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Utility Assistance for Single Mothers in Montana

Utility Assistance for Single Mothers in Montana

Last updated: September 2025

This is your one-stop, no-nonsense guide to keeping heat, power, water, and internet connected in Montana. Every section lists exact steps, documents, contacts, and backup plans. Keep this page and use the links inside each paragraph to act fast.


If You Only Do 3 Things – Emergency Actions to Take

Quick Help Box – Keep These 5 Contacts Handy

  • DPHHS online application portal: Use Apply.MT.gov for LIHEAP, SNAP, TANF, Medicaid; helpline 1-888-706-1535; see [DPHHS Contact page] and [Field Offices of Public Assistance] to upload or mail documents.
  • Montana Public Service Commission (PSC) consumer line: For shutoff disputes with regulated utilities, call 1-800-646-6150, email pschelp@mt.gov, and see PSC Get Help With My Utility and winter rules in PSC FAQ.
  • Montana 211 (24/7 referrals): Dial 211 or use [Montana211] for shelters, churches, propane aid, and local resources; confirm regional call centers on the [Montana 211 contact page] and see [Help Center 211 information].
  • Weatherization (free home energy fixes): Apply together with LIHEAP through DPHHS Weatherization, find local agencies at [LIHEAP Offices list], and see district pages like HRDC 6 Weatherization for county specifics.
  • Lifeline phone and internet discount (ACP ended): Get up to $9.25/month off service via FCC Lifeline consumer page, contact the USAC Lifeline Support Center at 1-800-234-9473, and review the ACP wind-down notices at FCC ACP page. (apply.mt.gov)

How to Stop Utility Shutoff in Montana Today

Start with the fastest calls first. Keep your account number and any disconnection notice ready. Tell every person you speak with that children live in the home and you have applied or will apply for LIHEAP.

  1. Call your utility and ask for a payment plan with a medical or hardship hold: For NorthWestern Energy Customer Service call 1-888-467-2669; for [Montana-Dakota Utilities] call 1-800-638-3278; for [Energy West Great Falls] call 1-406-791-7510. Ask for due-date extensions, budget billing, and a short-term hold while your LIHEAP or Energy Share is pending. (northwesternenergy.com)
  2. Use winter protections if applicable: From November 1 through April 1, regulated utilities need PSC approval for shutoffs, and certain households have extra protections, including those with seniors 62+, disabled members, or incomes at or below federal poverty guidelines; disconnections are also barred on days at or below 32°F at 8 a.m. or with freezing forecasts in the next 24 hours. Read PSC FAQ, see the rule at ARM 38.5.1410, and check the seasonal summary at [LIHEAP Clearinghouse disconnect protections]. (psc.mt.gov)
  3. File LIHEAP and ask for crisis processing: Apply through Apply.MT.gov, or hand-deliver to your nearest [LIHEAP eligibility office]. For Gallatin/Bozeman, contact HRDC Apply for Energy Assistance; for Flathead/Kalispell, see CAPNWMT LIHEAP page. Ask for “Emergency Assistance” and have your shutoff notice or near-empty tank receipt ready. (apply.mt.gov)
  4. If a shutoff is scheduled today, call Energy Share of Montana: Ask your HRDC to submit an Energy Share application at the same time as LIHEAP; Energy Share grants are last-resort and can also cover urgent furnace repairs. Use [Rocky Mountain Development Council Energy Share page], [Action for Eastern Montana Energy Share page], or the statewide number 1-888-779-7589 from the [Montana DEQ Energy page]. (rmdc.net)
  5. Escalate a dispute to the PSC and call 211 for local stopgaps: File a consumer complaint or request assistance at PSC Get Help With My Utility, call 1-800-646-6150, and search [Montana211] for churches and nonprofits that may pledge small amounts today. (psc.mt.gov)

What to do if this doesn’t work: Contact Montana Legal Services Association at 1-800-666-6899, request a Fair Hearing if DPHHS denies or delays LIHEAP using [Fair Hearings guide at MontanaLawHelp], and ask your doctor for a medical certification to send your utility per PSC FAQ. (mtlsa.org)

