Last updated: May 20, 2026
Bottom line
If you are behind on electric, gas, water, sewer, phone, or internet bills in Nevada, start with three steps: apply for Nevada’s Energy Assistance Program, call your utility before shutoff, and ask Nevada 211 for local help that may be open today.
The main statewide program is EAP, Nevada’s LIHEAP-funded energy help. It is not a monthly cash payment. If approved, it is usually a one-time yearly credit paid to your energy provider. Water, sewer, phone, and internet help is more local, so your city, county, utility company, or nonprofit may matter.
For a wider list of support, keep this page with the Nevada help guide, Nevada emergency help, and the bill help hub.
If shutoff is close
Do not wait for an approval letter before you call. Utility help can take time, and local funds can run out.
- Call the utility first. Ask for a written payment plan, a hold while you apply for aid, and any medical or hardship protection that applies.
- Apply for EAP. Use the state EAP application page or the state forms page.
- Call 211. Ask for agencies that can make a utility pledge, not just general referrals.
- File a complaint if needed. If the utility is regulated and you cannot resolve the issue, contact the PUCN complaint office.
Where to start
Electric or gas bill
Apply for EAP. Ask your utility about a payment plan. If there is a shutoff notice, ask if Fast-Track or arrearage help may apply.
Water or sewer bill
Call the city, county, or water provider on the bill. Water help is often local and may depend on where you live.
High bill from a leak
Ask for a leak adjustment, repair program, or manager review. Save photos, plumber notes, and repair receipts.
Phone or internet
Check Lifeline and low-cost plans from your carrier. Lifeline is federal phone or internet help for low-income households.
Also check Nevada community support and the local resource guide for food pantries, churches, family resource centers, and nonprofits that may help with bills.
Quick help table
| Problem | Best first step | Reality check |
|---|---|---|
| Behind on electric or gas | Apply for EAP and ask the utility for a payment plan. | EAP is usually a yearly credit. It may not stop shutoff by itself. |
| Shutoff notice | Call the utility, then call 211 for agencies that can pledge help. | Local agencies may need the shutoff notice and account number. |
| Medical risk at home | Ask your utility about medical postponement rules before shutoff. | You still owe the bill and may need a payment plan. |
| High water bill | Ask for a leak review, payment plan, or city hardship program. | Water programs vary by city and provider. |
| Need long-term lower bills | Apply for weatherization through your area provider. | It is not cash. It is home repair or energy-saving work. |
Nevada Energy Assistance Program (EAP)
Nevada EAP helps qualifying low-income households with home energy costs. The state says EAP is funded by federal LIHEAP money and Nevada’s Universal Energy Charge. The program year starts July 1 and applications are accepted through June 30, or until funding is exhausted.
You may apply if you live in Nevada, meet citizenship or eligible status rules, are at least partly responsible for heating or cooling costs, and meet the income rules. If you are unsure about immigration, mixed household, or document questions, ask DWSS directly before you decide not to apply.
The current EAP eligibility page says a household must be responsible for energy costs and meet income limits. The EAP application says approved households receive an annual fixed credit customarily paid to the energy provider. The application also lists a minimum yearly payment of $360 for eligible households.
Current EAP income guide
The EAP application lists these gross monthly income limits. Confirm the current chart before you apply because forms can change.
| People in home | Monthly gross income limit |
|---|---|
| 1 | $1,956.25 |
| 2 | $2,643.75 |
| 3 | $3,331.25 |
| 4 | $4,018.75 |
| 5 | $4,706.25 |
| 6 | $5,393.75 |
| 7 | $6,081.25 |
| 8 | $6,768.75 |
Ask about special EAP parts
Nevada lists specialized EAP parts, including crisis-related processing, help for some households with chronic or long-term illness expenses, and arrearage help when funding is available. Read the specialized programs page and ask your EAP office whether any part fits your case.
