Last updated: May 20, 2026
Bottom line
If you are a single mother in Tennessee and your electric, gas, water, propane, wood, or internet bill is too high, start with your local LIHEAP agency, 211, and your utility company. Tennessee LIHEAP is not only for single mothers, but single-parent households may qualify if income, household size, bill status, and local funding rules fit.
The main statewide energy program is Tennessee LIHEAP. It is handled through local agencies that serve all Tennessee counties. It can help with heating and cooling costs when funds are available. The help usually goes to the utility company, not to you as cash.
If your bill is due now, do not wait for an application to be approved. Call the utility company, ask for a payment arrangement, and then contact Tennessee 211 for nearby agencies that may have emergency funds.
Urgent help if you have a shutoff notice
Take action the same day you get a shutoff notice. Help is often limited, and agencies may need documents before they can move your case.
- Call your utility company and ask for a payment plan, extension, hardship program, or medical hold if someone in the home uses needed medical equipment.
- Ask if your account has to be in your name before an agency can pay it.
- Apply for LIHEAP or crisis help through your county’s local agency. If you do not know the agency, 211 can help you find it.
- If the bill or shutoff is wrong, start with the utility company. If that does not work, ask the TPUC complaint help office whether that utility is regulated by TPUC.
- If your issue is with a local government water, sewer, or gas utility, the Comptroller utility help page explains where some complaints may go.
Where to start
Start with the problem in front of you. A shutoff notice needs a faster path than a high bill that is not past due yet.
I have a shutoff notice
Call the utility company first. Ask for a hold, extension, or payment plan. Then call 211 and apply for crisis help through your local LIHEAP agency.
I am behind but not shut off
Apply for LIHEAP, ask the utility about a payment plan, and look for nonprofit help before the account reaches shutoff status.
My bill is always high
Ask about weatherization, budget billing, usage reviews, and home energy programs. A one-time bill payment may not fix the next bill.
I need other help too
Use the Tennessee help guide for other benefits that may free up cash for utilities.
Quick reference table
| Need | Best first step | What to ask | Reality check |
|---|---|---|---|
| Electric or gas bill | Local LIHEAP agency | Ask if regular or crisis LIHEAP is open. | Help is one-time and depends on funding. |
| Shutoff notice | Utility company and 211 | Ask for a hold while you apply for help. | A pending application may not stop shutoff by itself. |
| Water or sewer bill | Utility and local agencies | Ask for hardship funds, payment plans, or nonprofit help. | The federal water program is no longer funded. |
| Very high monthly bill | Weatherization provider | Ask if you can apply for energy-saving repairs. | Repairs can take time and may need landlord consent. |
| Phone or internet | FCC Lifeline | Ask if you qualify by income or benefit status. | The old ACP internet discount ended in 2024. |
Tennessee LIHEAP
LIHEAP stands for Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program. In Tennessee, LIHEAP is run through the Tennessee Housing Development Agency and local agencies. It helps eligible households with home energy costs, such as heating and cooling bills, when money is available.
LIHEAP is usually the first program to try if you are behind on an electric, gas, propane, kerosene, coal, or wood bill. It is not a cash grant that you spend yourself. In many cases, the approved payment goes directly to the utility or fuel provider.
Who may qualify
Eligibility is based on household income, household size, energy burden, and local program rules. A single mother can apply if she is responsible for the home energy bill or can show the bill is part of her housing costs. Some agencies may give priority to households with young children, older adults, people with disabilities, a shutoff notice, or unsafe heating or cooling conditions.
Rules can change by program year. Your local agency is the source that can confirm the current income limit, benefit amount, application method, and whether crisis funds are available.
How to apply
- Find the agency that serves your county. 211 can help, or you can start with the THDA LIHEAP page.
- Ask if applications are online, by mail, by drop box, or by appointment.
- Gather the documents listed by the agency before you submit.
- Keep your confirmation number, email, or copy of the application.
- Call the utility company and tell them you applied. Ask what else is needed to prevent shutoff.