LIHEAP in Montana – Energy Bill Help You Can Apply for Right Now

LIHEAP (Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program) helps pay a portion of winter heating and, in emergencies, can repair or replace an unsafe furnace. Apply online through Apply.MT.gov, get county help at DPHHS LIHEAP Offices, and check the state profile for 2025 funding and benefit ranges from [LIHEAP Clearinghouse Montana]. You can ask questions and send documents through the [DPHHS Public Assistance Helpline] at 1-888-706-1535. (apply.mt.gov)

  • Eligibility: Montana uses 60% of State Median Income for LIHEAP and 200% of Federal Poverty Level for Weatherization. Confirm current charts on [LIHEAP Clearinghouse Montana], confirm your county’s intake rules at CAPNWMT LIHEAP page, and ask your caseworker about “priority groups” explained on [DPHHS Weatherization page]. (liheapch.acf.hhs.gov)
  • Benefit amounts (FY2025 reference): The Clearinghouse lists a regular heating benefit minimum of 108andmaximumof108 and maximum of 3,765, and crisis benefits up to $9,999; amounts vary with fuel type, usage, and vulnerability factors. See LIHEAP Clearinghouse Montana profile, read the national crisis table at LIHEAP Crisis Table, and verify locally with your [HRDC energy office]. Always confirm current amounts with your local office before applying. (liheapch.acf.hhs.gov)
  • Season and timing: State materials list LIHEAP, Crisis, and Weatherization as available year-round, but many local offices accept regular heating applications roughly October 1 to April 30; check dates at HRDC 6 LIHEAP page, CAPNWMT LIHEAP page, and confirm with your [DPHHS LIHEAP Offices directory]. Expect 10–15 business days if your file is complete, and up to 45 days in higher-volume counties; [HRDC 6] notes you should receive a letter within 45 days. (liheapch.acf.hhs.gov)
  • How to apply: Apply online at Apply.MT.gov, mail or hand-deliver to your [local LIHEAP office], or call 1-888-706-1535 for help. Have a current bill, ID, Social Security numbers, income proof, and if renting, a lease showing who pays heat; see local checklists on [CAPNWMT required documents] and district intake notes at HRDC 7 Energy Assistance. (apply.mt.gov)
  • Emergency or “crisis” help: Crisis is for shutoff, disconnection notice, empty tank, or unsafe heating; you must document the emergency. Learn how Montana defines “Emergency Assistance” on the LIHEAP Crisis Table, request priority processing through your [local HRDC LIHEAP office], and document medical needs through [PSC FAQ medical section] if power loss threatens health. (liheapch.acf.gov)

What to do if this doesn’t work: Ask your worker if a furnace repair is available through LIHEAP or Weatherization via DPHHS Weatherization, apply for [Energy Share of Montana] as the last resort, and call Montana 211 to add local church or charity pledges. (dphhs.mt.gov)

Weatherization Assistance – Fix the Root Problem

Weatherization can cut drafts, insulate attics and walls, tune furnaces, and fix health-and-safety problems at no cost to qualifying households. You usually apply with LIHEAP using the combined application on DPHHS Weatherization, choose the office from [LIHEAP Offices list], and ask about priority groups for seniors and people with disabilities. For county pages, check HRDC 6 Weatherization and HRDC Apply for Energy Assistance to see what’s offered where you live. (dphhs.mt.gov)

  • Timeline: An energy auditor schedules a home visit and installs the most cost-effective measures within funding limits. Read the program steps on DPHHS Weatherization, ask whether your utility offers extra rebates through [NorthWestern Energy E+], and keep in touch with your [local HRDC] about scheduling during winter. (dphhs.mt.gov)

What to do if this doesn’t work: Ask your utility about do-it-yourself kits and rebates via NorthWestern Energy Customer Service, call Montana 211 to find local weatherization waitlist help, and check Flathead Electric Low-Income Assistance for special discounts tied to LIHEAP. (northwesternenergy.com)

Energy Share of Montana – Year-Round Last-Resort Grants

Energy Share is a statewide nonprofit that helps when you have an energy emergency and other resources fell short. You apply through your HRDC, and during heating season you must also apply for LIHEAP at the same time. Call 1-888-779-7589 or ask your HRDC for the Energy Share packet. Read program basics at [PSC Energy Share info], the statewide referral on [Montana DEQ Energy page], and local guidance at [Rocky Mountain Development Council Energy Share]. (psc.mt.gov)

