Last updated: May 20, 2026
If your light, heat, gas, water, sewer, phone, or internet bill is past due in Indiana, start with the fastest step first: call the utility and ask for a payment arrangement before the shutoff date. Then check state energy help, township trustee help, company hardship funds, and Indiana 211.
The biggest change for 2026 is important. Indiana’s Energy Assistance Program, also called EAP or LIHEAP, is closed as of May 20, 2026. The state says the 2025–2026 application period ended April 20, 2026, and the program should reopen in fall 2026. That does not mean you are out of options. It means you should use local and company help now, and be ready to apply when EAP opens again.
Bottom line
Indiana utility help is usually a mix of several small steps, not one program that pays the whole bill. A single mother may need to call the utility, ask about a payment plan, contact a township trustee, call 211, and check whether her utility has a hardship fund.
The state IHCDA EAP page is the main place to check when LIHEAP opens. For shutoff rights, use the OUCC shutoff guide while you talk to your utility.
If a shutoff is close
Do these steps today if you have a shutoff notice, your service is already off, or someone in the home needs power or heat for health reasons.
- Call the utility and ask for the minimum payment needed to stop disconnection.
- Ask for a payment arrangement and write down the agent’s name, date, and confirmation number.
- If a shutoff would cause a serious and immediate health or safety risk, ask what medical statement the utility needs.
- Call Indiana 211 by dialing 211 or 866-211-9966. You can also text your ZIP code to 898-211.
- If you believe a regulated utility is not following the rules, call the Indiana Utility Regulatory Commission at 1-800-851-4268.
The IURC customer help page explains how to contact Consumer Affairs and file a complaint if you cannot resolve the issue with the utility.
Where to start
Start with the route that matches your problem. You can work on more than one option at the same time.
Indiana utility help at a glance
| Need | Best first step | What to know |
|---|---|---|
| Heat or electric bill help | Check EAP status, then call 211 | EAP is closed on May 20, 2026. Local help may still exist. |
| Shutoff notice | Call the utility today | Ask for a payment plan, medical hold, and written confirmation. |
| Water or sewer bill | Call your local water provider | The pandemic water program is closed, but some cities have their own help. |
| Long-term high bills | Ask about weatherization | Weatherization is not emergency cash, but it can lower future bills. |
| Need more than one bill paid | Call 211 and your trustee | Township help is usually last resort and may require paperwork. |
Energy Assistance Program (EAP/LIHEAP)
The Energy Assistance Program is Indiana’s LIHEAP program. It helps eligible households with heat and electric costs through a one-time annual benefit paid to the utility. If utilities are included in rent, some households may still qualify when the program is open.
As of May 20, 2026, IHCDA says the 2025–2026 EAP application period is closed. The last day to apply was April 20, 2026 at 5:00 p.m. Eastern Time. IHCDA also says second crisis and summer assistance applications are not being accepted at this time.
When EAP opens again, apply through the EAP portal or through your county Local Service Provider. Indiana uses 60% of State Median Income for EAP. The posted 2025–2026 limits include income based on the most recent three months, so save pay stubs, benefit letters, and proof of any job loss.
Practical tip
Do not wait for the first cold month to collect documents. Make a folder now with utility bills, proof of income, lease papers if utilities are in rent, and notices from the utility. When EAP opens, missing paperwork is one of the biggest causes of delays.
Indiana shutoff rules and winter protection
Indiana rules are different by utility type and by whether the utility is regulated by the IURC. The OUCC says regulated electric and natural gas utilities must usually give 14 days’ notice before disconnection. Regulated water and sewer utilities must usually give 7 days’ notice.
For nonpayment, a regulated utility can disconnect only during certain business hours. If your notice looks wrong, call the utility and ask for a supervisor. If you still cannot fix the issue, call IURC Consumer Affairs at 1-800-851-4268.
