, shelter, or rent help at the same time, also read our Delaware emergency assistance guide.
Where to start
Pick one first step based on what is happening right now. You can work on more than one path, but starting with the closest deadline helps you avoid missed notices, duplicate calls, and lost time.
You have a shutoff notice
Call the utility before you apply anywhere else. Ask what will stop shutoff and whether a payment plan can hold the account while you seek help.
You need help with heat or cooling
Contact Catholic Charities energy help for LIHEAP/DEAP, and check whether heating, cooling, or crisis help is open.
Your bill is high every month
Ask about weatherization, energy counseling, budget billing, and efficiency programs. A one-time grant helps, but a lower monthly bill may help more.
You need many kinds of help
Use community support, food, rent, and child care resources together. Utility help alone may not fix the budget gap.
Quick reference table
| Need | Start here | What to ask | Reality check |
|---|---|---|---|
| Heating, cooling, or energy bill | DEAP/LIHEAP through Catholic Charities | Ask if fuel, cooling, or crisis help is open for your situation. | Eligibility does not guarantee payment because funds are limited. |
| Electric or gas past-due balance | Your utility and Delaware 211 | Ask for payment arrangements and current local agencies with funds. | Some agencies require a shutoff notice or a minimum balance. |
| High monthly bill | Weatherization or energy checkup | Ask if your home can get no-cost efficiency work. | Weatherization has a waitlist and is not a full home repair program. |
| Phone or internet | Lifeline and low-cost provider plans | Ask about eligibility through SNAP, Medicaid, SSI, or income. | The federal ACP discount ended, so confirm current discounts. |
| Water or sewer bill | Utility, city, county, or 211 | Ask about hardship funds, payment plans, and local charities. | Water help is often local and may not be statewide. |
Main utility help paths in Delaware
1. Delaware LIHEAP / DEAP
The main state energy assistance program is the Delaware Energy Assistance Program, often called DEAP. It is Delaware’s LIHEAP program. It can help eligible households with home energy costs, including heating, cooling, and crisis needs. The official Delaware LIHEAP page should be checked before you apply because dates, forms, and funding can change.
Catholic Charities says LIHEAP benefits are usually paid directly to the utility or fuel company, not to the household. The heating program has a seasonal application period, and summer cooling help may also be available. If you have a crisis, such as a disconnection notice or no fuel, ask about crisis help instead of only asking for regular seasonal aid.
For a mother who rents, DEAP may still matter. Renters and homeowners can apply, but you may need to show the utility bill, lease, household members, income, and energy source. If utilities are included in rent, ask Catholic Charities what proof is needed before assuming you cannot apply.
2. Catholic Charities offices
Catholic Charities is the statewide LIHEAP administrator in Delaware. Use Catholic Charities contacts to find the correct county office. As of this update, the listed energy assistance numbers are New Castle County 302-654-9295, Kent County 302-674-1782, and Sussex County 302-856-6310. Call during posted business hours and ask which application fits your situation.
When you call, be clear about the deadline. Say whether you have a shutoff notice, a fuel delivery problem, a disconnected account, or a high current bill. Also ask if Basic Needs assistance is separate from LIHEAP and whether your county office has appointments.
3. Delaware Energy Fund and Delmarva relief
Delaware also has newer utility relief funds run through Energize Delaware. The Delaware Energy Fund is for income-eligible residential utility customers who are not Delmarva Power customers, while the Delmarva relief fund is for eligible Delmarva Power residential electric or gas customers. These programs can give a one-time utility credit, but funds are first-come, first-served and rules may change.
These funds usually require participation in an Energize Delaware energy-efficiency step, such as a home energy checkup or Home Performance with ENERGY STAR. If you are behind with Delmarva, also check Delmarva assistance for payment arrangements, extensions, budget billing, and other customer support options.
4. Delaware 211 and local agencies
Delaware 211 can connect you to utility, food, shelter, medical, legal, and transportation referrals. This is useful when LIHEAP is not open, when funds are gone, or when your bill is not covered by DEAP. You can also search the 211 utility directory for local agencies, but call first because openings can change quickly.
First State Community Action Agency and other local nonprofits may appear in 211 referrals. Delaware 211 notes that First State CAA handles many support services, but utility assistance calls may need to start with a State Service Center or other referral path. Ask 211 what the current intake rule is before you drive to an office.
