Use this checklist before making a decision

Find energy assistance, weatherization, rate information, shutoff protections, medical-need procedures, and practical cost-reduction steps. A checklist cannot decide an individual case, but it can prevent missed questions, missing records, and avoidable deadlines.

Decision checklist

  • Compare current and prior bills, usage, rates, fees, meter readings, and weather.
  • Contact the utility before the shutoff date and ask about payment plans, budget billing, hardship programs, and medical protections.
  • Apply for LIHEAP and weatherization through the official local agency.
  • Check heating, cooling, water heating, insulation, air leaks, filters, and appliance condition safely.
  • Protect medicines, oxygen, refrigeration, and medical equipment in an outage plan.
  • Keep confirmation numbers, applications, notices, and promised arrangements.

Information to write down

  • The exact program, provider, company, service, product, or legal document involved.
  • The person’s state, county, ZIP code, coverage, deadlines, accessibility needs, and preferred contact method.
  • Names, dates, confirmation numbers, written notices, estimates, contracts, and appeal instructions.
  • The original source used to verify each important claim.

Questions to ask

  • Which rule or program applies to this exact situation?
  • What is the deadline, and what proves that the request was received?
  • What costs are excluded from the quoted amount?
  • What changes by state, plan, provider, or household?
  • Is there an appeal, grievance, correction, or second-review process?
  • Where is the answer published by the responsible agency?

Official sources

Related information

Within this subject: Updates and Official Changes, Official Help and Trusted Starting Points, Common Mistakes and Warning Signs, State-by-State Differences.

Also review: Affordable Senior Housing and Aging in Place, Social Security, SSI, SSDI, Pensions, and Income Benefits, Emergency Preparedness and Accessible Evacuation.

Last reviewed

This checklist was reviewed on 2026-07-30. Verify current rules before acting.