Last updated: July 16, 2026
Bottom line
If you are behind on electricity, natural gas, propane, wood, or another home-energy bill in Mississippi, start with your utility company and the Mississippi Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP). LIHEAP is managed by the Mississippi Department of Human Services (MDHS) through local Community Action Agencies.
Submit a Community Services pre-application through the official MDHS assistance portal. Your local agency will then contact you about an appointment and the documents needed to complete the application. You can also call 800-421-0762 or contact the Community Action Agency serving your county.
Applying does not automatically stop a disconnection. Call the utility before the shutoff date and ask about a delayed payment plan, extension, medical protection, hardship fund, and the proof it needs from LIHEAP. ASMOM’s national LIHEAP guide explains the program, while the Mississippi assistance guide covers other household needs.
If shutoff is close or service is already off
- Call the utility now. Ask for the exact amount required to stop disconnection or restore service. Request a payment arrangement, extension, medical certificate process, and any company assistance fund.
- Apply for LIHEAP. Mark Community Services when applying. Tell the local agency that you have a shutoff notice, empty fuel tank, unsafe temperature, or disconnected service.
- Call Mississippi 211. Dial 211 for referrals to local charities, churches, food programs, shelter, and other crisis services. The Mississippi 211 page explains the statewide service.
- Use emergency services when needed. Call 911 when a loss of power, heat, cooling, or medical equipment creates immediate danger.
The Mississippi emergency guide may help when the utility crisis is connected to food, housing, transportation, or family safety.
Where to start in Mississippi
Electric or gas shutoff
Call the utility and apply for LIHEAP on the same day. Ask what proof of an agency pledge the company will accept.
Propane, wood, or fuel
Tell the local agency how much fuel remains and whether the household has another safe heating or cooling source.
High bills every month
Ask about weatherization, budget billing, an energy review, and repairs that may lower long-term energy use.
Water or phone bill
Contact the provider directly. LIHEAP is mainly for home energy, while water help is local and Lifeline covers eligible phone or internet service.
Your local Community Action Agency may also have Community Services Block Grant help for rent, education, work, or other basic needs. Use the official Community Services page to identify the agency serving your area. ASMOM’s Mississippi community guide lists more local starting points.
Quick reference
| Problem | Best first contact | What to ask | Reality check |
|---|---|---|---|
| Past-due energy bill | LIHEAP and utility | Can I get regular bill help and a payment plan? | Funding and appointment space can be limited. |
| Shutoff or no service | Utility and local agency | Can my case be screened as an energy crisis? | An application alone may not stop shutoff. |
| Life-threatening medical need | Utility and doctor | What written medical certification is required? | The protection delays shutoff; it does not erase the bill. |
| High energy use | Weatherization provider | Can my home receive an energy assessment? | Eligible households may wait for service. |
| Water bill | Local water provider | Is there a payment plan, leak adjustment, or hardship rate? | No single statewide water program covers every system. |
| Phone or internet | Lifeline | Do I qualify through income or another benefit? | Only one Lifeline discount is allowed per household. |
Mississippi LIHEAP energy assistance
LIHEAP helps eligible Mississippi households with home energy costs. The program may pay an energy vendor for electricity, natural gas, propane or butane, wood, kerosene, coal, and other approved energy needs. Depending on the household and available funds, help may also include deposits, reconnection fees, heating or cooling equipment, fans, blankets, or other energy-related items.
MDHS says LIHEAP operates in all 82 counties when funds are available. Payments are generally made directly to the utility or energy vendor, not issued as unrestricted cash to the applicant.
Priority goes to qualifying vulnerable households, including those with an older adult, a person with a disability, or a child age 5 or younger. Priority does not guarantee assistance or immediate service.
Regular and crisis help
Mississippi’s current LIHEAP policy allows assistance throughout the year when funds are available. A crisis can include disconnected service, a threatened shutoff, recent income loss, an unexpected major expense, unsafe heating or cooling conditions, or another documented emergency.
The state policy distinguishes life-threatening and non-life-threatening crises. The timing standard begins after a complete application is approved, not when the pre-application is first submitted. Give the agency all requested records quickly and keep calling the utility while the decision is pending.
Appointment timing
MDHS says households with an older adult, a person with a disability, or a child age 5 or younger should generally receive an appointment within 30 business days of the pre-application. Other applicants should generally receive an appointment within 45 days. Verified emergencies have faster appointment standards.
2026 LIHEAP income limits
Mississippi uses 60% of state median income for LIHEAP. The current MDHS chart below was issued in October 2025. Income limits can change, and the agency uses gross household income and its own counting rules.
| Household size | Maximum annual income | Practical note |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | $26,740 | Report income for everyone the agency counts in the household. |
| 2 | $34,968 | Bring current proof, even when income recently changed. |
| 3 | $43,196 | Do not subtract expenses before the agency reviews them. |
| 4 | $51,424 | Ask how irregular or self-employment income is calculated. |
| 5 | $59,651 | Ask the local agency for the limit for a larger household. |
The official utility assistance chart also lists the current Weatherization and Community Services Block Grant limits.