Indiana’s winter moratorium usually runs from December 1 through March 15. It protects gas and electric customers who qualify for EAP and have applied. The winter moratorium FAQ also makes clear that the moratorium does not erase the bill. Keep paying what you can so the balance is not too large when protection ends.
A medical postponement may help for a short time if shutoff would cause a serious and immediate health or safety threat. A licensed doctor or public health official must provide a medical statement. This is not a bill waiver, and it does not remove the past-due balance.
Indiana 211 and township trustee help
Indiana 211 is often the best place to find local funds when EAP is closed. Use the Indiana 211 page to search by ZIP code, or call 211 and ask for utility bill assistance, township trustee help, church funds, food help, and transportation help.
Township trustees can help with basic needs in Indiana, including utilities in some cases. Trustee help is usually last resort help. That means the office may ask what other help you tried first. The Indiana Legal Services trustee brochure explains the basic role of trustees and what they may help with.
Each township has its own written standards. You may need to apply in the township where you live, show proof of income, show the shutoff notice, and attend an interview. Ask for a written decision if you are denied.
Call 211 first
Ask for utility help in your ZIP code. Also ask for food pantries, diapers, rent help, and transportation help if those needs are making the utility bill harder to pay.
Call the trustee
Ask what documents are required and whether the office can consider your shutoff notice. Request a written checklist before you go.
Call the utility
Tell the utility you are applying for help and ask whether they can pause action while you gather proof.
Utility company hardship funds
Some Indiana utilities have their own funds or discounts. These programs can open, close, or run out of money, so always check the current page before counting on help.
| Utility or program | What it may help with | Reality check |
|---|---|---|
| AES Indiana Power of Change | The AES grant page says eligible customers may receive a grant applied to the AES bill. | It is first come, first served and requires an outstanding balance. |
| Duke Energy Share the Light | The Duke assistance fund can help qualifying customers through community action partners. | Eligibility depends on income, family size, and funds available. |
| Indiana Michigan Power | The I&M grant page describes Neighbor to Neighbor help for qualified Indiana customers. | Funds can close, and the grant may not be enough if the balance is high. |
| NIPSCO gas customers | NIPSCO assistance includes Hardship, SERV, SILVER, CARE, payment plans, and budget billing. | Some NIPSCO programs are open through May 31, 2026 or until funds run out. |
Water, sewer, phone, and internet help
Indiana’s Low Income Household Water Assistance Program was temporary. The IHCDA water page says the water assistance application is closed. If you need water or sewer help now, call your provider, ask for a payment plan, and ask 211 about city funds or trustee help.
In the Indianapolis area, Citizens Energy Group’s Citizens foundation may help with utility hardship needs, repairs, energy management, and case management. In South Bend, the South Bend UAP can lower eligible water and sewer bills for homeowners and tenants who receive city sewer service.
If phone or internet is the bill you cannot cover, check Lifeline through Lifeline support. Lifeline is a federal discount program, and there is generally only one Lifeline benefit per household.
Weatherization can lower future bills
Weatherization is not same-day emergency money. It is a longer-term program that can make a home use less energy. The IHCDA weatherization page says the program may include insulation, air sealing, heating system work, efficient lighting, smoke detectors, and carbon monoxide detectors. It is open to renters and owners who qualify.
If your bills are high every month, ask your Local Service Provider about weatherization when you ask about EAP. Renters should ask the agency how landlord permission works before counting on the service.
Documents to gather before you call
Having the right paperwork ready can make calls shorter and reduce the chance of being told to call back later.
| Document | Why it helps | Tip |
|---|---|---|
| Current utility bill | Shows account number, balance, and service address | Keep the newest bill and any shutoff notice together. |
| Shutoff notice | Shows the deadline and amount needed | Take a photo in case you lose the paper copy. |
| Proof of income | Most programs must check household income | Gather the last 30 to 90 days if possible. |
| Lease or tenant form | Needed if utilities are included in rent | Ask the landlord for a written utility statement. |
| Benefit letters | Can show SNAP, TANF, SSI, Medicaid, or unemployment income | Use current letters, not old screenshots. |
Common mistakes to avoid
- Do not ignore a shutoff notice because you plan to apply for help later.
