Don’t be a victim of identity theft or scams. Dollar Energy Fund will never ask you to make a payment over the phone, or ask for your credit card information, your bank account number, or a bank routing number in order to receive assistance from our programs. If you experience a call where this information is requested, hang up immediately. You can contact Dollar Energy Fund directly through our customer contact center hotline at 1-888-282-6816.
Marina Coast Water District’s Customer Assistance & Relief for Essential Services(CARES), administered by Dollar Energy Fund, assists eligible utility customers by providing an annual grant that is applied directly to their utility bill, distributed as monthly credits. MCWD is committed to supporting the community by providing financial assistance to limited-income customers. MCWD’s mission is rooted in dignity, compassion, and service. MCWD strives to provide households facing financial challenges with the support that they need to keep safe, reliable water flowing at home. Program guidelines and eligibility requirements are subject to change.
The MCWD CARES program runs from July 1 through June 30 and provides customers with the opportunity to enroll during two periods: May–June and November–December.
Enrollment in the MCWD CARES program requires that the customer have active service with MCWD and that the customer does not have a past-due utility balance (greater than 30 days).
Grants are dispersed on a first come, first serve basis to eligible applicants while funding is available.
Maximum Grant
May–June enrollment: Customers may receive up to $250, distributed as a monthly credit of $20.83 over 12 months (beginning in July)
November–December enrollment: Customers may receive up to $125, distributed as a monthly credit of $20.83 over 6 months (beginning in January)
Customers may only have one active grant during the program year. Customers must reapply annually during an open enrollment period to continue receiving assistance.
If a customer’s utility service is off or in threat of termination when they apply and the maximum grant amount will not restore service or stop termination, the application will be denied. The amount needed to restore service or stop a termination is determined by utility review. Notification will be sent to the customer advising them that their application was denied and that an additional payment is required in order to be enrolled in the program.
Additional Guidelines
Name on account must be that of an adult who is currently living in the home.
Account must be residential, single home or apartment. No commercial, industrial, or apartments with shared utility service.
All applicants must provide verification of income.
Grants cannot be used to cover security deposits or reconnection fees.
Income Guidelines
Total gross household income for customers of all other utility companies must be at or below 200% of the Federal Poverty Income Guidelines. Use our Income Calculator, or the chart below, to find out if your gross (before tax) income is within the range of eligibility for the program.
Household Size
200% Monthly
200% Yearly
1
$2,660
$31,920
2
$3,607
$43,280
3
$4,553
$54,640
4
$5,500
$66,000
5
$6,447
$77,360
6
$7,393
$88,720
7
$8,340
$100,080
8
$9,287
$111,440
Each add’l add
$947
$11,360
West Virginia American Water customers who have a total household income of $30,120 or less, regardless of the number of people in the household, may be eligible for a reduced monthly rate on their water and/or wastewater bills.
The West Virginia Hope Gas Low-Income Discount Program is a discount program designed to provide monthly financial assistance for residential gas customers. Program guidelines and eligibility requirements are subject to change.
Program Benefit
Eligible applicants receive a 25% discount on their total current monthly charges. You’ll see the discount reflected on your bill within 1-2 billing cycles after enrollment. In addition, you may be eligible for arrearage assistance.
Eligibility Requirements
Applicant must be a residential gas customer of Hope Gas.
Service must be active; terminated accounts are ineligible.
Once enrolled, customers will be required to recertify their household member and income information on an annual basis to remain enrolled in the program.
Total gross household income must be at or below 200% of the Federal Poverty Income Guidelines. Use our Income Calculator, or the chart below, to find out if your gross (before tax) income is within the range of eligibility for the program. Household income should be calculated using the before tax amount for all household members, including minors.
Household Size
200% Monthly
200% Yearly
1
$2,660
$31,920
2
$3,607
$43,280
3
$4,553
$54,640
4
$5,500
$66,000
5
$6,447
$77,360
6
$7,393
$88,720
7
$8,340
$100,080
8
$9,287
$111,440
Each add’l add
$947
$11,360
California American Water’s Hardship Program provides one-time assistance grants to customers that are applied directly to their utility bill. Program guidelines and eligibility requirements are subject to change.
Program Dates
Open from November 3, 2025, through September 30, 2026, for services that are off or in threat of termination.
Grants are dispersed on a first come, first serve basis to eligible applicants while funding is available.
Balance Requirement
Applicants must have an outstanding balance on their utility bill of at least $100.
Maximum Grant
The maximum grant amount an applicant may receive is $750.
Applicants can only receive one grant per utility, per program year. (10/1/2025 – 9/30/2026)
Grant awards are based on need and each family’s circumstances are different. Grant amounts are determined on a case-to-case basis.