Important LIHEAP reality check
LIHEAP may not cover the whole bill. It may not be fast enough to stop a shutoff if you apply late. It may also close or pause if funds run low. Treat LIHEAP as one part of your plan, not the only step.
Local and utility programs
Tennessee utility help is very local. Your best option can depend on your county, your utility company, and the exact type of bill. The Community Compass tool and the TDHS resource list can help you look beyond LIHEAP for nearby food, housing, utility, and community support.
For a broader benefits plan, use ASMOM’s utility help guide, emergency help, and community support pages.
| Area or provider | Where to check | What it may help with |
|---|---|---|
| Davidson County and Nashville | NES energy help, NES Helps, NeedLink Nashville, and Metro Action | Payment arrangements, Project Help, LIHEAP, and local emergency assistance. |
| Memphis and Shelby County | MLGW assistance and Shelby County CSA | LIHEAP, payment plans, Plus-1, On Track, budget billing, and other MLGW options. |
| Knoxville and Knox County | Knox CAC | Utility assistance, LIHEAP, and other community support referrals. |
| Other Tennessee counties | Dial 211 or contact your local Community Action agency. | County-based LIHEAP, referrals, food help, rent help, and local funds. |
Weatherization and lower bills
If your utility bill is high every month, ask about the Weatherization program. Weatherization is different from bill payment help. It tries to lower energy use by making the home safer and more efficient.
Weatherization may include an energy check, air sealing, insulation, heating or cooling safety work, or other approved repairs. The exact work depends on the home, program rules, funding, and health and safety limits.
Renters may be able to apply in some areas, but the landlord may need to agree before work can be done. If you rent, ask the agency what forms the landlord must sign. If you are worried about asking the landlord, review your options with legal help before you risk your housing.
Weatherization is not a quick shutoff fix. It is best for families who can wait for inspection and scheduling. Still, it can help reduce the bill that keeps coming back each month.
Water, phone, and internet help
Water and sewer bills
The federal Low Income Household Water Assistance Program helped with water and wastewater bills during the pandemic period, but the federal LIHWAP notice says funding is no longer available and households cannot receive LIHWAP benefits at this time.
That does not mean there is no water help. Call your water provider and ask about a payment plan, leak adjustment, hardship fund, or local charity partner. Then call 211 and ask for water bill assistance in your ZIP code. In some cities, the help may come from a local nonprofit, Community Action agency, faith-based group, or utility customer donation fund.
Phone and internet bills
The FCC Lifeline program can lower the cost of phone, internet, or bundled service for eligible low-income households through participating companies. You may qualify by income or by taking part in certain public benefit programs.
Be careful with websites still advertising the old Affordable Connectivity Program. The FCC’s ACP end notice says the ACP monthly internet discount ended on June 1, 2024. If a site asks for money to get ACP, treat it as a warning sign.
For Tennessee-specific computer and internet support, see ASMOM’s technology help guide.
Documents checklist
Each agency can ask for different proof. Do not send original papers unless the agency tells you to. Keep copies or photos of everything you submit.
| Document | Why it matters | Tip |
|---|---|---|
| Photo ID | Shows who is applying. | Ask what to do if your ID is expired or missing. |
| Social Security numbers | Often needed for household members. | Ask about rules for newborns or missing cards. |
| Current utility bill | Shows account name, address, and amount owed. | Include every page, not only the first page. |
| Shutoff notice | May be required for crisis help. | Send the notice with the shutoff date visible. |
| Proof of income | Shows whether the household meets limits. | Include wages, child support, benefits, and zero-income forms if required. |
| Lease or housing proof | Shows where you live and whether utilities are included. | Renters should ask what proof is accepted. |
Common mistakes to avoid
- Waiting until the last day. Apply early, but also call the utility company the same day.
- Submitting a bill in someone else’s name without asking. Some programs need extra proof if the account is not in your name.
- Assuming 211 pays bills. 211 usually gives referrals. The payment comes from an agency, charity, or program.
- Missing agency calls. Save the agency phone number and check voicemail, text, and email.
- Using old ACP links. The federal ACP internet discount has ended, but Lifeline may still help.
