Utility Assistance for Single Mothers in Nevada

Where to start

Quick help table

Nevada Energy Assistance Program

EAP helps eligible Nevada households with home heating and electric costs. The program uses federal LIHEAP funds and money from Nevada’s Universal Energy Charge. The state accepts applications year-round until available funding is exhausted.

An approved household normally receives one annual fixed credit paid directly to one or more energy providers. The current EAP application form says the minimum yearly payment for an eligible household is $360. The actual credit can be higher or lower than the amount you owe because Nevada uses energy burden, household facts, and program limits to calculate the benefit.

You may qualify when the household lives in Nevada, meets citizenship or eligible-status rules, meets the income limit, and is at least partly responsible for heating or cooling costs. You may pay the provider directly or pay those costs through rent. The bill does not always have to be in your name, but extra permission and proof may be required.

Nevada EAP income limits for 2026

The limits below apply to the FY2027 EAP program year, from July 1, 2026, through June 30, 2027. The state uses total gross monthly household income before deductions. Check the current EAP eligibility chart before filing because limits can change each July.

A household includes people living together who share a main heating or electric source, even when they are not related. Report everyone the application asks about. If income changes from week to week, send the most recent proof and explain the change.

Fast-Track, medical-expense, and arrearage help

Nevada has special EAP parts for some crisis cases. These are not separate grants that everyone receives. Each has extra rules, and available funding matters.

Review the state special EAP programs and ask the EAP office to name the part being considered. A shutoff notice alone does not guarantee special processing or payment.

How to apply for Nevada EAP

You may apply online through Access Nevada or submit a paper application. Paper forms are available from EAP offices, Social Services offices, customer service, and approved intake sites.

1. Start the application as soon as you need help.
2. Write the EAP case or application number on every page you send.
3. Include the full utility bill, not only the balance screen.
4. Send proof for every household member requested by the form.
5. Keep screenshots, email receipts, fax confirmations, and copies.
6. Continue paying the provider when possible until the credit appears.

The application lists EAP phone numbers of 775-684-0730 for Reno or Carson City, 702-486-1404 for Las Vegas, and 800-992-0900 toll-free. Ask which office has your application and how to submit urgent documents.

Documents to gather

A complete application can prevent avoidable delays. Use ASMOM’s documents checklist to keep benefit papers in one place.

Shutoff protections and payment plans

The Public Utilities Commission of Nevada (PUCN) rules discussed here apply only to utilities the commission regulates. The PUCN does not regulate many government-owned utilities, cooperatives, or general improvement districts. For those providers, ask for their own written shutoff policy.

The PUCN shutoff rules say regulated gas, electric, and water utilities generally give a 10-day written notice, then another notice at least 48 hours before disconnection. Utilities normally cannot disconnect the day before a weekend, during a weekend, or on a state holiday unless a safety problem exists.

If ending service would be especially dangerous to a permanent resident’s health, notify the utility before shutoff. A doctor or public health official must provide a written statement with the service address, patient name, health issue, and professional signature. The utility must postpone shutoff for 30 days and may postpone it for another 30 days after a renewed certificate. The customer still owes the bill and will be asked to enter a payment plan.

The PUCN utility bill guide says customers may avoid disconnection by agreeing to pay overdue amounts in monthly installments. Regulated electric and gas providers must also offer a 12-month equal-payment plan to reduce seasonal bill swings.

Contact the utility first about a billing or service dispute. If a supervisor does not resolve it, use the PUCN complaint process. The complaint office can only handle regulated providers.

Weatherization can lower future bills

Nevada’s Weatherization Assistance Program helps income-qualified renters and homeowners lower energy use and improve home safety. The current limit is generally 200% of the federal poverty level. Approved work may include air sealing, insulation, weather-stripping, solar screens, efficient lighting, and some heating, cooling, refrigerator, or water-heater repairs.

Weatherization does not pay a past-due bill. The local provider must approve the household and complete a home energy assessment before work begins. A landlord may need to approve work in a rental home.

Use the official Nevada weatherization page to confirm which provider serves your address.

Local utility programs in Nevada

Local programs may have narrow service areas, age rules, utility rules, and limited funds. Call before applying.

• Northern Nevada SAFE may provide up to $500 a year for qualifying utility bills through partner agencies.
• Project REACH may provide up to $300 once every 12 months for qualifying Southern Nevada residents age 62 or older with past-due electric, gas, water, or sewer bills.
• Southwest Gas Energy Share helps some current customers facing an unexpected financial hardship through nonprofit partners.
• Henderson utility programs include certain low-income, disability, and billing-date options for qualifying city customers.
• Clark County assistance may include utility help for eligible residents based on current program rules and funding.

Use ASMOM’s Community Action guide to understand how local agencies may help with forms, energy costs, weatherization, food, and housing referrals.

Water, sewer, and leak help

Nevada EAP mainly covers home heating and electric costs. Water and sewer assistance depends on the provider.

The LVVWD assistance page lists payment help, leak adjustments, repair reimbursement, and low-income leak-repair programs. Customers should call before the scheduled shutoff date because options may not be available after an account enters final disconnection processing.

When a bill rises because of a leak, take photos, repair the leak as soon as possible, keep the paid invoice, and ask about the application deadline. Leak adjustment rules may require a large increase in use, completed repairs, and a request within a set number of days.

If water is included in rent or a shutoff could affect your housing, use ASMOM’s Nevada housing guide. A tenant with a lease or landlord dispute may also need the Nevada legal guide.

Phone and internet bill help

Federal Lifeline gives eligible households a discount of up to $9.25 per month on phone, internet, or bundled service. Only one benefit is allowed per household. You may qualify through income at or below 135% of the federal poverty guidelines or through programs such as SNAP, Medicaid, Supplemental Security Income, or federal housing assistance.

Use the official Lifeline application steps, then choose a participating company. ASMOM’s phone and internet guide explains related low-cost options.

If EAP is denied or delayed

You have a right to a written decision. The notice should say whether you qualify, the benefit amount when approved, where it will be paid, or why the application was denied.

If something is missing, send it quickly and keep proof. Ask the EAP office whether it can finish or reconsider the application. If you disagree with the eligibility decision or benefit amount, Nevada allows a conference and fair hearing.

A written hearing request must generally reach EAP within 90 days of the date on the Notice of Decision. Call or write the local EAP office and follow the instructions on your notice. ASMOM’s benefits problem guide can help you organize notices, documents, and call notes.

Related Nevada help to check

A lower bill in another part of the budget may help you keep utility service on. These programs use separate rules:

• Nevada SNAP help may reduce grocery costs.
• Nevada child care may help eligible working or training parents.
• Nevada health coverage covers Medicaid and children’s coverage paths.
• Transportation help covers rides, vehicle costs, and local referrals.
• Nevada safety resources may help when another person controls the utility account or threatens shutoff.

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