If a customer’s utility service is off or in threat of termination when they apply and the maximum grant amount will not restore service or stop termination, the application will be denied. The amount needed to restore service or stop a termination is determined by utility review. Notification will be sent to the customer advising them that their application was denied and that an additional payment is required in order to be considered for assistance.
Additional Guidelines
Account must be residential, single home or apartment. No “cooking only”, commercial, industrial, or apartments with shared utility service.
Name on account must be that of an adult who is currently living in the home.
Income Guidelines
Total gross household income must be at or below 250% of the Federal Poverty Income Guidelines. Use our Income Calculator, or the chart below, to find out if your gross (before tax) income is within the range of eligibility for the program.
Household Size
250% Monthly
250% Yearly
1
$3,325
$39,900
2
$4,508
$54,100
3
$5,692
$68,300
4
$6,875
$82,500
5
$8,058
$96,700
6
$9,242
$110,900
7
$10,425
$125,100
8
$11,608
$139,300
Each add’l add
$1,183
$14,200
The Aqua Aid Program provides one-time assistance grants to Aqua PA customers that are applied directly to their utility bill. Program guidelines and eligibility requirements are subject to change.
Program Dates
Open from November 3, 2025, through September 30, 2026, for services that are off or in threat of termination.
Customers who are experiencing a leak may be eligible for assistance regardless of service status. To qualify for leak repair assistance, you must be enrolled in CAP. If you are already enrolled in CAP, you can apply for the Leak Repair Program by calling the Aqua Assistance team at 412-208-6818 to begin the enrollment process. You may also qualify for a grant to assist with a high balance as a result of the leak.
Grants are dispersed on a first come, first serve basis to eligible applicants while funding is available.
Maximum Grant
The maximum grant amount an applicant may receive is $500.
Applicants can only receive one grant per utility, per program year. (10/1/2025 – 9/30/2026)
Grant awards are based on need and each family’s circumstances are different. Grant amounts are determined on a case-to-case basis.
If a customer’s utility service is off or in threat of termination when they apply and the maximum grant amount will not restore service or stop termination, the application will be denied. The amount needed to restore service or stop a termination is determined by utility review. Notification will be sent to the customer advising them that their application was denied and that an additional payment is required in order to be considered for assistance.
Additional Guidelines
Account must be residential, single home or apartment. No “cooking only,” commercial, industrial, or apartments with shared utility service.
Name on account must be that of an adult who is currently living in the home.
Income Guidelines
Total gross household income must be at or below 200% of the Federal Poverty Income Guidelines. Use our Income Calculator, or the chart below, to find out if your gross (before tax) income is within the range of eligibility for the program.
Household Size
200% Monthly
200% Yearly
1
$2,660
$31,920
2
$3,607
$43,280
3
$4,553
$54,640
4
$5,500
$66,000
5
$6,447
$77,360
6
$7,393
$88,720
7
$8,340
$100,080
8
$9,287
$111,440
Each add’l add
$947
$11,360
Pennsylvania Gas & Electric Energy Aid is a bill payment assistance program using donated funds to support Pennsylvania utility customers in crisis. Customers may be eligible to receive funds that are applied directly to their utility bill. This program is designed to provide assistance above and beyond what is available through federal, state and other programs. Program guidelines and eligibility requirements are subject to change.
Program Dates
Open from October 1, 2025, through September 30, 2026, for services that are past due, under threat of disconnection, or already disconnected. You do not need a disconnect notice to qualify.
Funds are dispersed on a first come, first serve basis to eligible applicants while funding is available.
Funds are dispersed on a first come, first serve basis to eligible applicants while funding is available.
Partnering utility companies:
Columbia Gas
National Fuel Gas
PECO
Peoples Natural Gas
UGI Utilities
Proof of Emergency Situation
Individuals eligible for assistance are those who are experiencing an acute financial crisis due to a verifiable emergency and who have exhausted alternative resources. Emergency situations generally include:
Job loss
Inability to work due to illness or injury Medical expenses
Utility service termination or threat of termination. You do not need a disconnect notice to qualify.
Other extenuating circumstances that will endanger a vulnerable adult or child
Maximum Grant
The maximum grant amount an applicant may receive is $350.
Applicants can only receive one grant per utility, per program year. (10/1/2025 – 9/30/2026)
Grant awards are based on need and each family’s circumstances are different. Grant amounts are determined on a case-to-case basis.
If a customer’s utility service is off or in threat of termination when they apply and the maximum grant amount will not restore service or stop termination, the application will be denied. The amount needed to restore service or stop a termination is determined by utility review. Notification will be sent to the customer advising them that their application was denied and that an additional payment is required in order to be considered for assistance.