  • What it can pay: Energy Share often pays past-due heating bills, can help buy propane or fuel oil, and may fund urgent furnace or water-heater repairs. See examples at [HRDC Emergency Energy page], review the application steps at [Action for Eastern Montana Energy Share], and confirm typical grant caps locally; some districts reference up to $2,000 once every five years. Always call to confirm current limits before applying. (thehrdc.org)

What to do if this doesn’t work: Ask your utility for a short-term arrangement via NorthWestern Energy Payment Assistance, call Montana 211 for a same-day church voucher, and talk to Montana Legal Services Association if the shutoff dispute continues. (northwesternenergy.com)

Know Your Winter Shutoff Protections

Montana’s Administrative Rule 38.5.1410 restricts winter disconnections by regulated utilities and requires PSC approval for shutoffs between November 1 and April 1, with extra protections for low-income, seniors, and disabled households, and temperature-based bans at or below freezing at 8 a.m. or when freezing is forecast within 24 hours. Read the summary at PSC FAQ, the rule at ARM 38.5.1410, and the national comparison at [LIHEAP Clearinghouse seasonal rules]. Co-ops and propane vendors set their own winter procedures, so contact them early. (psc.mt.gov)

What to do if this doesn’t work: Call the PSC consumer line at 1-800-646-6150 via PSC Get Help With My Utility, request a supervisor at your utility using [NorthWestern Customer Service], and file or escalate a written complaint through the [PSC complaint portal]. (psc.mt.gov)

Water Bill Help in Montana

Montana’s temporary federal Low-Income Household Water Assistance Program (LIHWAP) ended when federal funding expired; some cities now offer discounts for households approved for LIHEAP. Missoula Water provides a low-income water discount tied to LIHEAP; see City of Missoula Utility Assistance Programs, read the city’s rate schedule note on discounts at [Missoula Low-Income Water Discount], and contact your water utility billing office to ask if they honor LIHEAP for a water discount. (ci.missoula.mt.us)

  • Local examples: Helena offers a 0% interest Service Line Replacement Loan for emergency water or sewer line repairs up to $15,000; see City of Helena Service Line Loan, check billing contacts at Helena Utility Billing, and ask about water hardship plans in your city’s [utility updates page]. Billings residents can follow [City of Billings Utility Billing Updates] and call 1-406-657-8315 to discuss a plan. (helenamt.gov)

What to do if this doesn’t work: Ask your city to set up a payment arrangement using [Helena Utility Billing contact], request hardship review through [City of Missoula Utility Assistance], and dial Montana 211 for church or charity vouchers to prevent shutoff. (helenamt.gov)

Internet and Phone Discounts After ACP Ended

The Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP) ended June 1, 2024. If a site still claims you can newly enroll, that is outdated or misleading. See official notices at FCC ACP page, the closure news at [FCC News Release on ACP closure], and a 2025 policy brief at Congressional Research Service ACP brief. (fcc.gov)

  • What remains: Lifeline still provides a monthly discount (up to 9.25;upto9.25; up to 34.25 on qualifying Tribal lands) on phone or internet. Apply through the FCC Lifeline consumer page, contact [USAC Lifeline Support] at 1-800-234-9473, and get application support from the USAC Lifeline Get Help page. (fcc.gov)

What to do if this doesn’t work: Ask your provider about low-cost plans, verify Lifeline eligibility through the [National Verifier link on USAC], and report ACP scams via the [FCC Consumer Complaint Center]. (fcc.gov)

Utility Company Playbook – What to Ask For

What to do if this doesn’t work: File a PSC complaint at PSC Get Help With My Utility, ask for emergency Energy Share through your [local HRDC], and call Montana 211 for one-time pledges while LIHEAP processes. (psc.mt.gov)

