Gas Shut Off Assistance: How to Stop a Natural Gas Shutoff or Get Service Turned Back On

Gas shut off assistance to ask for first

1. Read the notice: note the amount needed to avoid shutoff and the date.
2. Call the gas company the same day and ask for a payment plan.
3. Apply for LIHEAP crisis help and tell the agency your shutoff date.
4. Dial 211 for charity and hardship fund help.
5. Tell the gas company that assistance is pending, and ask them to hold the shutoff.

How LIHEAP crisis help works

The Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program sets aside money for energy crises such as shutoff notices or service already disconnected. Agencies must provide some form of help within 48 hours of a complete crisis application, or 18 hours in a life-threatening situation, which can be a payment, a pledge to the utility, or a call to stop the shutoff. Income limits are set by each state, up to 150% of the poverty line or 60% of state median income. Bring the shutoff notice, ID, and income proof.

What the gas company can do to stop a shutoff

• Payment arrangements: pay part now and the rest over months.
• Medical certificate: a doctor’s note can delay shutoff for a period, often 30 days or more, in many states.
• Budget billing: even out payments across the year.
• Hardship fund referrals: many gas utilities fund grants run by charities.
• Low-income rates: some states require discounted rates.

Shutoff protections that might apply

Many states limit or ban gas shutoffs during winter months or on very cold days, and some protect older adults, people with disabilities, and households with infants. Protections pause shutoffs but do not erase the debt. Your state utility commission enforces these rules and takes complaints. See our cold weather rule guide.

What if my gas is already off?

Call the gas company to ask the reconnection amount, which may include past-due charges, a reconnection fee, and sometimes a deposit. Apply for LIHEAP crisis help, which can pay to restore service, and ask charities through 211. In cold weather, use warming centers and stay with family or friends if your home becomes unsafe.

Staying safe without gas or after it returns

• Never use a gas oven, grill, or generator to heat your home.
• Use space heaters only with safety shutoffs, plugged directly into the wall.
• When service is restored, let the gas company technician relight pilot lights.
• If you smell gas, leave right away and call the gas company or 911 from outside.
• Keep working carbon monoxide alarms.

When you rent and gas is in your landlord’s name

If your landlord pays the gas and fails to, many states give tenants rights to keep service on, such as paying the utility directly and deducting it from rent. Contact your state utility commission and legal aid right away.

Mistakes that make shutoffs more likely

• Waiting until the shutoff day to call.
• Missing a payment-plan installment.
• Not applying for LIHEAP early in the heating season.
• Paying scammers who call pretending to be the gas company.

Who to contact

Key terms explained

Reconnection fee

A charge to restore service after a shutoff.

Medical certificate

A doctor’s note that can delay shutoff.

Winter moratorium

A period when shutoffs are limited because of cold weather.

Extra protection for older adults

Many states add shutoff protections for older adults and people with disabilities, and LIHEAP often gives them priority. Ask your gas company whether you can register as a protected customer.

Keeping a payment plan on track

Agree only to a plan you can afford, pay each installment on time, and keep paying your current bill. If your situation changes, call the gas company before you miss a payment and ask to adjust the plan.

Will I have to pay a deposit to restore service?

Some gas companies require a deposit after a shutoff. Ask whether it can be waived or spread out, and ask LIHEAP or charities to help.

What to do today, step by step

1. Call the gas company about a plan and a hold.
2. Apply for LIHEAP crisis help.
3. Get a medical certificate if it applies.
4. Dial 211 for charity help.
5. Apply for SNAP; utility costs raise benefits. Estimate it with our SNAP calculator.

For more specifics, see our guides on 211 gas assistance and gas disconnection notice help.

Related guides

• LIHEAP gas assistance
• Churches that help pay gas bills
• Gas bill assistance for seniors
• Free blankets for low-income families

Frequently asked questions

This guide is general information. Shutoff rules vary by state. National Relief Program is an independent website and is not affiliated with any utility. If you smell gas, leave and call 911.