Additional Guidelines
Account must be residential, single home or apartment. No “cooking only”, commercial, industrial, or apartments with shared utility service.
Name on account must be that of an adult who is currently living in the home.
Dollar Energy Fund grants cannot be used to cover security deposits or reconnection fees.
Income Guidelines
Total gross household income must be at or below 400% of the Federal Poverty Income Guidelines. Use our Income Calculator, or the chart below, to find out if your gross (before tax) income is within the range of eligibility for the program.
Household Size
400% Monthly
400% Yearly
1
$5,320
$63,840
2
$7,213
$86,560
3
$9,107
$109,280
4
$11,000
$132,000
5
$12,893
$154,720
6
$14,787
$177,440
7
$16,680
$200,160
8
$18,573
$222,880
Each add’l add
$1,893
$22,720
Massachusetts Gas & Electric Energy Aid is a bill payment assistance program that uses donated funds to help Massachusetts utility customers in critical situations. Customers may qualify to receive funds, which are applied directly to their bill. This program aims to provide assistance beyond the options available through federal and state programs, among others. Program guidelines and eligibility requirements are subject to change.
Program Dates
Open from October 1, 2025, through September 30, 2026, for services that are past due, under threat of disconnection, or already disconnected. You do not need a disconnect notice to qualify.
Funds are dispersed on a first come, first serve basis to eligible applicants while funding is available.
Funds are dispersed on a first come, first serve basis to eligible applicants while funding is available.
Partnering utility companies:
Eversource Energy
National Grid
Proof of Emergency Situation
Individuals eligible for assistance are those who are experiencing an acute financial crisis due to a verifiable emergency and who have exhausted alternative resources. Emergency situations generally include:
Job loss
Inability to work due to illness or injury Medical expenses
Utility service termination or threat of termination. You do not need a disconnect notice to qualify.
Other extenuating circumstances that will endanger a vulnerable adult or child
Maximum Grant
The maximum grant amount an applicant may receive is $350.
Applicants can only receive one grant per utility, per program year. (10/1/2025 – 9/30/2026)
Grant awards are based on need and each family’s circumstances are different. Grant amounts are determined on a case-to-case basis.
If a customer’s utility service is off or in threat of termination when they apply and the maximum grant amount will not restore service or stop termination, the application will be denied. The amount needed to restore service or stop a termination is determined by utility review. Notification will be sent to the customer advising them that their application was denied and that an additional payment is required in order to be considered for assistance.
Additional Guidelines
Account must be residential, single home or apartment. No “cooking only”, commercial, industrial, or apartments with shared utility service.
Name on account must be that of an adult who is currently living in the home.
Dollar Energy Fund grants cannot be used to cover security deposits or reconnection fees.
Income Guidelines
Total gross household income must be at or below 400% of the Federal Poverty Income Guidelines. Use our Income Calculator, or the chart below, to find out if your gross (before tax) income is within the range of eligibility for the program.
Household Size
400% Monthly
400% Yearly
1
$5,320
$63,840
2
$7,213
$86,560
3
$9,107
$109,280
4
$11,000
$132,000
5
$12,893
$154,720
6
$14,787
$177,440
7
$16,680
$200,160
8
$18,573
$222,880
Each add’l add
$1,893
$22,720
Illinois Gas & Electric Energy Aid is a bill payment assistance program using donated funds to support Illinois customers in crisis. Customers may be eligible to receive funds that are applied directly to their utility bill. This program is designed to provide assistance above and beyond what is available through federal, state and other programs. Program guidelines and eligibility requirements are subject to change.
Program Dates
Open from October 1, 2025, through September 30, 2026, for services that are past due, under threat of disconnection, or already disconnected. You do not need a disconnect notice to qualify.
Funds are dispersed on a first come, first serve basis to eligible applicants while funding is available.
Funds are dispersed on a first come, first serve basis to eligible applicants while funding is available.
Partnering utility companies:
Nicor Gas
North Shore Gas
Peoples Gas Light & Coke
Proof of Emergency Situation
Individuals eligible for assistance are those who are experiencing an acute financial crisis due to a verifiable emergency and who have exhausted alternative resources. Emergency situations generally include:
Job loss
Inability to work due to illness or injury Medical expenses
Utility service termination or threat of termination. You do not need a disconnect notice to qualify.
Other extenuating circumstances that will endanger a vulnerable adult or child
Maximum Grant
The maximum grant amount an applicant may receive is $350.
Applicants can only receive one grant per utility, per program year. (10/1/2025 – 9/30/2026)
Grant awards are based on need and each family’s circumstances are different. Grant amounts are determined on a case-to-case basis.
