Last updated: May 20, 2026
Bottom line
If you are behind on heat, power, gas, propane, wood, water, or phone service in Montana, start with three steps: call your utility before shutoff, apply for Montana LIHEAP if it is heating season, and ask your local Human Resource Development Council about Energy Share if the problem is urgent.
Montana’s LIHEAP program can help pay part of winter heating bills and may help with furnace emergencies. Energy Share can help with some energy emergencies when other help is not enough. The Montana Public Service Commission can help with some regulated utility disputes, but it does not regulate every utility, co-op, propane seller, or water provider.
This guide is written for single mothers and single parents who need a clear plan, not fast-cash promises.
If a shutoff is close
Do not wait for the shutoff date. Call the utility today and ask for a payment arrangement, a due-date extension, or a hold while you apply for help. If children, an older adult, a disabled household member, or a medical need is in the home, say that clearly.
- For a NorthWestern Energy bill, use NorthWestern assistance or call 888-467-2669.
- For a Montana-Dakota Utilities bill, check MDU assistance or call 800-638-3278.
- For local referrals, dial 2-1-1 or use Montana 211 for nearby help.
- For a regulated utility dispute, contact the PSC assistance form after you first try to solve the problem with the utility.
Where to start
The best first step depends on what is about to happen. If the heat is off, the tank is almost empty, or a shutoff notice has a date on it, focus on emergency help first. If service is still on, apply for LIHEAP and ask about budget billing or a payment plan.
Need heat or power now?
Call the utility, then contact your local LIHEAP office. Ask for crisis or emergency energy help if you have a shutoff notice, no fuel, or an unsafe heating system.
Behind but not shut off?
Apply for LIHEAP during heating season and ask the utility about a payment plan, due-date change, budget billing, and any LIHEAP-linked discount.
Need local backup?
Call 2-1-1 and ask for churches, Community Action agencies, fuel funds, water help, and local emergency grants near your town or county.
Quick help table
| Need | Start here | What to ask | Reality check |
|---|---|---|---|
| Winter heating bill | Montana LIHEAP | Ask if you can apply for LIHEAP and Weatherization together. | Regular LIHEAP is tied to the heating season and income/resource rules. |
| Shutoff notice or no fuel | Local LIHEAP office | Ask for emergency or crisis review. | You will need proof of the emergency, such as a notice or fuel status. |
| Help after LIHEAP | Energy Share offices | Ask if Energy Share can help with the unpaid balance. | Funds are limited and decisions are local. |
| Utility dispute | PSC utility FAQ | Ask if the utility is PSC-regulated and what steps apply. | Co-ops, propane vendors, and some local utilities may not be covered. |
| Phone or internet | Lifeline support | Ask if your household qualifies for the federal Lifeline discount. | The Affordable Connectivity Program is no longer paying monthly benefits. |
Montana LIHEAP
Montana’s Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program, often called LIHEAP, helps eligible households pay part of winter heating costs. It can help homeowners and renters. The state says households may apply during the heating season, October 1 through April 30 each year, by contacting a local eligibility office or Tribal LIHEAP office.
You can start at Apply.MT.gov for public benefits, or you can use the combined LIHEAP and Weatherization application from DPHHS. If you cannot print or scan documents, call the local office and ask what options they accept.
Eligibility depends on household income and resources. DPHHS lists 2025-2026 guidelines on its LIHEAP page. Some households that receive SNAP, SSI, or TANF may qualify automatically, but you should still complete the steps your local office gives you.
LIHEAP usually pays the energy provider, not the household. The amount can vary by household size, fuel type, home type, heating region, income, and program rules. Do not plan around a specific amount until your office approves your case.
Tip for single mothers
When you apply, tell the office if children live in the home, if anyone has a disability or medical need, if you are pregnant, or if you are using propane, oil, wood, or another fuel that can run out. This does not guarantee approval, but it helps the office understand the risk.
Winter shutoff rules in Montana
Montana has special winter rules for regulated utilities. The Public Service Commission says regulated utilities may need PSC approval before some non-payment shutoffs from November 1 through April 1. The rules are not a blanket ban on winter shutoffs. They also do not protect every type of utility.
The PSC says the winter rules can protect households in certain situations, including public assistance, income at or below federal poverty guidelines, a household member age 62 or older, or a household member with a disability. The customer must tell the utility about the situation and may need to provide proof.
