Utility Assistance for Single Mothers in Tennessee

Where to start

Quick reference

Tennessee LIHEAP

The Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program helps eligible Tennessee households with home heating and cooling costs. The Tennessee Housing Development Agency oversees the program, and 19 local agencies serve all 95 counties.

Start with the official Tennessee LIHEAP page. The local agency decides how to accept applications and verifies household income, household size, energy costs, and other required information.

Current benefit range

For the 2025-2026 program year, the published benefit matrix ranges from $174 to $750. The amount depends on household energy burden and the program category. It is not a guaranteed payment, and local funds can run out.

Current income limits

Tennessee uses 60% of State Median Income for the current LIHEAP year. The table below shows the published maximum annual gross income by household size.

The agency generally reviews current income from the 30 days before the application. Ask how irregular work, self-employment, child support, unemployment, or zero income should be documented.

How to apply

1. Find the agency serving your county through the THDA program page.
2. Ask whether applications are online, by mail, by drop box, or by appointment.
3. Submit the application and every requested document.
4. Keep a copy, confirmation number, or delivery receipt.
5. Call the utility and explain that an application is pending.

The official LIHEAP forms page includes applications and common verification forms in English and Spanish.

Processing times

Current state procedures call for action on a complete regular application within 30 business days. A qualifying crisis application should be handled within 48 hours, or within 18 hours for a life-threatening crisis. These timeframes begin after the agency has enough information to make a decision.

If an application is incomplete, the agency may allow 15 business days to provide missing information. Ask for the missing-item list and deadline in writing.

Shutoff policies and complaint routes

Tennessee does not use one statewide cutoff rule for every electric, gas, water, or sewer provider. State law requires each utility governing body to establish a nonpayment cutoff policy. Ask your provider for its written policy, notice requirements, payment-plan rules, medical procedures, and reconnection charges.

If the provider makes a mistake, first request a billing review or supervisor. Keep the bill, cutoff notice, meter information, payment receipts, and names of representatives.

TPUC’s Consumer Services Division lists 615-741-2904 and 800-342-8359 for regulated-utility questions. TVA’s complaint line lists 888-289-8409 after a customer has tried to resolve the issue with the local power company.

Local and utility-company help

Utility assistance is often local. Ask the company about budget billing, a payment arrangement, customer-donation funds, due-date changes, energy audits, and nonprofit partners.

Availability changes during the year. Ask for more than one referral and note whether the agency needs a cutoff notice, account in your name, recent income proof, or a minimum customer payment.

Water and sewer bill help

The federal Low Income Household Water Assistance Program no longer has funding for household benefits. The official LIHWAP page confirms that current benefits are unavailable.

Water help may still come from the local utility, city, Community Action agency, 211, or a nonprofit partner. Ask about a hardship fund, payment agreement, leak adjustment, customer donation program, or reduced-rate option.

• Tennessee American Water: Review water assistance programs and ask 211 about Project Water Help.
• Nashville: Use Metro Water assistance for payment and protection options.
• Other cities: Call the billing office and ask which local agency receives hardship referrals.

If water or sewer charges are included in rent, use the Tennessee housing guide before taking action that could affect your lease.

Weatherization can lower future bills

Tennessee’s Weatherization Assistance Program helps eligible households reduce energy use and address some health and safety concerns. Approved work may include an energy audit, air sealing, duct sealing, insulation, and other cost-effective improvements.

Use the official weatherization program page and apply through the local provider. Families with young children, older adults, people with disabilities, and high energy burdens may receive priority, but waiting lists are common.

Weatherization does not pay a past-due balance. Renters may apply, although landlord permission may be required. If you are worried about retaliation or repairs, use the Tennessee legal guide before risking your housing.

Phone and internet help

Lifeline can reduce the monthly cost of phone, internet, or bundled service for eligible households. The current federal benefit is up to $9.25 per month for internet or bundled service and up to $5.25 for voice-only service. A higher benefit may apply on qualifying Tribal lands.

Use Lifeline Support to apply and find participating companies. Only one Lifeline benefit is allowed per household.

The Affordable Connectivity Program ended in 2024. Avoid websites that promise a new ACP payment or charge a fee to enroll. The phone and internet guide covers Lifeline and other lower-cost options.

Documents and information to gather

You can ask for help before every document is ready. Start the call and ask what other proof is accepted. The documents checklist can help you build one folder.

Related help that may free money for utilities

Utility assistance may not cover the full balance. Other benefits can lower the rest of the household budget. Check the Tennessee SNAP guide, Tennessee TANF guide, Tennessee child care, and Tennessee WIC guide.

For local nonprofits, use the Tennessee community guide. If illness or disability is increasing energy use, check the Tennessee health guide for coverage and care options.