- Do not assume small children in the home automatically stop a shutoff. Ask the utility what rule applies.
- Do not wait for EAP if the program is closed. Use 211, trustee help, and company funds now.
- Do not send original documents unless the office requires it. Keep copies for yourself.
- Do not agree to a payment plan you cannot keep. Ask for the lowest amount that will stop disconnection.
If you are denied, delayed, or overwhelmed
If an EAP application was filed before the deadline and you think it was wrongly denied, start with the Local Service Provider that handled your case. IHCDA says appeals should go to the LSP first within the stated deadline on the denial notice. If you do not understand the letter, ask the LSP to explain the reason in plain words.
If a utility problem involves billing, deposits, termination, service quality, or customer rights, contact the utility first and write down what happened. If that does not work, the IURC can help with regulated utility complaints.
Important reality check
Not every water, sewer, electric, internet, or phone provider is regulated the same way. Municipal utilities, cooperatives, rural electric membership cooperatives, internet, cable, and wireless phone companies may have different rules or complaint paths.
Phone scripts you can use
Call your utility
“Hi, my name is [name]. I am calling about account [account number]. I received a shutoff notice for [date]. I am a single parent and I am trying to keep service on. What is the lowest payment or arrangement that will stop disconnection today?”
Call 211
“I live in [ZIP code]. I need help with a past-due [electric/gas/water] bill. EAP is closed right now. Can you give me current referrals for township trustee help, utility funds, churches, or community action agencies?”
Call a township trustee
“I live at [address]. I have a utility shutoff notice and I need to apply for township assistance. What documents should I bring, and can I get a written checklist before my appointment?”
Call IURC Consumer Affairs
“I contacted my utility on [date] and spoke with [name]. I still believe my disconnection or bill problem is not being handled correctly. Can you tell me whether this utility is regulated and how to file a complaint?”
Backup options when money is short
Utility help works best when you reduce other pressure at the same time. If buying groceries is keeping you from paying the electric bill, check Indiana SNAP and Indiana WIC. If child care or transportation is making work harder, look at Indiana child care and transportation help.
If the utility issue is tied to rent, eviction, unsafe housing, or homelessness, use Indiana housing help and Indiana emergency help. If you need a wider state starting point, use the Indiana grants guide for other benefit paths.
Resumen en español
Si vive en Indiana y no puede pagar la luz, el gas, el agua o el alcantarillado, llame primero a la compañía de servicios. Pida un plan de pago y pregunte cuánto debe pagar para evitar la desconexión.
El programa estatal EAP/LIHEAP está cerrado el 20 de mayo de 2026. Debe abrir de nuevo en el otoño de 2026. Mientras tanto, llame al 211, busque ayuda del trustee de su township y pregunte a su compañía si tiene fondos de emergencia.
FAQ
Is Indiana EAP open right now?
No. As of May 20, 2026, Indiana’s EAP/LIHEAP application period is closed. IHCDA says the program should reopen in fall 2026.
Can EAP pay my whole utility bill?
Usually no. EAP is a one-time annual benefit when open, and IHCDA says it is not meant to cover all yearly energy costs.
What should I do if I have a shutoff notice?
Call the utility right away. Ask for a payment arrangement, ask what amount will stop disconnection, and call 211 for local referrals.
Does Indiana’s winter moratorium erase my bill?
No. The moratorium can stop certain gas or electric shutoffs for eligible EAP applicants during the winter period, but the balance is still owed.
Can a township trustee help with utilities?
Sometimes. Indiana township trustees may help with basic needs, including utilities, but rules vary by township and the help is often last resort.
Where can I complain about a utility shutoff?
Contact the utility first. If you cannot resolve the problem and the utility is regulated, call IURC Consumer Affairs at 1-800-851-4268.
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.