Dollar Energy Fund opened its 2026-27 Hardship Program October 1 for households experiencing a utility termination or pending termination. Its September 30 announcement says grants go directly to utility accounts to maintain or restore gas, electric, water or wastewater service. This is bill assistance, not cash for unrelated expenses.
Applications are first-come, first-served through September 30, 2027, while funds remain. The nonprofit operates across eighteen states, but not every customer or utility in each state participates. Income limits and maximum awards vary by utility.
The new program year introduces MyApp Connect, an online platform intended to use one application and set of income documents across participating utility programs. In-person community-agency help remains. The organization tells people facing a crisis to start with their utility provider.
Some utilities require a recent effort to pay or an outstanding balance, and applicants may need to seek state or federal help first. Do not assume an application erases arrears or pauses a shutoff. Ask the utility what happens to the termination date during review. The account, participating provider and available funding decide the outcome.