Tables You Can Use Fast

Program Snapshot – What Pays What

Program What it pays Who’s eligible How to apply Typical timeline
[LIHEAP (DPHHS)] Portion of heat bill; crisis; furnace repair 60% SMI; owner or renter Apply.MT.gov or [Local LIHEAP Offices] 10–15 business days; up to 45 in peak
[Weatherization (DPHHS)] Insulation, air sealing, safety repairs LIHEAP eligible; priority groups Check “combined application” at [WAP page] Audit scheduled; install as funding allows
[Energy Share of Montana] Last-resort grant for bills/furnaces Emergency; resources exhausted Through HRDC; call 1-888-779-7589 Often within days if documents ready
[PSC Protections] Winter shutoff limits Regulated utility customers Call 1-800-646-6150 or use site Immediate guidance if eligible
[Lifeline (FCC/USAC)] Monthly phone/internet discount Income/program-based [FCC Lifeline page] or [USAC Help] 7–10 days after full application

(liheapch.acf.hhs.gov)

Who to Call – Major Utilities and Lines

Service Phone Where to start
NorthWestern Energy Customer Service 1-888-467-2669 Payment plans and holds
Montana-Dakota Utilities Customer Service 1-800-638-3278 Arrangements and discounts
[Energy West Montana] 1-406-791-7510 Billing and credit options
[PSC Consumer Line] 1-800-646-6150 Winter rules and disputes
Montana 211 211 Churches and emergency pledges

(northwesternenergy.com)

Regional Intake – Find Your HRDC

Region Counties Phone Office page
Billings – District VII HRDC Yellowstone, Big Horn, Carbon, Stillwater, Sweet Grass 1-406-247-4778 HRDC 7 Energy Assistance
Bozeman – District IX HRDC Gallatin, Park, Meagher 1-406-587-4486 HRDC Apply for Energy Assistance
Kalispell – CAP NW MT Flathead, Lake, Lincoln, Sanders 1-406-758-5433 CAPNWMT LIHEAP page
Helena – RMDC Lewis & Clark, Broadwater, Jefferson 1-406-447-1625 RMDC Energy Services
Missoula – District XI HRC Missoula, Ravalli, Mineral 1-406-728-3710 [Missoula HRC Energy]

See the full statewide list at DPHHS LIHEAP Offices. (dphhs.mt.gov)

Tribal LIHEAP Offices – Direct Contacts

Tribe Phone How to start
Blackfeet Nation 1-406-338-7977 Call for LIHEAP application packet
Crow Nation (via HRDC VII) 1-406-247-4732 Apply through Billings HRDC VII
Confederated Salish & Kootenai 1-406-675-2700 x1371 Request materials from CSKT
Fort Belknap 1-406-353-8499 Call for LIHEAP enrollment
Fort Peck 1-406-768-2435 Call the Energy Office
Northern Cheyenne 1-406-477-6284 Call for forms and steps
Rocky Boy’s 1-406-395-4728 Call for LIHEAP details

Source listing is at [DPHHS LIHEAP Offices – Tribal section]. (dphhs.mt.gov)

Timelines and Wait Times – What to Expect

Step Realistic timing Notes
Online LIHEAP submission via Apply.MT.gov Same day submission Get a confirmation number
Local office intake and verification 10–15 business days Peak season adds time
Decision letter Within 45 days Example noted by HRDC 6 LIHEAP page
Energy Share crisis 1–7 days Depends on documents and funding
PSC winter hold decision Same day guidance For regulated utilities

(apply.mt.gov)

Required Documents – Be Ready

Bring or upload the basics the first time to avoid delays. Use Apply.MT.gov to submit, confirm your local list at [CAPNWMT required items], and ask your worker for any county-specific forms from DPHHS LIHEAP Offices.

  • Proof of identity: State ID, tribal ID, or driver’s license; see [Field Offices of Public Assistance] for help with scanning IDs; check local intake tips at HRDC 7 Energy Assistance.
  • Social Security numbers: For all household members; ask the [DPHHS Helpline] if someone lacks an SSN; upload securely through Apply.MT.gov.
  • Income for last 30 days: Paystubs, unemployment, child support, TANF, SNAP, SSI/SSDI; see [LIHEAP Clearinghouse Montana] for income policy; verify county rules at [HRDC 6 LIHEAP details].
  • Heat bill or fuel quote: A current statement with account number; for deliverable fuels, a vendor quote; call [NorthWestern Energy], [MDU], or [Energy West] for proof if needed.
  • Lease or landlord letter: To prove who pays heat; ask Montana Legal Services Association if your landlord controls utilities; use MontanaLawHelp sample letters if needed.