How to apply for LIHEAP
- Submit the pre-application. Choose Community Services in the MDHS portal. You may also call 800-421-0762 or contact the local agency for help.
- Watch for the appointment notice. MDHS says the local agency sends the appointment date by mail or email. Keep your address, email, and phone current.
- Complete the full application. Attend the agency appointment and provide the required household, income, residence, and energy records.
- Ask about crisis status. Show the shutoff notice, proof that service is off, empty-fuel information, or medical documentation.
- Get the decision in writing. Save the approval, denial, pledge, and any follow-up request.
- Check the utility account. Confirm that the payment or pledge is posted to the correct account.
Do not assume the utility knows you applied. Call both the utility and Community Action Agency. If internet access is a barrier, the phone and internet guide may help you find a lower-cost connection.
Documents to gather
Requirements can differ by agency and household. Apply even if one item is missing, then ask what substitute proof is accepted. ASMOM’s documents checklist can help you organize the file.
| Information | Possible proof | Why it matters |
|---|---|---|
| Identity | Photo ID or another accepted record | Confirms the adult applicant |
| Household | Names, ages, Social Security information, school or custody records | Establishes household size and priority status |
| Income | Pay stubs, award letters, unemployment, self-employment records | Used to determine financial eligibility |
| Residence | Lease, mortgage record, deed, shelter letter, or host statement | Shows where the household lives |
| Energy account | Full bill with account number, service address, and balance | Lets the agency verify the vendor and amount |
| Crisis | Shutoff notice, no-service record, low-fuel proof, medical statement | Supports a request for crisis processing |
If the household has no current income, ask the agency whether an affidavit and proof of the recent income loss are required. Do not create or alter documents.
Mississippi shutoff protections
The Mississippi Public Service Commission (PSC) publishes a Ratepayers’ Bill of Rights for residential customers of utilities under its jurisdiction. The protections may not apply in exactly the same way to every municipal provider, cooperative, water association, or other utility.
- Five-day written notice: Covered utilities must generally give written notice at least five days before disconnection.
- Delayed payment plan: Electric and natural gas customers may ask to negotiate a delayed payment plan under the company’s terms.
- Medical protection: A licensed doctor’s written notice that disconnection would create a life-threatening situation can protect service from nonpayment shutoff for 60 days.
- Weather protection: Covered electric or natural gas service cannot be disconnected for nonpayment on certain freeze-warning days. Electric service also has protection on qualifying excessive-heat-warning days.
- Approved LIHEAP pledge: Service may be protected when LIHEAP has approved an amount equal to the delinquent balance, payment is due within 30 days, and the utility receives notice of the approval.
- Third-party notice: A customer may name another person to receive past-due and disconnection notices. That person does not become responsible for the bill.
Call the utility first and record the representative’s name, date, and answer. If the issue is not resolved, use the PSC utility complaint form. For legal questions about a shutoff or unsafe housing, see ASMOM’s Mississippi legal guide.
Utility company payment programs
Company programs have their own rules and may change. Ask the provider to review every option available on your account.
| Provider | Current options | Contact step |
|---|---|---|
| Mississippi Power | Project SHARE, Bill Discount, Bill Extender, LIHEAP referral, and Single Stop screening | Use the financial assistance page or call 800-532-1502 |
| Entergy Mississippi | Payment extensions, deferred arrangements, LIHEAP referrals, and Power to Care for eligible older or disabled customers | Use the Entergy bill toolkit or call 1-800-ENTERGY |
| Atmos Energy | Payment solutions, LIHEAP referrals, and Sharing the Warmth through partner agencies | Use the Atmos assistance page |
| Co-op or municipal provider | Local payment plan, due-date change, hardship fund, medical process, or charity referral | Ask customer service for the written hardship and disconnection policies |
Mississippi Power says Project SHARE may provide up to $500 in annual help to eligible residential customers with demonstrated financial need. Its Bill Discount may help customers who receive Supplemental Security Income or TANF. Availability and approval are not guaranteed.
Entergy’s Power to Care is mainly for eligible older adults and people with disabilities. Other Entergy customers should still ask about extensions, deferred arrangements, LIHEAP, and local assistance.
Weatherization can lower future bills
Mississippi’s Weatherization Assistance Program helps eligible households reduce energy waste and improve health and safety. Possible work includes insulation, air-sealing measures, heating duct improvements, furnace repair or replacement, and energy education. The work depends on an assessment of the home.
The current income limit is 200% of the federal poverty guideline. The official Mississippi weatherization page lists annual limits of $31,300 for one person, $42,300 for two, $53,300 for three, and $64,300 for four.
Weatherization is not a quick shutoff program. Approved households may wait for an audit and available crews. Renters can ask whether the property is eligible and what landlord permission is needed. The Mississippi housing guide may help when poor housing conditions are part of the utility problem.
Water, phone, internet, and disaster help
Water bills
Mississippi does not have one permanent statewide water-assistance program for every household. Call the water provider and ask about an installment plan, leak adjustment, hardship rate, due-date change, and local charity referral.
JXN Water says a Jackson account holder receiving SNAP may qualify for reduced rates. Use the JXN Water SNAP form or call 601-500-5200. Rules for other water systems differ.
