Gas Assistance for Disabled People: Help With Gas Bills and Getting to Medical Care

Two kinds of gas assistance for disabled people

People use the word “gas” for two different costs, and the programs are separate. Knowing which one you need saves time.

• Home gas: natural gas or propane for heat, hot water, and cooking. Help comes from LIHEAP, weatherization, utility programs, and charities. This is the larger set of programs, and most of this guide covers it.
• Car fuel and travel: gasoline or rides to get to the doctor, dialysis, therapy, or the pharmacy. Help comes mainly from Medicaid transportation, public transit paratransit, VA travel pay for veterans, and local gas vouchers.

Many people with disabilities need both. You can apply for home energy help and medical travel help at the same time.

LIHEAP help with heating bills

The Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program is a federal program run by each state. It can help pay heating and cooling bills, respond to energy crises like shutoff notices, and in some states pay for weatherization or furnace repair. LIHEAP does not give grants directly to individuals from Washington. You apply through your state or a local community action agency.

Income limits are set by each state. Federal rules let states go up to 150% of the federal poverty guidelines or 60% of state median income, whichever is greater. For crisis help, agencies must provide some form of help within 48 hours of a complete application, or 18 hours if the situation is life-threatening.

Why disability matters for LIHEAP

The LIHEAP law asks states to reach out to eligible households, especially those with older adults or people with disabilities. Many state plans name people with disabilities as a priority group. Some states open applications early for these households, take applications by phone, or offer home visits for people who cannot travel. The federal LIHEAP fact sheet reports that 2.1 million households served in fiscal year 2024 included an individual with a disability.

When you apply, say clearly that someone in the home has a disability. Ask whether your state offers a larger benefit, an earlier application window, or a home visit. For more on the application itself, see our LIHEAP gas assistance guide.

How SSI and SSDI fit in

If you get Supplemental Security Income (SSI), two rules help you:

• Automatic eligibility in many states: federal law lets states treat a household as income-eligible for LIHEAP if a member gets SSI, SNAP, TANF, or certain needs-based veterans benefits. Not every state does this the same way. The LIHEAP Clearinghouse categorical eligibility list shows state approaches.
• It does not cut your SSI check: Social Security’s rules say LIHEAP home energy payments are excluded from income and resources for SSI. Some other energy help from utilities or nonprofits is also excluded when the state certifies it.

Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) works differently. SSDI is not a means-tested program, so it does not make you automatically eligible for LIHEAP. Your SSDI payment counts as income when the agency checks your income limit. Many SSDI households still qualify because their benefit is below the state limit. Bring your award letter so the agency can count it correctly.

Lowering gas bills with free weatherization

The Department of Energy’s Weatherization Assistance Program makes free energy upgrades for eligible homeowners and renters. Work can include insulation, sealing drafts, and repairing or replacing an unsafe or inefficient furnace. Lower energy use means smaller gas bills every month, not just one time.

• Income: generally at or below 200% of the poverty guidelines; some states use 60% of state median income.
• SSI: households that receive SSI are considered eligible.
• Priority: older adults and families with one or more members with a disability are served first, along with families with children and high-energy-cost homes.
• Renters: you can apply, but your landlord must give permission before work starts.

Most areas have a waiting list, so apply early. See our weatherization assistance guide for how the process works.

Protections from your gas company

Gas utilities are regulated by your state utility commission, and protections differ by state. Ask your gas company about each of these:

• Medical certificate: in many states, a doctor’s note can delay a shutoff for a set period when someone in the home has a serious medical condition.
• Protected customer status: some utilities let households with a disabled or older member register for extra notice before any shutoff.
• Payment plans and budget billing: these spread costs across months so winter bills are easier to handle.
• Hardship funds: many gas companies fund grants run by local charities.
• Low-income rates: some states require discounted rates for qualifying customers.

A medical certificate pauses a shutoff, but it does not erase the debt. Use the time to apply for LIHEAP and set up a plan. If a shutoff notice has already arrived, our gas shut off assistance guide walks through the steps.

Using SNAP deductions to free up money

SNAP food benefits are not gas assistance, but the rules for disabled members can raise your benefit, which leaves more money for bills. According to the USDA SNAP eligibility page:

Ask your SNAP office whether travel to medical care counts toward your medical deduction, and keep mileage logs and receipts. You can estimate your benefit with our SNAP calculator.

Fuel and rides to medical appointments

If “gas” for you means fuel for the car, these are the main places to look.

Medicaid non-emergency medical transportation

Medicaid must arrange rides to covered medical care for enrollees who have no other way to get there. This is called non-emergency medical transportation (NEMT). According to MACPAC, the federal Medicaid advisory commission, rides can be by taxi, bus, or van, and states can pay mileage when you, a family member, or a friend drives a personal car. States set their own rules. Some require approval before the trip, some limit the number of trips, and some charge a small copay. Call the member services number on your Medicaid card or your state’s transportation broker, and book as early as you can.

ADA paratransit

Public transit systems with fixed bus routes must offer paratransit for riders whose disability keeps them from using the regular bus. Under federal rules, service covers trips within three-quarters of a mile of a bus route, rides can be booked the day before, and the fare cannot be more than twice the regular full fare. Apply through your local transit agency.

VA travel pay for veterans

Veterans who travel to VA care may be able to get mileage reimbursement if they have a VA disability rating of 30% or higher, are traveling for a service-connected condition, get a VA pension, or meet income rules. File within 30 days of each appointment.

Local gas vouchers

Some charities, churches, and community action agencies give gas cards or vouchers for medical trips or job searches. Funding is small and changes often. Dial 211 and ask for “transportation assistance” or “gas vouchers.” Our guides to transportation services for disabled adults and gas vouchers near me list more options.

Programs compared at a glance

Papers to gather before you apply

• Photo ID and Social Security numbers for household members
• Proof of income, such as SSI or SSDI award letters, pay stubs, or pension statements
• A recent gas bill and any shutoff notice
• Proof of disability if asked, such as an award letter or a doctor’s statement
• Your lease or proof of address
• For travel help: your Medicaid card, appointment details, and mileage records

If you cannot get to an office, ask whether you can apply by phone, by mail, or through someone you trust as an authorized representative.

If you are turned down

Ask for the reason in writing. Many programs let you appeal or reapply, and a missing paper is the most common problem. LIHEAP funds can run low late in the season, so if you were told funds ran out, ask to be put on a list for the next round and ask about crisis funds. Keep asking about other help too, including charities through 211 and your gas company’s hardship fund.

What to do this week

1. Call 1-866-674-6327 or your community action agency to apply for LIHEAP.
2. Ask about weatherization at the same agency.
3. Call your gas company about medical certificates, protected status, and payment plans.
4. Report medical costs to SNAP to raise your food benefit.
5. Call your Medicaid plan about rides or mileage to appointments.
6. Dial 211 for local gas vouchers and charity help.

Related guides

• Government grants for disabled people
• Grants for low-income families with disabilities
• Catholic Charities gas vouchers
• Gas bill assistance for veterans

Frequently asked questions

This guide is general information. Program rules vary by state and change over time. National Relief Program is an independent website and is not affiliated with any government agency or utility.