Low Income

Alabama LIHEAP Energy Assistance: How Low Income Households Can Get 200 to 1,000 Dollars for Power Bills

Keeping the lights on should not be a luxury, and choosing between groceries and air conditioning is not a “budgeting problem” — it is a crisis.

Amount: Benefit amounts $200-$1,000 based on income, fuel type, and emergency status Deadline: Winter intake opens Dec 1; summer cooling opens June 1; applications accepted while funds last Location: Alabama

Arkansas Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP)

Helps low-income Arkansas households pay heating and cooling bills through seasonal grants, crisis aid, and weatherization support.

Type: Benefit Amount: $150–$1,500 per season depending on fuel type, household size, income, and crisis status Deadline: Regular assistance: typically January–April and July–September; crisis assistance available year-round while funds last Location: Arkansas

Austin Energy Customer Assistance Program (CAP)

Provides monthly utility bill discounts, fee waivers, and energy efficiency upgrades for income-eligible Austin residents.

Type: Benefit Amount: $25-$120 monthly electric discount plus water, wastewater, drainage, and solid waste fee reductions Deadline: Apply anytime; annual recertification Location: Texas and Austin

California Alternate Rates for Energy (CARE) Discount

Reduces electric and natural gas bills for eligible households served by investor-owned utilities in California.

Type: Benefit Amount: At least 30% off electricity and 20% off natural gas usage charges; higher discounts for high-energy-burden households Deadline: Apply anytime; recertify every 2 years (4 years for seniors and permanently disabled customers) Location: California

California CalWORKs

California Work Opportunity and Responsibility to Kids (CalWORKs) provides cash aid and services to eligible families with children.

Type: Benefit Amount: Up to $1,000+ monthly depending on family size Deadline: Rolling Location: United States - California

California LifeLine Telephone Service Program

Statewide discount on home and mobile phone service for eligible low-income households in California.

Type: Benefit Amount: $7.25 monthly federal Lifeline discount plus $14.85 state supplement; additional connection and service discounts Deadline: Apply within 30 days of receiving your California LifeLine application form Location: California

Child Care and Development Fund Subsidy

Helps low- and moderate-income families pay for child care so parents can work, train, or attend school.

Type: Benefit Amount: Varies; typically covers 50%–100% of approved child care costs with sliding co-pays Deadline: Ongoing Location: United States

Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) | Internal Revenue Service

The Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) is a refundable federal tax credit for low- and moderate-income workers and families.

Amount: Up to $7,830 for tax year 2024 (families with three or more qualifying children) Deadline: Apr 15, 2025 Location: United States

Free and Reduced-Price School Meals

Provides nutritious breakfasts and lunches at low or no cost for eligible K-12 students through the National School Lunch and School Breakfast Programs.

Amount: Value varies; full-price meals waived or reduced to $0.40 for lunch and $0.30 for breakfast Deadline: annual application (varies by district) Location: United States

Free Home Energy Upgrades for Low-Income Households: A Practical Guide to the DOE Weatherization Assistance Program

If your utility bills keep climbing no matter how many sweaters you wear at home, this program is worth your full attention. The U.S.

Type: Benefit Amount: Average $8,000-$14,000 in home energy upgrades, depending on state and dwelling assessment Deadline: Ongoing Location: United States