If a customer’s utility service is off or in threat of termination when they apply and the maximum grant amount will not restore service or stop termination, the application will be denied. The amount needed to restore service or stop a termination is determined by utility review. Notification will be sent to the customer advising them that their application was denied and that an additional payment is required in order to be considered for assistance.
Additional Guidelines
Account must be residential, single home or apartment. No “cooking only”, commercial, industrial, or apartments with shared utility service.
Name on account must be that of an adult who is currently living in the home.
Dollar Energy Fund grants cannot be used to cover security deposits or reconnection fees.
Income Guidelines
Total gross household income must be at or below 400% of the Federal Poverty Income Guidelines. Use our Income Calculator, or the chart below, to find out if your gross (before tax) income is within the range of eligibility for the program.
Household Size
400% Monthly
400% Yearly
1
$5,320
$63,840
2
$7,213
$86,560
3
$9,107
$109,280
4
$11,000
$132,000
5
$12,893
$154,720
6
$14,787
$177,440
7
$16,680
$200,160
8
$18,573
$222,880
Each add’l add
$1,893
$22,720
Homefield Energy Aid is a bill payment assistance program using donated funds to support Ameren customers in Illinois who are in crisis. Customers may be eligible to receive funds that are applied directly to their utility bill. This program is designed to provide assistance above and beyond what is available through federal, state and other programs. Program guidelines and eligibility requirements are subject to change.
Program Dates
Open from October 1, 2025, through September 30, 2026, for services that are past due, under threat of disconnection, or already disconnected. You do not need a disconnect notice to qualify.
Funds are dispersed on a first come, first serve basis to eligible applicants while funding is available.
Funds are dispersed on a first come, first serve basis to eligible applicants while funding is available.
Partnering utility companies:
Ameren
Proof of Emergency Situation
Individuals eligible for assistance are those who are experiencing an acute financial crisis due to a verifiable emergency and who have exhausted alternative resources. Emergency situations generally include:
Job loss
Inability to work due to illness or injury Medical expenses
Utility service termination or threat of termination. You do not need a disconnect notice to qualify.
Other extenuating circumstances that will endanger a vulnerable adult or child
Maximum Grant
The maximum grant amount an applicant may receive is $350.
Applicants can only receive one grant per utility, per program year. (10/1/2025 – 9/30/2026)
Grant awards are based on need and each family’s circumstances are different. Grant amounts are determined on a case-to-case basis.
If a customer’s utility service is off or in threat of termination when they apply and the maximum grant amount will not restore service or stop termination, the application will be denied. The amount needed to restore service or stop a termination is determined by utility review. Notification will be sent to the customer advising them that their application was denied and that an additional payment is required in order to be considered for assistance.
Additional Guidelines
Account must be residential, single home or apartment. No “cooking only”, commercial, industrial, or apartments with shared utility service.
Name on account must be that of an adult who is currently living in the home.
Dollar Energy Fund grants cannot be used to cover security deposits or reconnection fees.
Income Guidelines
Total gross household income must be at or below 400% of the Federal Poverty Income Guidelines. Use our Income Calculator, or the chart below, to find out if your gross (before tax) income is within the range of eligibility for the program.
Household Size
400% Monthly
400% Yearly
1
$5,320
$63,840
2
$7,213
$86,560
3
$9,107
$109,280
4
$11,000
$132,000
5
$12,893
$154,720
6
$14,787
$177,440
7
$16,680
$200,160
8
$18,573
$222,880
Each add’l add
$1,893
$22,720
The Aqua Illinois Customer Assistance Program (CAP) is a discount program designed to provide monthly financial assistance for residential water and/or wastewater customers. Program guidelines and eligibility requirements are subject to change.
Eligibility Requirements
Applicant must be a residential water and/or wastewater customer of Aqua Illinois.
Once enrolled, customers will be required to recertify their household member and income information on an annual basis to remain enrolled in the program.
Total gross household income must be at or below 150% of the Federal Poverty Income Guidelines. Use our Income Calculator, or the chart below, to find out if your gross (before tax) income is within the range of eligibility for the program. Household income should be calculated using the before tax amount for all household members, excluding minors.
Household Size
150% Monthly
150% Yearly
1
$1,995
$23,940
2
$2,705
$32,460
3
$3,415
$40,980
4
$4,125
$49,500
5
$4,835
$58,020
6
$5,545
$66,540
7
$6,255
$75,060
8
$6,965
$83,580
Each add’l add
$710
$8,520
Program Benefit
Eligible applicants receive a 70% discount on their monthly volumetric charge (all usage).