What to do if you are denied, delayed, or ignored
If your application is denied, ask for the reason in writing. The problem may be a missing document, income proof, account-name issue, duplicate application, or closed funding period. If the agency says you can fix it, ask for the deadline and the exact document needed.
If you do not hear back, call or email with your application date, full name, county, utility account number, and shutoff date. Keep notes of who you spoke with and what they said.
If the bill is wrong, ask the utility for a billing review. If the utility is regulated by the Tennessee Public Utility Commission, TPUC may be able to mediate a complaint after you try to resolve it with the company. Not every utility is regulated by TPUC, so ask where your complaint belongs.
If the utility issue connects to eviction, unsafe housing, domestic violence, or a landlord refusing to make repairs, contact legal aid. Do not withhold rent or break a lease based only on a utility problem without legal advice.
Backup options if utility funds are not enough
Sometimes the fastest way to protect the lights is to reduce pressure elsewhere in the budget. This does not mean the bill is your fault. It means one program may not cover everything.
- Apply for SNAP in Tennessee if food costs are making the utility bill impossible.
- Check Families First guide if you have children and very low income.
- Use child care help if work or school is blocked by child care costs.
- Apply for WIC in Tennessee if you are pregnant, postpartum, breastfeeding, or caring for a child under 5.
- Look at housing help if rent is causing the utility crisis.
- Check rural help if you live outside a metro area and have fewer local agencies nearby.
Phone scripts
Calling the utility company
“Hi, my name is [name]. I am calling about account [number]. I have a shutoff notice for [date], and I am applying for assistance. Can you tell me if I qualify for a payment arrangement, extension, hardship program, or hold while my application is reviewed?”
Calling 211
“Hi, I am a single mother in [county], Tennessee. I need help with [electric/gas/water/propane]. I have [a shutoff notice/a past-due bill/a disconnected service]. Can you give me agencies helping with utility bills in my ZIP code today?”
Calling the LIHEAP agency
“Hi, I need to apply for LIHEAP or crisis energy help. My county is [county], and my utility company is [company]. What documents do you need, and can I apply online, by mail, or in person?”
Calling about a wrong bill
“Hi, I believe my bill is wrong because [short reason]. Can you open a billing review, pause collection while it is reviewed, and send me the result in writing?”
Resumen en español
Si necesita ayuda para pagar la luz, gas, agua, propane o internet en Tennessee, empiece con tres pasos: llame a la compañía de servicios, llame al 211 y solicite LIHEAP con la agencia de su condado. LIHEAP puede ayudar con gastos de energía, pero depende de las reglas y fondos disponibles.
Si tiene aviso de corte, actúe el mismo día. Pida un plan de pago o extensión. Guarde copias de su factura, aviso de corte, identificación, comprobantes de ingreso y solicitud. Para internet o teléfono, revise Lifeline. El programa federal ACP ya terminó.
FAQ
Can single mothers get utility assistance in Tennessee?
Yes, single mothers can apply for utility assistance in Tennessee if they meet the program rules. Most programs are based on household income, bill status, county, and funding. They are not only for single mothers.
What is the main utility assistance program in Tennessee?
The main statewide energy bill program is LIHEAP. It can help eligible households with heating and cooling costs when funds are available. Local agencies process applications for Tennessee counties.
Can LIHEAP stop a shutoff?
It may help, but do not assume it will stop a shutoff by itself. Call your utility company right away to ask for a hold, extension, or payment plan while your application is reviewed.
Is there water bill help in Tennessee?
The federal LIHWAP water program is no longer funded. Some water help may still be available through local utilities, Community Action agencies, 211 referrals, churches, or nonprofit funds.
Can I get internet bill help?
You may be able to use FCC Lifeline for a phone, internet, or bundled service discount if you qualify. The Affordable Connectivity Program ended on June 1, 2024.
What should I do if my utility bill is wrong?
Ask the utility company for a billing review and keep written proof. If the issue is not fixed, ask whether your utility is regulated by the Tennessee Public Utility Commission or another office.
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.
Disclaimer: This article is for general information only. It is not legal, financial, medical, tax, immigration, disability, safety, or government-agency advice.