Phone and internet
The federal Lifeline program offers a monthly discount of up to $9.25 on eligible phone, internet, or bundled service. A household may qualify through income or participation in programs such as SNAP, Medicaid, SSI, or qualifying housing assistance. Only one discount is permitted per household. Apply through Lifeline Support.
Storm or disaster costs
After a federally declared disaster, use Disaster Assistance to check whether Individual Assistance is open. Disaster aid is separate from LIHEAP and depends on the event and location. Local agencies may also use LIHEAP for certain energy-related disaster needs when program rules and funding allow.
The rural Mississippi guide may help when reaching an office or finding a provider is difficult. For food costs that compete with utility bills, use the Mississippi SNAP guide.
Common mistakes to avoid
- Waiting until shutoff day. Some payment arrangements must be made before service is disconnected.
- Assuming the pre-application is complete. The local agency still needs an appointment and supporting documents.
- Thinking an application stops shutoff. Ask what formal pledge or approval the utility requires.
- Missing the appointment. Contact the agency immediately when you need to reschedule.
- Using only one program. Combine LIHEAP with a utility payment plan, 211 referrals, and other household benefits.
- Paying an application fee. LIHEAP and legitimate public-benefit applications do not require a fee to reveal assistance.
If LIHEAP is denied, delayed, or out of funds
Ask for the decision and reason in writing. Mississippi’s January 2026 LIHEAP policy gives applicants the right to challenge a denial, delay, cancellation, or other adverse decision.
The first agency-level appeal generally must be submitted within 30 calendar days of the denial or adverse action through the Community Services portal. The notice should explain the process. If the agency-level appeal is denied, the policy provides a further MDHS fair-hearing process.
Lack of available county funding is not treated the same as an eligibility denial and is not subject to a fair hearing under the current policy. The agency should refer applicants elsewhere and maintain a list for possible future funding. Ask whether you are on that list and when to check back.
Use ASMOM’s benefits problem guide to organize notices and calls. If the household needs temporary cash or child care while waiting, also check Mississippi TANF help and Mississippi child care.
Phone scripts
Calling the utility
“Hi, I have a shutoff notice dated [date]. I can pay [amount] today, and I am applying for LIHEAP. Please check whether I qualify for an extension, delayed payment plan, medical protection, hardship fund, or another option. What must happen today to keep service on?”
Calling the Community Action Agency
“Hi, I submitted a Community Services pre-application on [date]. My service is [off or scheduled for shutoff on date]. Can you confirm my status, tell me what documents are needed, and screen the case for crisis processing?”
Calling Mississippi 211
“I live in [county or ZIP code]. I need help with [electric, gas, propane, or water] by [date]. I already contacted the utility and LIHEAP. Which local organizations have utility funds or other help open now?”
Calling the PSC
“I tried to resolve a billing or disconnection problem with [utility]. The company said [answer]. Can you explain whether the provider is under PSC jurisdiction and how I can file a complaint?”
Resumen en español
Para solicitar ayuda con la electricidad, gas, propano u otro costo de energía en Mississippi, use el portal de Servicios Comunitarios de MDHS, llame al 800-421-0762, o contacte la agencia de acción comunitaria de su condado. También llame a la compañía antes de la fecha de corte.
Pregunte por un plan de pago, una extensión, protección médica y fondos de emergencia. Una solicitud de LIHEAP no detiene automáticamente el corte. Guarde la factura completa, el aviso de desconexión, comprobantes de ingresos y todos los números de confirmación.
Si le niegan LIHEAP, pida la razón por escrito. La apelación inicial normalmente debe presentarse dentro de 30 días. Para ayuda local adicional, marque 211.
FAQs about Mississippi utility help
Does Mississippi LIHEAP give cash directly to families?
LIHEAP assistance is generally paid directly to the energy vendor on behalf of an approved household. The applicant usually receives the help as a credit, pledge, fuel delivery, or approved energy-related service.
Can applying for LIHEAP stop a shutoff?
Applying alone may not stop disconnection. Contact the utility and ask what approval or pledge it requires. PSC rules may protect service after LIHEAP approves enough to cover the delinquent balance and notifies the provider.
What is the LIHEAP income limit for a family of three?
The Mississippi chart issued in October 2025 lists an annual limit of $43,196 for a three-person household. The agency must verify household income and apply current program rules.
Can renters receive utility assistance?
Renters may qualify when they meet program rules. When the bill is included in rent or is not in the applicant’s name, ask the Community Action Agency what landlord or account documentation is accepted.
What medical shutoff protection is available?
For covered utilities, a licensed doctor’s written certification that disconnection would create a life-threatening situation can delay a nonpayment shutoff for 60 days. The unpaid balance remains due.
Is there help with Mississippi water bills?
Water assistance is mainly local. Ask the provider about payment plans, leak adjustments, hardship rates, and charities. JXN Water has a reduced-rate process for qualifying SNAP account holders.
How do I appeal a LIHEAP denial?
Follow the denial notice. Mississippi’s current policy generally allows 30 calendar days for the first agency-level appeal. Further MDHS review may be available after the local appeal process.
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 July 16, 2026, next review October 16, 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.