Get Help Paying Your Utility Bill This Month
As summer heats up and energy demands rise, struggling to pay your utility bills can be particularly stressful. Whether you’re feeling the pinch from rising costs, reduced work hours, or other financial challenges, you’re not alone — and we’re here to help.
In this guide, we’ll explore various ways you can manage and pay your utility bills, ensuring you stay cool and comfortable without breaking the bank.
What’s considered a utility bill?
A utility bill is any type of bill that you receive on a monthly basis for services or utilities you use at your home. The most common types of utility bills include your water, gas, and electric bills.
Utilities can also include the following:
- Wi-Fi
- Cable or satellite television
- Any streaming services you subscribe to
- Trash and recycling
- Sewage
- Phone
You typically receive a bill or usage statement in the mail or via email detailing what you owe for any given service. Paying these bills on time is crucial to avoid defaulting and potential service disruptions.
Where to find utility bill assistance
Here are some ways you can get money now when you need help with utility bills:
Call the utility company
If you’re a customer in good standing, it may make sense to call your utility company. They can assess the bill for errors — which could be a possibility, especially if the bill is much higher than usual. You may also have the option to spread out the payment for the bill with a payment plan.
Either way, they may be willing to work with you and not terminate your service before you can repay them.
Check with the government
Federal and state government assistance programs are available to those who need help paying utility bill statements. Eligibility for utility bill assistance depends on factors such as income, age (some seniors may be eligible for assistance), and disability, and may vary by state and county.
One national organization to look into is the Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP). LIHEAP is a federally funded and state-administered program that was established to help with utility bills, specifically gas, water, and electric bills that families cannot afford.
Another simple way to find programs that may help with your utility bill is to call 211.
Consider a Cash Advance
If your high utility bill was a one-off and you don’t qualify for ongoing programs, a short-term personal loan might help.
A Cash Advance could help bridge the gap and ensure that service doesn’t get cut off or won’t add penalties or late fees to your account.
Or, if multiple monthly bills have piled up and you must pay or risk service being cut, an Installment Loan might make more sense. This type of loan can help you pay utility bills now with the flexibility of paying back the money over multiple installments. This means you can budget your loan repayments as you assess your energy needs.
Benefits of getting a loan when you need help paying your bills
Easy application
Emergency loans from Advance America offer a quick and easy application process. You can normally apply for these loans in just a few minutes, either in-store or online, from the comfort of your home or on the go.
Get cash quickly
If you’re approved for a loan, you can get the money you need quickly to pay your utility bills. Lenders offering same-day or fast cash loans typically have a quick approval process, so you may get an instant decision within moments of submitting your application.
At Advance America, you typically receive funds the same day you apply if you’re approved before 10:30 AM EST. Otherwise, you’ll receive it the next business day.
You don’t need good credit
If you have a fair or poor credit score, don’t worry. You could still get approved for many fast cash loans when you need help paying utility bill statements. Advance America and other lenders work with borrowers with all types of credit scores.
Tips to lower your utility bills
If you don’t want to jump straight to a loan, you can also try to find other ways to lower your utility bills. Here are a few options specific to each type of utility:
Electric bill
Electric bills are typically among the highest residential or commercial utility bills. This is especially true during the hot summer months when people are using their air conditioners.
To save money on your electric bill, consider turning your thermostat to a higher setting. You can also unplug any appliances or electronics that you aren’t using to avoid phantom load.
Although it’s a bit of an investment upfront, you should also consider upgrading your HVAC system, windows, and lights to make them more energy efficient. These upgrades are pricy, however, so be sure to wait until you’re in a better financial situation.
Gas bill
If your home uses propane or natural gas, your gas bill is another utility that can add up quickly. The easiest way to save money here is to simply use any gas-powered appliances less. This includes your stove, water heater, and furnace, among others.
Phone and internet bill
Depending on your family size, you may spend anywhere from $200 to $300 per month on your phone and internet plan. Since this cost increases with the number of people on your plan, seek out unlimited or bundle deals from providers like Verizon or T-Mobile.
Water and sewer bill
Saving money on your water and sewer bill doesn’t necessarily mean taking fewer showers, not washing your dishes, or skipping the laundry. Instead, it’s about practical actions, such as:
- Turning off the water when you’re finished using it.
- Fixing leaks or runny toilets as soon as you notice a problem.
- Waiting until you have a full load to use your dishwasher or washing machine.
- Upgrading to more energy-efficient plumbing fixtures and appliances.
Other ways to get money to pay your utility bills
1. Sell unused items
If you have any old items lying around the house that you don't use anymore, try selling them online or at a garage sale and putting the money towards your utility bills.
Maybe you have clothes in your closet that you haven't worn in years or some old electronics gathering dust in a drawer. If you don't need it anymore, odds are someone else may be willing to pay for it.
2. Get a side gig
If you need a little bit more than what you could make by selling unused items, consider a part-time job or side hustle. This extra income can help you get the money you need to cover your utility bills and other expenses. There are plenty of opportunities out there, so take some time to find something that fits your skillset and schedule.
3. Take surveys online
Countless companies pay consumers for their opinions on various products and services. While you won’t get rich by taking surveys, you may be able to make enough money to cover a utility bill or two. Just be sure to research a survey company before signing up to ensure it’s a legitimate opportunity.
4. Cancel subscriptions
Another good way to save money is to cancel subscriptions you aren’t using. Subscriptions include things like streaming services, grocery delivery services, online shopping services, and more. Even if you are using certain subscriptions that aren’t essential, consider canceling them temporarily to save money.
What happens if you can’t pay your utility bills?
If you can't pay your utility bills, you may have services disconnected. This is the last thing you want to worry about when air conditioning is a must! Service disruptions can also affect your quality of life, especially if your water, gas, or Wi-Fi are turned off.
Fortunately, there are options to help you keep the lights and AC on. Whether you decide to borrow money or arrange a payment plan, it’s vital to take action before your service is disconnected. Once disconnected, reconnection can be difficult and expensive.
Which bill payment option is right for me?
There’s no one-size-fits-all option here. The best thing to do is to contact your utility company and ask for more time to pay your bill. They may offer to push back your due date, extend your grace period, or let you make multiple payments until you’re caught up.
Once your utility company is aware of the situation and you’ve arranged a payment plan, you can figure out how to get the money you need.
Advance America can help you pay utility bills
If you need cash to pay your utility bills right away, consider applying for a loan from Advance America. Our Payday Loans, Installment Loans, and Lines of Credit can get you the funds you need to cover your expenses and stay on track.