(dphhs.mt.gov)

Application Checklist You Can Screenshot

  • Photo ID for you and adults: Driver’s license, tribal ID, or state ID; confirm with your [local LIHEAP office].
  • Social Security numbers: For everyone in the home; ask [DPHHS Helpline] for alternatives if not available.
  • Income proof 30–60 days: Paystubs, benefits letters, or award notices; check [LIHEAP Clearinghouse] income policy.
  • Most recent heating bill or vendor quote: Download from [NorthWestern Energy Account] or call [MDU Customer Service].
  • Lease or landlord letter: If renting; use [MontanaLawHelp letters] if you need a written confirmation.
  • Shutoff or past-due notice: Upload with “crisis” request; keep a copy for [PSC complaint] if needed.
  • Medical note if applicable: Ask your provider for a letter to your utility; see [PSC FAQ medical] for the 6‑month notation.

(dphhs.mt.gov)

Common Mistakes to Avoid

  • Waiting until the day of shutoff to call: Contact [NorthWestern Energy], [MDU], or [Energy West] as soon as you know you cannot pay. Ask for a plan, not a promise to pay; plans pause collections.
  • Sending an incomplete LIHEAP file: Use the checklist, upload through Apply.MT.gov, and call your [local LIHEAP office] to confirm they see every document.
  • Skipping Energy Share because you “don’t qualify”: It’s need-based and looks at your situation, not just income; apply through your [HRDC Energy Share contact] and call 1-888-779-7589 from the [Montana DEQ Energy page].
  • Assuming winter means no shutoffs: Protections apply mainly to regulated utilities and specific circumstances; read PSC FAQ and the ARM 38.5.1410 rule and communicate with your utility.
  • Relying on ACP discounts: ACP ended; shift to [FCC Lifeline] and call [USAC Lifeline Support] at 1-800-234-9473 to keep some savings. (northwesternenergy.com)

Reality Check

Funding opens each fall and demand spikes during cold snaps. Benefits and timelines vary by county, vendor, and remaining funds. Always verify current availability with your local HRDC. Check benefit ranges at [LIHEAP Clearinghouse Montana], read county season announcements at CAPNWMT LIHEAP page, and watch for city utility updates like Billings Utility Billing Updates when local issues affect billing. (liheapch.acf.hhs.gov)

Local Organizations, Churches, and Support Groups

Resources by Region

Use the statewide [DPHHS LIHEAP Offices list] to find the exact address and numbers for your area. For Eastern Montana, see Action for Eastern Montana LIHEAP; for Great Falls, contact Opportunities, Inc.; for Havre, call [HRDC 4]. For Missoula and surrounding counties, use [District XI HRC], and for Helena area reach [Rocky Mountain Development Council]. (dphhs.mt.gov)

