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If you’re a veteran struggling to keep up with rising utility costs, you’re not alone. Whether it’s air conditioning in the summer or heating in the winter, utility bills can quickly become overwhelming — especially for disabled veterans on a fixed income.
The good news: Several federal, state, and nonprofit programs offer utility assistance for veterans, helping to cover essentials like electricity, heat, and water, so you can focus on your health and stability.
In this guide, we’ll break down six trusted programs that provide disabled veteran utility assistance, how to qualify, and where to apply.
Table of Contents
Summary of Key Points
- There are federal, state, and local organizations that offer help with utilities for veterans — some are specifically designed for veterans, while others are open to everyone.
- Grant applications usually require proof of your veteran status, household income documentation, as well as a sample budget and how you plan to adjust your budget after you’ve received the assistance. Be sure to have the proper documentation when you’re applying.
- These programs offer temporary financial assistance, but many of the organizations also provide support for future financial stability.
6 Programs Offering Utility Assistance for Veterans
From VA-funded grants to nationwide nonprofits, there are multiple ways for veterans to get help with utility bills. The programs below offer direct financial support, emergency aid, and connections to resources for long-term stability. Knowing which options you qualify for is the first step to lowering your monthly expenses.
1. Veterans Inc.
Veterans Inc. was founded in 1990 by a group of Vietnam veterans who were dismayed by seeing their brothers-in-arms living on the streets. Since then, it has expanded to offer employment and health services.
Eligible veterans and veteran families can apply for the Supportive Services for Veteran Families Program (SSVF), which is offered in all six New England states, as well as Montana and North Dakota.
SSVF Services Include:
- Healthcare referrals
- Daily living service referrals
- Budgeting and money management
- Benefits assistance and advocacy
- Case management
- Housing counseling and assistance
Financial Assistance For:
- Rent
- Utilities
- Moving expenses
- Security deposit
- Transportation
- Childcare
- Emergency supplies
- Legal Services
There are three eligibility requirements:
- You must be a single veteran or have a family in which you or your spouse is a veteran
- Your income cannot exceed 50% of your area’s median income
- You must either already be in permanent housing and are trying to avoid eviction OR you are homeless but are scheduled to move into permanent housing within 90 days
To apply for services, visit the Veterans Inc. website or call 800-482-2565 (within New England) / 877-424-3838 (outside of New England).
2. Supportive Services for Veteran Families (SSVF)
The SSVF grant was launched by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs in 2012 in response to rising veteran homelessness.
While the primary focus is on veterans who are homeless or in danger of losing their homes, the SSVF also offers temporary financial assistance that provides utility bill assistance for veterans as well as other household expenses.
Eligibility Requirements
Eligibility for the VA’s SSVF grant is based on:
- Veteran status
- Housing status
- Income
- Degree of need
For more information, you can locate an SSVF provider, call the National Call Center for Homeless Veterans at 877-424-3838, or call the Veterans Crisis Line at 988 (or 800-273-8255, press 1).
3. Operation Homefront Critical Financial Assistance Program
Operation Homefront is a nonprofit organization established in 2002 to provide support and resources to veterans and veterans’ families. According to its website, Operation Homefront has donated “over $46 million … in relief through the Critical Financial Assistance program with over 57,000 requests fulfilled.”
If you’re a veteran seeking utility assistance, the organization’s Critical Financial Assistance Program may be able to help. This program is designed as a short-term bridge to assist veterans and veterans’ families during times of financial strain.
The application process is straightforward and takes about 30 days, broken into three 10-day stages. Eligibility and assistance guidelines are specific and depend on whether you’re a wounded veteran, deployed service member, or seeking general assistance.
For more information, visit the Operation Homefront website or call 877-264-3968.
4. Grants to Provide Stability (GPS)
The Disabled Veterans National Foundation (DVNF) offers a ton of great services to support veterans, but the one that’s most likely to help with utilities for veterans is the GPS program.
For veterans experiencing a temporary financial hardship, DVNF may provide up to $1,000 to pay rent, mortgage, or essential household utilities.
Applications are open on a monthly basis, and each veteran can only be approved once per fiscal year.
Application Requirements
- A completed copy of the application form and other required materials.
