Bill Season Planner

Pick a bill and a month. We'll list a few things people often ask about around that time. This is general information. It is not a promise that any plan or program will be open to you, and the dates where you live may be different.

Worth asking about

Electric or gas

October, November and December

• Winter shutoff rules in your state: when they start, and what they cover. Each state picks its own dates. Find your state's utility commission on the NARUC list
• When your utility lets you start budget billing, and when it does its yearly review. Ask your utility. Your state's commission is on the NARUC list of commissions.
• When your state's energy aid program starts taking applications for heating help. Federal LIHEAP page, with where to apply

January and February

• If a winter bill is past due, ask about a payment plan before the balance grows. Each state sets its own terms. State utility commissions on the NARUC site
• If someone in the home is seriously ill, ask what your utility needs for a medical letter. State utility commissions on the NARUC site

March, April and May

• Ask when winter shutoff protection ends in your state, so you can plan your payments around that date. Find your state's commission on the NARUC list
• Ask whether your utility has an arrears plan for old balances. State utility commissions on the NARUC site

June, July, August and September

• Some states also limit shutoffs during heat waves. Ask your state's commission. Find your state's commission on the NARUC list
• Some state energy aid programs help with cooling bills too. Federal LIHEAP page, with where to apply

Water or sewer

Any month

• If one bill was much higher than usual, ask your water company about a leak adjustment. Keep the repair receipt. Ask at the office named on your bill.
• Ask whether your city or water district has a payment plan or a hardship program. Ask at the office named on your bill.

Phone or internet

Any month

• Lifeline, the FCC's monthly discount on phone or internet service. You can apply at any time of year. The FCC's Lifeline page
• If you already have Lifeline, watch your mail for the yearly check, so your discount doesn't lapse. LifelineSupport.org, where the Universal Service Administrative Company handles yearly checks

Property tax

Any month

• Filing windows for exemptions, freezes and other relief differ by county and state. Ask your county assessor when this year's window opens and closes. USAGov: state and local tax agencies
• Some local programs look at age, health or income. If one of those changed for you this year, ask whether you need to file a new form. USAGov: state and local tax agencies

How the planner works, and its limits

The planner gives the same general list to everyone who picks the same two things. It doesn't know your state, your income or your bill. Pressing "Show my list" stores two picks only: the bill and the month. See our privacy page for more.