Diverse Communities – Tailored Guidance and Links

  • LGBTQ+ single mothers: Ask for respectful intake and language services when you call [DPHHS Public Assistance Helpline], connect with Montana 211 for affirming local aid, and use [Missoula’s “The Center” LGBTQ+ resources] or similar community groups for referrals and support during emergencies. (dphhs.mt.gov)
  • Single mothers with disabilities or disabled children: Request large-print notices or TTY through [DPHHS Language Assistance] and tell your utility about medical equipment needs per [PSC FAQ medical]; Disability Rights Montana can advise on accommodations and appeals via Disability Rights Montana. (dphhs.mt.gov)
  • Veteran single mothers: SSVF can pay arrears or deposits if needed to keep housing. Contact Volunteers of America Northern Rockies SSVF at 1-844-4-VOA-VET, review [VA SSVF program overview], and ask Montana 211 for additional veteran-focused funds. (voanr.org)
  • Immigrant and refugee single moms: For Missoula, the International Rescue Committee Missoula (406-926-1982) and Soft Landing Missoula resources can help navigate LIHEAP, language, and billing. Ask for DPHHS interpreters via [DPHHS Language Assistance] when applying. (welcome.rescue.org)
  • Tribal-specific resources: Apply with your tribal energy office using the numbers on [DPHHS Tribal LIHEAP list]; cross-check winter rules with PSC FAQ and consider [Energy Share] if your tribal funds are exhausted and your HRDC confirms eligibility. (dphhs.mt.gov)
  • Rural single moms with limited access: If you cannot upload, mail forms to the address on [Field Offices of Public Assistance], ask your utility to note the account for pending aid using [NorthWestern Customer Service], and use phone-based support from [USAC Lifeline Support] for communications savings. (dphhs.mt.gov)
  • Single fathers: All programs listed, including [LIHEAP], [Weatherization], and [Energy Share], are household-based; dads can apply if they’re the responsible party on the utility account and meet income rules. Confirm eligibility at your [local LIHEAP office]. (liheapch.acf.hhs.gov)
  • Language access: Request interpreters, large print, or TTY through [DPHHS Language Assistance], ask utilities for accessible formats via PSC Get Help With My Utility, and use the Spanish Lifeline page at [FCC Lifeline en Español] if needed. (dphhs.mt.gov)

Quick Reference Cheat Sheet

  • Where to apply: Apply.MT.gov for LIHEAP; [Local LIHEAP offices] if you need a paper form; [DPHHS Helpline] 1-888-706-1535 for questions.
  • Emergency calls: Utility credit department at [NorthWestern] 1-888-467-2669, [MDU] 1-800-638-3278, or [Energy West] 1-406-791-7510; Energy Share via [DEQ Energy page] at 1-888-779-7589; disputes to [PSC] 1-800-646-6150.
  • Season alerts: Winter shutoff rules at PSC FAQ and ARM 38.5.1410; county season postings at [CAPNWMT LIHEAP] and [HRDC 6 LIHEAP]. (apply.mt.gov)

County-Specific Differences Worth Noting

What to do if this doesn’t work: Ask your HRDC to confirm any local discounts using DPHHS LIHEAP Offices, request a utility hold via [NorthWestern Customer Service], and call [PSC] if your regulated utility denies protections. (dphhs.mt.gov)

If Your Application Gets Denied – Troubleshooting

  • Ask for a supervisor call-back: Use the number on your notice or the [DPHHS Public Assistance Helpline]; clarify missing documents and deadlines; upload through Apply.MT.gov and confirm receipt at your [local LIHEAP office].
  • Request a Fair Hearing: Follow the steps at MontanaLawHelp Fair Hearings FAQ; send your request to the Office of Fair Hearings (address in the article) and copy your local office; ask Montana Legal Services Association for legal advice.
  • Keep service on while you appeal: Call your utility with proof you appealed; ask for a short hold while DPHHS reviews, and if winter, ask [PSC] about protections. (dphhs.mt.gov)

Real-World Examples

  • Propane running out this week: Call your vendor for a same-day quote, apply at Apply.MT.gov and mark “crisis,” ask your [local LIHEAP office] to send an expedited pledge, and have your HRDC submit [Energy Share] if your tank is under 20%. (apply.mt.gov)
  • Single mom in Missoula facing electric shutoff: Call [NorthWestern Energy] for a payment plan, apply for LIHEAP at [District XI HRC], ask [Missoula Water] about the LIHEAP-based water discount, and keep [PSC] informed if a shutoff is still scheduled. (northwesternenergy.com)
  • Great Falls renter with broken furnace: Apply for LIHEAP “emergency repair,” contact [Energy West] to note a medical risk if anyone is vulnerable, and ask Opportunities, Inc. about Weatherization’s furnace safety funds before temperatures drop. (ewst.com)