Children in the home, by itself, may not stop a winter shutoff. That is why you should still call the utility, apply for help, and contact the PSC if the utility is regulated and the dispute is not solved.
Watch out
Electric co-ops, propane companies, fuel vendors, and some local water systems may have different rules. Ask your provider in writing what shutoff policy applies to your account.
Weatherization help
Weatherization is not a quick bill payment. It is help that may lower energy use over time. DPHHS says the Weatherization Assistance Program can improve heating efficiency and reduce energy use for eligible households.
Weatherization may include an energy audit, air sealing, insulation, furnace work, appliance testing, and safety-related fixes, depending on the home and funding. Renters may qualify, but the office may need landlord permission for some work.
You can ask about Weatherization when you contact LIHEAP. DPHHS says Weatherization applications may be accepted any time of year, even though regular LIHEAP heating help follows the heating season.
Water, phone, and internet help
Water bills
Montana does not have the same statewide water-bill program that many families saw during the temporary federal water assistance period. Water help is usually local. Call your city, county, water district, or landlord and ask about payment plans, hardship review, leak adjustments, and local charity pledges.
Missoula is one local example. The city lists a water discount for people enrolled in a low-income program through the Human Resource Council. Your city may have a different rule or no discount at all.
Phone and internet
The federal Lifeline program can reduce the cost of phone, internet, or bundled service for eligible households. USAC says the standard benefit can be up to $9.25 per month, and households on qualifying Tribal lands may receive a higher Tribal benefit.
The Affordable Connectivity Program ended for now because Congress did not provide more funding. If a website says new ACP monthly discounts are still open, verify that with the FCC ACP page before you share personal information.
For Lifeline questions, application status, documents, or nearby companies, contact the Lifeline help center for support.
Documents checklist
Each office can ask for different proof. Use this list to get ready before you call or apply.
| Document | Why it matters | What to do if missing |
|---|---|---|
| Photo ID | Shows who is applying. | Ask what other identity proof is accepted. |
| Utility bill | Shows account number, provider, amount, and fuel type. | Ask the utility for a copy or account printout. |
| Shutoff notice | Shows the emergency and deadline. | Ask the utility to email or reprint it. |
| Income proof | Shows wages, benefits, child support, or no income. | Ask the office for a no-income form if needed. |
| Lease or rent proof | Shows where you live and who pays utilities. | Ask if a landlord letter is accepted. |
| Medical proof | May support a medical-related utility hold. | Ask your medical provider what form the utility needs. |
How to find your local office
Montana uses local eligibility offices and Tribal LIHEAP offices. The state office list shows the county or reservation each office serves. If you are unsure where to apply, call the office nearest you and ask where your county is assigned.
| Area | Office to check | Why to call |
|---|---|---|
| Billings area | District VII HRDC | LIHEAP, Energy Share, and emergency energy questions. |
| Bozeman area | District IX HRDC | Energy assistance for Gallatin, Park, and Meagher counties. |
| Kalispell area | CAP Northwest Montana | Fuel assistance and Energy Share in northwest counties. |
| Missoula area | District XI HRC | LIHEAP, local water discount questions, and 2-1-1 referrals. |
| Tribal lands | Tribal LIHEAP office | Application steps may differ by Tribal office. |
Other help that can protect your utility budget
A utility bill is often only one part of the crisis. If your rent, food, child care, or health costs are pushing the bill behind, use these related Montana guides as next steps.
- Start with the main Montana assistance guide for broad help.
- If the shutoff is part of a bigger crisis, use Montana emergency help for next steps.
- For rent pressure or eviction risk, see Montana housing help early.
- For groceries, check Montana SNAP help too.
- For cash assistance, review Montana TANF help options.
- For child care costs, use Montana child care resources.
- Pregnant mothers and young children can check Montana WIC benefits too.
- If medical bills crowd out utilities, see Montana health help first.
- For local nonprofits and churches, use Montana community support listings.
- For disputes, notices, or tenant issues, see Montana legal help routes.
- For gas money or rides, check Montana transportation help resources.
- For device or internet access needs, use Montana technology help ideas.
Common mistakes to avoid
- Waiting until the shutoff day to call.