- Your Form DD-214; if unavailable, other state-issued proof of service may be accepted.
- A cover letter explaining your hardship, a plan to continue services after support is rendered, and the amount of the request.
- A copy of the bill(s) for payment.
- A completed budget sheet detailing your current situation and how budget issues will be addressed in the future.
5. American Legion Temporary Financial Assistance
The American Legion’s Temporary Financial Assistance program is designed to assist the minor children of veterans or service members. The grant is intended to provide shelter, food, health, and utilities assistance for veterans’ families.
Applications are handled by local posts or state headquarters, and payments of up to $2,500 may be awarded if eligibility conditions are met.
Contact your local American Legion post for more information.
6. Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP)
Although not specifically targeted at veterans, LIHEAP is a federally funded program that provides utility assistance to low-income households.
Depending on where you live, the grant could help provide low-income civilians and veterans with cooling and heating assistance, weatherization, low-cost home energy equipment repairs or replacements, and/or crisis or disaster assistance.
Eligibility is based on income and household size; the Eligibility Tool will help you determine if you qualify. For more information, call 866-674-6327 or email [email protected].
Other Ways For Veterans to Get Help with Utility Bills
If you’ve already applied for national or nonprofit programs and still need help, there are a few additional places to turn.
Begin by contacting your local VA medical center or county Veterans Service Office (VSO). These offices often maintain up-to-date lists of state and city-level utility assistance programs, including grants, emergency aid, and seasonal energy funds specifically for veterans and low-income families.
Many utility companies also run hardship or “energy relief” programs that offer payment plans or one-time bill credits to qualifying veterans. Don’t hesitate to call your provider and ask if they have disabled veteran utility assistance options available.
Finally, local nonprofits and faith-based organizations can sometimes step in with short-term support to help you keep the lights on while you get back on your feet.
Additional Blog Resources
7 Legit Ways to Get Extra Money as a Veteran
Qualifying for the VA HISA Grant (Up to $6,800)
Grants for Veterans with PTSD
30 High-Value Benefits for Disabled Veterans
Conclusion
We’ve all found ourselves in a situation where we needed to ask for help. If you’re a veteran in need of assistance with paying your utility bills, you’re not alone. These six organizations are there to help you get back on your feet and find stability in your finances and other areas of your life. It takes strength to ask for help. You’ve got this.
FAQs | Frequently Asked Questions
Does the VA assist veterans with utility bills?
Yes. The Department of Veterans Affairs launched the Supportive Services for Veteran Families (SSVF) in 2012 in response to rising veteran homelessness. SSVF can provide temporary financial assistance for rent, utilities, and other household expenses. Eligibility is determined by your income, housing status, and veteran status. For more information, you can locate an SSVF provider, call the National Call Center for Homeless Veterans at 877-424-3838, or call the Veterans Crisis Line at 988 (or 800-273-8255, press 1).
Do utility companies give military discounts?
Some local utility companies offer military or veteran discounts; however, these vary significantly by region. Contact your provider directly to ask about veteran-specific discounts or flexible payment options.
Are there national programs that cover energy bills for veterans?
Yes. Programs like LIHEAP (Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program) provide federal support for low-income households, including those of veterans. While not exclusive to veterans, these funds can help with heating, cooling, and weatherization costs.
What documents do I need to apply for utility assistance?Â
Most programs require proof of veteran status (e.g., DD-214), recent utility bills, household income documentation, and sometimes a short budget plan showing how you’ll maintain services after assistance. Always check the specific program requirements before applying.
Can I apply for more than one utility assistance program at a time?
In many cases, yes. Veterans can receive support from both veteran-specific programs (like SSVF or Veterans Inc.) and broader programs (like LIHEAP). However, most organizations limit the number of applications you can submit within a year.
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About the Author – Katie McCarthy
Katie McCarthy is a writer and editor with experience in daily news and digital and print magazine publishing. She honed her editorial (and firearms) skills at Guns & Ammo before helping launch Black Rifle Coffee Company’s Coffee or Die Magazine as the managing editor. She holds degrees in English (BA) and public administration (MPA). Katie is a military spouse and word nerd who enjoys reading, hiking, camping, gardening, and spending time with her family.