10 Montana FAQs

  • How do I stop a shutoff today in Montana? Use a three-prong approach: call your utility’s credit team at [NorthWestern], [MDU], or [Energy West]; submit a LIHEAP crisis application at Apply.MT.gov; and request Energy Share through your [local HRDC] while asking the PSC about winter protections at PSC FAQ. (northwesternenergy.com)
  • When does the LIHEAP season open? The state lists year-round programs, but most offices accept heating applications about Oct 1–Apr 30; always confirm with your office at DPHHS LIHEAP Offices and local pages like [CAPNWMT LIHEAP] and [HRDC 6 LIHEAP]. (liheapch.acf.hhs.gov)
  • How much can LIHEAP pay this year? For FY2025 the Clearinghouse shows regular benefits from 108to108 to 3,765, and crisis up to $9,999; amounts depend on fuel type, usage, and need. Verify locally before you apply. See [LIHEAP Clearinghouse Montana] and LIHEAP Crisis Table. (liheapch.acf.hhs.gov)
  • Can renters apply, even if heat is in the landlord’s name? Yes, if your lease shows you pay for heat in rent or you pay a vendor directly; ask your [local LIHEAP office] how to document it and use [MontanaLawHelp] if you need a landlord confirmation letter. (dphhs.mt.gov)
  • Propane and firewood help: LIHEAP and Energy Share can assist with deliverable fuels; get a written quote from your vendor and send it with your Apply.MT.gov application; ask your [HRDC] for crisis processing if you’re nearly empty. (apply.mt.gov)
  • Water bill help after LIHWAP ended: Some cities discount water for LIHEAP households, like Missoula’s program noted at [City of Missoula Utility Assistance]; call your water utility billing office; check Helena Utility Billing and Billings Utility Billing Updates for local options. (ci.missoula.mt.us)
  • What if I have medical equipment at home? Ask your doctor for a note and send it to your utility; regulated utilities must add a medical notation for six months before disconnecting, though payment is still required. See PSC FAQ and call [PSC] if you need help. (psc.mt.gov)
  • Are there resources on reservations? Yes—apply with your tribal LIHEAP office from the [DPHHS Tribal LIHEAP list]; if funds are out, ask your HRDC about [Energy Share] and check winter protections with the PSC FAQ. (dphhs.mt.gov)
  • Is the Affordable Connectivity Program still available? No—ACP ended; try [FCC Lifeline] and call [USAC Lifeline Support] at 1-800-234-9473 to keep a phone or internet discount. (fcc.gov)
  • Who can help if I’m denied or feel treated unfairly? Ask for a Fair Hearing using [MontanaLawHelp Fair Hearings] guidance, get legal help from Montana Legal Services Association, and call [PSC] for utility disputes. (montanalawhelp.org)

Spanish Summary – Resumen en Español

Esta sección ofrece un resumen rápido de los pasos principales. Esta traducción fue producida con herramientas de IA.

  • Solicite LIHEAP en línea: Use Apply.MT.gov o visite su [oficina local de LIHEAP]; para preguntas, llame al 1-888-706-1535. Revise beneficios y fechas en [LIHEAP Clearinghouse Montana].
  • Para evitar el corte: Llame a su compañía de servicios para un plan de pago—[NorthWestern Energy] 1-888-467-2669, [MDU] 1-800-638-3278, [Energy West] 1-406-791-7510—y pida una “pausa” mientras se procesa LIHEAP. Revise las reglas de invierno en PSC FAQ.
  • Ayuda de emergencia: Pida [Energy Share of Montana] a través de su HRDC o llame al 1-888-779-7589; para referencias locales marque Montana 211. Para descuento telefónico o de internet, solicite [Lifeline FCC] o llame a [USAC Lifeline Support] 1-800-234-9473. (apply.mt.gov)

About This Guide

Compiled by the ASingleMother.org Editorial Team.

This guide uses official sources including:

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. (dphhs.mt.gov)

Disclaimer

This guide is for general information, not legal or case-specific advice. Program rules and funding shift during the heating season. Always confirm current eligibility, benefit amounts, and application windows with your local HRDC, DPHHS, and your utility. For disputes with regulated utilities, contact the [Montana Public Service Commission]; for legal rights and appeals, contact Montana Legal Services Association or review [MontanaLawHelp]. (psc.mt.gov)

What to do if this guide still doesn’t solve your issue

Try these three escalations in order: call the [PSC consumer line]; ask your [local LIHEAP office] for a supervisor and crisis status; and file a Fair Hearing using [MontanaLawHelp’s guide] while keeping your utility updated with proof of appeal. If you need immediate referrals, call Montana 211 anytime. (psc.mt.gov)

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