5. Weatherization and energy repair
If your bill is high because the home is drafty, poorly insulated, or the heating system is inefficient, ask about weatherization. The DNREC weatherization program helps income-eligible homeowners and renters reduce energy use through an energy audit and approved energy-saving measures. DNREC says the program is free for eligible households, but it has waitlists and priority rules.
The Energy Coordinating Agency is a statewide contact for Delaware weatherization and related energy services. Its ECA Delaware services page also lists heating support, utility bill assistance, and energy conservation help. This is not the same as a cash grant for every repair. Weatherization focuses on energy-saving work and health/safety measures tied to the energy job.
6. Phone and internet bills
For phone service, the federal Lifeline program may lower the monthly cost for eligible households. Check Lifeline Support for the current rules. Many families qualify through income or participation in programs such as SNAP, Medicaid, SSI, Federal Public Housing Assistance, or certain Tribal programs.
For internet, ask your provider about low-cost plans. Do not assume an old discount still exists. The Affordable Connectivity Program ended, so families need to confirm current provider offers, school-based device help, library hot spots, or local digital access programs. Our Delaware technology assistance guide can help with next steps.
7. Water and sewer bills
Water and sewer help is often handled by the local provider, city, county, or nonprofit fund rather than one statewide program. Call the water company first and ask about hardship plans, leak adjustments, payment extensions, and whether a landlord or tenant must apply. If you rent, look at your lease to see who is responsible for water.
If a water bill is tied to a housing problem, pair utility calls with housing help. Our Delaware housing help guide may be useful, and our national rent help guide covers eviction and rent-related assistance paths.
How to apply and what to gather
For LIHEAP, start with Catholic Charities or the official state pages. Delaware ASSIST may help you screen for several benefits, including LIHEAP, Medicaid, food help, cash assistance, child care, and WIC. If your budget is short every month, it can make sense to check more than utility help. See our Delaware guides for Delaware TANF, Delaware WIC, and child care help.
| Document or detail | Why it may be needed | Tip |
|---|---|---|
| Photo ID and address proof | Shows who is applying and where the household lives. | Ask what to use if you recently moved or are staying with family. |
| Social Security numbers or status papers | Many programs verify household members and eligibility. | Ask the agency what is required for each household member. |
| Recent income proof | Programs usually count household income. | Gather pay stubs, benefit letters, child support, unemployment, or a no-income statement. |
| Current utility bill | Shows account number, provider, balance, and service address. | Take a clear photo of all pages, not only the amount due. |
| Shutoff notice | Needed for many crisis programs. | Do not throw it away after calling. Save the date and notice number. |
| Lease or housing proof | May show whether you pay utilities directly or through rent. | If the bill is in a landlord’s name, ask what proof can be used. |
If your household also needs food or medical coverage, do not wait until the utility bill is solved. Start those applications too. Our national food help guide and Delaware healthcare help guide can help you choose the right path.
If you have a shutoff notice
A shutoff notice is a time-sensitive document. It does not always mean service will be cut that day, but it does mean you should act now. Write down the date, the minimum amount needed, who you spoke with, and the confirmation number for every call.
| Action | Who to contact | What to say |
|---|---|---|
| Stop or delay shutoff | Utility company | Ask for the lowest payment, payment plan, extension, and medical form. |
| Find crisis funds | Catholic Charities, 211, State Service Center | Say you have a shutoff notice and ask which crisis program is open. |
| Challenge a wrong bill | Utility first, then Public Advocate | Ask for a bill review, meter check, and written explanation. |
| Escalate if unresolved | Public Advocate or PSC | Ask what complaint steps apply to your utility and your issue. |
The Public Advocate bill help page lists bill assistance options and county phone numbers for LIHEAP and Catholic Charities Basic Needs. If you need help with a dispute, use the Delaware Public Advocate contact page. If the problem is also a landlord issue, our Delaware legal help guide can point you to safer places to ask about rights.
Common mistakes to avoid
- Waiting for the final notice. Call at the first missed payment. It is easier to make a plan before disconnection.
- Applying only once. LIHEAP, crisis funds, utility funds, and local charities may be separate paths.
- Sending an incomplete application. Missing signatures, income proof, or bill pages can slow the decision.