Documents to gather before you apply
A complete file moves faster than a file with missing proof. You do not need perfect paperwork before asking questions, but you should gather as much as you can.
| Document | Why it matters | Practical tip |
|---|---|---|
| ID for head of household | DWSS uses it to verify the applicant. | Use a government ID, school ID, or other accepted proof listed by DWSS. |
| Income proof | Needed for every person in the home for at least the last 30 days. | Include pay stubs, benefit letters, child support, unemployment, or other income proof. |
| Recent utility bill | Shows provider, account number, address, and amount owed. | Send the full bill, not just a screenshot of the balance. |
| Bill holder permission | Needed if the bill is not in your name. | Ask for a signed note with the bill holder’s address, phone, and signature. |
| Proof of expenses | May be needed if expenses are higher than income. | Keep rent, child care, medical, and support records together. |
You can also use Access Nevada for online benefit steps. If you have no scanner, ask a library, family resource center, school family liaison, or 211 referral site for help uploading documents.
Shutoff protections and payment plans
Nevada rules can give you time, but they do not erase the bill. The PUCN shutoff FAQ says gas, electric, and water companies generally must give written notice before disconnection for nonpayment. It also says medical postponement may delay shutoff for 30 days when proper medical proof is given before shutoff.
The PUCN bill FAQ says customers who fall behind may avoid disconnection by agreeing to pay overdue amounts in monthly installments. Ask for the plan in writing and write down the name of the person you spoke with.
If the utility will not explain the bill, refuses to review a payment plan request, or you think it is not following rules, contact the PUCN complaint office. PUCN first expects you to contact the utility and ask for a supervisor. The PUCN cannot handle every provider, so check whether your utility is regulated before you rely on that path.
Do not wait until the last day
A medical note, agency pledge, or EAP application may not show on your account right away. Ask the utility what proof it needs, where to send it, and when it will be posted.
Weatherization can lower future bills
If the same high bill comes back every summer or winter, look at weatherization. The Nevada Weatherization program helps income-qualified renters and homeowners lower bills and improve home safety. Work may include air sealing, insulation, LED lighting, low-flow shower heads, solar screens, weather-stripping, and some HVAC, refrigerator, or water heater repairs.
Weatherization is not emergency bill payment. It may take an application, a home energy check, and scheduled work. Renters may qualify, but the landlord may have to agree to some work. Ask the provider for your county what is allowed.
For more help with energy costs, see ASMOM’s energy assistance guide.
Local utility help in Nevada
Local programs change more often than EAP. Always confirm open status, funding, and documents before you go in person.
| Area or provider | Program to check | Who it may help |
|---|---|---|
| Northern Nevada | SAFE program | Northern Nevada residents facing hardship. Funds are paid to participating utilities when approved. |
| Southern Nevada seniors | Project REACH | Adults 62 or older with a past-due utility bill, income limits, and other program rules. |
| Southwest Gas customers | Energy Share | Current Southwest Gas customers facing financial hardship, through local partner agencies. |
| Henderson | Henderson discounts | Some customers enrolled in EAP, disabled customers, and customers paid once monthly. |
| Las Vegas Valley Water District | LVVWD assistance | Some income-eligible homeowners with leak repair needs served by LVVWD. |
| North Las Vegas | senior discount | Low-income seniors who are account holders and enrolled in Nevada EAP. |
| Reno | sewer rebate | Eligible city sewer customers during the application windows listed by Reno. |
| Clark County | Social Services | Residents who need rental, utility, homeless, or other safety-net services. |
If the utility bill is part of a rent problem, also read Nevada housing help. If you are trying to free up money for bills, check Nevada child care, Nevada health care, and Nevada household items.
Phone and internet bill help
If phone or internet costs are the problem, check Lifeline. USAGov Lifeline explains that Lifeline can help low-income households with phone or internet service through participating providers.
Ask your phone or internet company for its low-income plan, school-family plan, or hardship option. If your child needs internet for school, ask the school counselor or family liaison about hotspots, device loans, or local digital access programs.
If you are denied, delayed, or overwhelmed
A denial is not always the end. It may mean missing documents, income over the limit, a bill not in the right name, or a rule you can fix.