- Assuming winter rules stop every shutoff.
- Sending an Energy Share application to the statewide office instead of the local office.
- Skipping LIHEAP because you rent. Renters can apply if they are responsible for heating costs or meet program rules.
- Giving personal information to a site that promises guaranteed utility grants.
- Ignoring mail from DPHHS, the HRDC, Energy Share, or the utility.
If you are denied, delayed, or ignored
First, ask for the reason in writing. A missing document, wrong fuel account, old address, or unsigned form may be fixable. Ask what exact item is missing and the deadline to turn it in.
If the issue is with LIHEAP or another public benefit, ask the office about your appeal or hearing rights. If the issue is a regulated utility dispute, the PSC says you should contact the utility first. If the answer does not solve the issue, use the PSC’s consumer assistance process.
If you need legal information or help with a notice, Montana Legal Services Association and MontanaLawHelp can be useful starting points. Use MontanaLawHelp shutoffs for utility shutoff information, and contact a legal aid office if you need advice about your own case.
Backup options
When LIHEAP or Energy Share cannot cover the full bill, ask about smaller local pledges. Churches, Salvation Army offices, county assistance offices, Tribal programs, school family resource staff, and local nonprofits may help with part of a bill. A small pledge can sometimes help you qualify for a payment arrangement.
Ask your utility whether it will accept a payment plan that combines your payment, a LIHEAP pledge, an Energy Share pledge, and a local charity pledge. Get the agreement in writing or write down the date, name of the worker, and terms.
Phone scripts
Call your utility
“Hi, my name is ____. I am calling about account number ____. I am a single parent and I received a shutoff notice dated ____. I can pay $____ today. Can you review payment arrangements, a due-date extension, budget billing, or a hold while I apply for LIHEAP or Energy Share?”
Call the LIHEAP office
“Hi, I live in ____ County and need to apply for LIHEAP. I have a shutoff notice or heating emergency. What is the fastest way to submit my application and documents? Can you tell me what proof you need today?”
Call Energy Share
“Hi, I am facing an energy emergency and was told to ask about Energy Share. I have already contacted my utility and I am applying for LIHEAP. Where should I send the application, and what documents should I include?”
Call the PSC
“Hi, I contacted my utility about a shutoff or billing issue, but it is not resolved. Can you tell me whether this utility is regulated by the PSC and whether I can request consumer assistance?”
Resumen en español
Si necesita ayuda con calefacción, electricidad, gas, propano, agua, teléfono o internet en Montana, llame primero a la compañía de servicios. Pregunte por un plan de pago o una extensión. Después, contacte la oficina local de LIHEAP o el HRDC de su condado.
LIHEAP puede ayudar con parte de la cuenta de calefacción durante la temporada de invierno. Energy Share puede ayudar en algunas emergencias de energía cuando otros recursos no son suficientes. Para ayuda local, marque 2-1-1. Si tiene una disputa con una compañía regulada, contacte a la Comisión de Servicios Públicos de Montana después de hablar con la compañía.
FAQ
Can single mothers get utility assistance in Montana?
Yes, single mothers may qualify if they meet the rules for the program. Montana LIHEAP looks at income and resources. Energy Share looks at the emergency, need, and available funds. Utility companies and local nonprofits may also offer payment plans or small pledges.
Is LIHEAP open all year in Montana?
Regular LIHEAP heating help is tied to the heating season, October 1 through April 30. Weatherization may be available year-round. Emergency help may depend on the situation, office rules, and funding.
Can Montana utilities shut off power in winter?
Sometimes. Regulated utilities have special winter rules from November 1 through April 1, but it is not a total shutoff ban. Co-ops, propane companies, and some local utilities may follow different rules.
Does Montana help with water bills?
Water help is usually local. Ask your city, water district, or 2-1-1 about discounts, payment plans, leak adjustments, and local charity help. Some cities may tie discounts to LIHEAP or Human Resource Council programs.
What if my LIHEAP application is denied?
Ask for the reason in writing and check whether a missing document can be fixed. Ask the office about appeal or hearing rights if you disagree. For legal information, contact legal aid or use MontanaLawHelp.
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 with corrections.
Disclaimer: This article is for general information only. It is not legal, financial, medical, tax, immigration, disability, safety, or government-agency advice.