- Assuming a program pays you directly. Many utility benefits go to the utility or fuel company.
- Ignoring a high bill pattern. If the bill is high every month, ask about weatherization, budget billing, and energy counseling.
- Using old program information. Dates, income limits, and relief funds change. Confirm before you apply.
What to do if you are denied, delayed, or overwhelmed
If an application is denied, ask for the reason in writing. Sometimes the issue is missing proof, an income calculation, the wrong application type, or a closed funding period. Ask whether you can correct the application, reapply later, or use a different crisis program.
If you are waiting and the shutoff date is close, call the utility again. Tell them the date you applied, the agency name, and whether the agency gave a pledge or pending confirmation. Ask if they can place a hold while the application is reviewed. Then call 211 and ask for agencies that can help with the remaining amount.
If your full budget is not working, combine utility help with other support. Our real grants guide explains the difference between real benefits and misleading grant claims. Job loss, rent, child support, food, and medical costs can all affect utility stability.
Phone scripts
Call to the utility company
Hello, my name is [name]. I am a Delaware residential customer, and I am trying to stop a shutoff or avoid falling further behind. My account number is [number]. Can you tell me the shutoff date, the exact amount needed to stop shutoff, and whether I qualify for a payment plan, extension, budget billing, medical certification, or third-party notice?
Call to Catholic Charities
Hello, I live in [county], and I need help with [electric/gas/oil/propane/cooling]. I am a single parent with [number] people in my home. I have [a shutoff notice/no fuel/a high bill]. Which LIHEAP or DEAP application should I use, what documents do I need, and how soon can I submit it?
Call to Delaware 211
Hello, I need utility assistance in [city or ZIP code]. I have already contacted [utility/agency], and I still need help with [amount or bill type]. Are there any local agencies with funds open this week? Do I need a referral, appointment, shutoff notice, or documents?
Call about a bill dispute
Hello, I am asking for help with a utility bill dispute. I contacted the utility on [date], spoke with [name if known], and the issue is still not fixed. Can you tell me whether I should contact the Division of the Public Advocate, file a PSC complaint, or request another review from the utility first?
Resumen en español
Si necesita ayuda para pagar electricidad, gas, calefacción, aire acondicionado, agua, teléfono o internet en Delaware, empiece con la compañÃa de servicios públicos y pregunte por un plan de pago o una extensión. Para ayuda con energÃa, comunÃquese con Catholic Charities y pregunte por LIHEAP o DEAP. Si tiene aviso de desconexión, diga la fecha y pida ayuda de crisis.
También puede llamar al 2-1-1 para buscar organizaciones locales. Si cree que la factura está mal o la compañÃa no le responde, pregunte a la Delaware Public Service Commission o a la Division of the Public Advocate qué pasos debe seguir. Guarde copias de sus facturas, avisos, ingresos y todos los números de confirmación.
FAQ
What is the main utility assistance program in Delaware?
The main state energy assistance program is Delaware LIHEAP, also called DEAP. It can help eligible households with heating, cooling, and crisis energy needs. Catholic Charities handles LIHEAP applications statewide, and state rules can change by season and funding.
Can Delaware LIHEAP stop a shutoff?
It may help in some crisis cases, but you should not rely on it alone. Call the utility first and ask what amount or arrangement will stop disconnection. Then ask Catholic Charities or 211 about crisis assistance.
Can renters apply for utility help?
Yes, renters may be able to apply for some programs. You may need a lease, utility bill, proof of address, and proof that you pay the energy cost. If utilities are included in rent, ask the program what proof is accepted.
Is there help if my bill is high every month?
Yes. Ask about weatherization, energy checkups, budget billing, and conservation programs. These programs may lower future bills, but they may have waitlists and do not replace every repair.
Who do I call if the utility bill is wrong?
Start with the utility and ask for a bill review. If the issue is not fixed, contact the Division of the Public Advocate for help with utility complaints. The PSC handles formal complaint processes for regulated utility issues.
Does Delaware have help for phone or internet bills?
Some households may qualify for the federal Lifeline phone discount or low-cost provider plans. Internet discounts change often, so ask your provider, school, library, or 211 about current options.
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: Last verified May 20, 2026, next review August 20, 2026.
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.