- Ask what is missing. Request a clear list of documents, the deadline, and how to submit them.
- Keep proof. Save screenshots, fax confirmations, email receipts, and names of staff you spoke with.
- Ask about other paths. If EAP cannot help fast enough, ask 211 about churches, family resource centers, or local charity funds.
- Use work and training help. If a job loss caused the shutoff risk, check Nevada job training.
- Do not ignore court or lease papers. If utilities are tied to housing loss, seek housing or legal help quickly.
Common mistakes to avoid
- Applying only once. EAP is one path, but local help, water programs, and payment plans may also matter.
- Sending a partial bill. Agencies often need the full account page with your name, service address, account number, and amount due.
- Not telling the utility about a pledge. Ask the agency and utility how the pledge will show on your account.
- Assuming every charity has funds. Many groups run out. Ask when they reopen or who else is taking applications.
- Waiting for mail. Use email, upload, fax, or in-person drop-off if the office accepts it and time is short.
Backup options when utility aid is not enough
Sometimes the bill is too high for one program. In that case, build a plan with several smaller steps.
- Ask the utility for the lowest down payment it can accept and a written installment plan.
- Ask 211 for food help so you can use cash for the utility bill.
- Ask your child’s school, Head Start, clinic, or domestic violence advocate for local referrals if safety or child health is affected.
- Ask nonprofits whether they can help with a deposit, reconnection fee, or one bill while EAP is pending.
- Use the real grant guide to avoid fake grant promises and focus on real assistance.
Phone scripts you can use
Call the utility
“Hi, my name is ____. My account number is ____. I am a single parent and I am trying to prevent shutoff. Can you tell me the lowest payment needed today, whether I qualify for a payment plan, and where I can send proof that I applied for assistance?”
Call EAP
“Hi, I submitted or plan to submit an Energy Assistance application. I have a shutoff notice for ____ date. Can you tell me what documents are missing, whether any expedited or arrearage option may apply, and the best way to send proof today?”
Call Nevada 211
“I need utility bill help in ____ County. My bill is for electric, gas, water, or sewer, and I have a shutoff notice or past-due balance. Which agencies are taking applications right now, and can any of them make a pledge to my account?”
Call a water provider
“My water bill is unusually high and I may have had a leak. Can I request a leak review, bill adjustment, payment plan, or low-income discount? What proof do you need from me?”
Resumen en español
Si necesita ayuda con luz, gas, agua, alcantarillado, teléfono o internet en Nevada, empiece con EAP para ayuda de energía, llame a su compañía antes del corte, y marque 211 para recursos locales. EAP normalmente paga un crédito anual al proveedor, no dinero en efectivo. Para agua y alcantarillado, los programas dependen de la ciudad o del proveedor. Guarde copias de sus facturas, comprobantes de ingresos, avisos de corte y nombres de las personas con quienes habló.
FAQ
Does Nevada have LIHEAP?
Yes. Nevada’s Energy Assistance Program is the state’s LIHEAP-related energy help. It can help qualifying households with home energy costs, usually through a yearly credit paid to the provider.
Can EAP stop a shutoff?
EAP may help with the bill, but approval can take time. If shutoff is close, call the utility, ask for a payment plan or hold, and call 211 for local agencies that may make a pledge.
What if the utility bill is not in my name?
Nevada’s EAP application says you may need a written statement from the person named on the bill. The statement should authorize you to apply and include their address, phone number, and signature.
Does Nevada help with water bills?
Water and sewer help is often local. Check your city or water provider. Henderson, North Las Vegas, Reno, Las Vegas Valley Water District, Clark County, and local nonprofits may have programs for certain customers.
Can I get help with phone or internet bills?
Possibly. Lifeline is the main federal program for low-income phone or internet help. You can also ask your carrier, school, or local 211 referral line about low-cost plans or device programs.
What should I do if my application is denied?
Ask for the reason in writing, what documents are missing, and whether you can submit proof or reapply. Also ask 211 and local agencies about other funds while you fix the issue.
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; last updated 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.