Pay with cash at popular retail locations, including Walmart, Fry’s Food Store, CVS, ACE Cash Express and several local convenience stores. To find the payment location closest to you, click either link below and search by zip code.
Use your account number Have your account number handy when making your cash payment at a participating retail location. To find the nearest location, select Account Number under Ways to Pay. ($1.75 convenience fee applies). Use your APS Cash Payment Barcode You can view and print your barcode. Then use your barcode at a participating retailer check-out lane to make your cash payment. To find the nearest location, select Barcode under Ways to Pay. ($1.75 convenience fee applies).
Discover additional retail locations near you through our third-party partner MoneyGram. There is a $1.95 convenience fee for cash payment. Find a Location
Located inside many retail stores, our kiosks provide a convenient way to pay with cash, check, money order or credit/debit card. Select locations, listed below, have no fee for cash payments. The fee for paying by card at kiosks is $2.95.
Are you struggling to keep up with your APS electric bills? Trust me you’re not alone. With rising energy costs and life’s unexpected challenges many Arizona residents find themselves needing a helping hand. The good news is that APS offers several assistance programs designed to help customers through difficult times.
I’ve put together this comprehensive guide to walk you through all the options available to you As someone who’s helped friends navigate these programs, I can tell ya these resources can make a real difference in managing your monthly expenses.
Crisis Bill Assistance: Immediate Help When You Need It Most
When unexpected financial emergencies hit, APS’s Crisis Bill Assistance can be a lifesaver. This program provides up to $1,000 per year to qualified customers facing temporary financial hardship.
Who Qualifies?
- Customers earning between 150% to 200% of the Federal Low Income Guideline
- Senior citizens on fixed incomes
- Disabled individuals facing financial difficulties
The Crisis Bill Assistance program is administered through agencies authorized by the Arizona Community Action Association (ACAA). This is a direct APS-funded program specifically designed to prevent disconnection and keep your power on especially during Arizona’s brutally hot summer months.
Energy Support Programs: Ongoing Monthly Discounts
If you’re looking for consistent, long-term help with your electric bills, APS offers two main Energy Support Programs:
1. Energy Support Program (E-3)
This program offers significant monthly discounts on your APS bill:
- Up to 25% discount for qualified customers
- Up to 60% discount based on household income level
2. Energy Support with Medical Program (E-4)
For households with critical medical needs:
- Up to 35% discount for qualified customers
- Up to 60% discount based on household income level
- Designed for homes where someone has a life-threatening illness or uses essential medical equipment
Applying for these programs is pretty straightforward. You can pick up applications at Arizona Department of Economic Security offices, local food banks, or community agencies. Or simply call APS directly at 1-800-253-9405.
Project SHARE: Salvation Army Partnership
Project SHARE (Service to Help Arizonans with Relief on Energy) is another fantastic resource offered through APS’s partnership with the Salvation Army. Qualified customers can receive up to $500 in temporary bill assistance.
To qualify for Project SHARE, you must meet one of these criteria:
- Under age 60 and experiencing special hardships/crisis
- Age 60 or older, living on fixed income and facing financial emergency
- Disabled with limited or no income source
Project SHARE funds can help pay various energy bills including:
- Electric bills
- Natural gas
- Cooling costs
- Wood and oil heating expenses
- Air conditioner repairs
Government Assistance: LIHEAP
The Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) is a federal program administered through local Community Action Agencies in Arizona. This program offers:
- One-time cash grant payments for delinquent utility bills
- Emergency assistance to prevent disconnection
- Help with utility deposits
LIHEAP is especially valuable during crisis situations when you’re faced with potential disconnection. The program is specifically designed to provide immediate relief in emergency situations.
Free Energy Conservation: Weatherization Program
Sometimes the best way to reduce your bills is to make your home more energy efficient. The APS Weatherization Program partners with community action agencies to provide FREE home improvements that can significantly lower your energy costs.
These improvements might include:
- Adding shading to sun-exposed windows
- New windows for older homes
- Testing and tuning cooling/heating equipment
- Adding floor and attic insulation
- Installing low-flow showerheads
- Air leak control measures
All these improvements are completely free for qualified low-income residents, and they can dramatically reduce your monthly energy consumption and bills.
Payment Arrangements: More Time to Pay
If you just need a little breathing room, APS offers Payment Arrangements that allow you to distribute your past-due balance over a period of up to 12 months. This can help you get caught up without the stress of paying everything at once.
Additional Support Programs
Safety Net Program
This is perfect if you live alone or might occasionally forget to pay your bills. The Safety Net Program allows you to designate a friend or family member to receive a copy of your energy bill, so they can remind you when payments are due.
Guest Roles
APS lets you assign different levels of access to trusted individuals who can help manage your account without being financially responsible for it. This is great for elderly customers who need assistance managing their accounts.
Medical Care Program
If you or someone in your household has a life-threatening illness or uses critical medical equipment, this program provides notifications to help you better prepare for potential outages.
How to Apply for APS Assistance Programs
The application process varies slightly depending on which program you’re applying for, but here are the basic steps:
- Determine which program is right for you based on your specific situation
- Gather necessary documentation (proof of income, medical documentation if applicable, identification)
- Submit your application through the appropriate channel:
- Online
- By phone: 800-253-9405
- Through local community action agencies
- At APS customer service centers
Bill Payment Tips and Strategies
While assistance programs provide valuable support, combining them with smart energy usage can maximize your savings:
- Select the “Pick a Date” option: This allows you to choose your payment due date between the 1st and 28th of the month, helping you align bills with your income schedule.
- Monitor your usage: Check your usage patterns to identify when you’re using the most electricity.
- Implement energy-saving habits: Simple changes like adjusting your thermostat, using fans, and unplugging unused devices can reduce your bill.
- Take advantage of energy efficiency programs: Look into rebates for energy-efficient appliances and equipment.
Who Can Help You Navigate APS Assistance Programs?
Finding the right assistance program can sometimes feel overwhelming. Here are some resources that can help guide you:
- APS Customer Service: Call 800-253-9405 for direct assistance
- Community Action Agencies: These local organizations specialize in connecting residents with assistance programs
- 2-1-1 Arizona: Dial 211 to connect with Arizona’s hotline for health and human services information
- The Salvation Army: Can help with Project SHARE applications and other emergency assistance
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I qualify for multiple APS assistance programs?
A: Yes! Many customers qualify for more than one program. For example, you might receive both the Energy Support discount and LIHEAP assistance.
Q: How long does it take to get approved for assistance?
A: Processing times vary, but emergency assistance can sometimes be approved within days. Regular assistance programs might take 2-4 weeks for processing.
Q: Will receiving bill assistance affect my other benefits?
A: Generally no. Energy assistance programs typically don’t count as income for other benefit programs.
Q: Do I need to reapply every year?
A: Yes, most programs require annual recertification to ensure you still meet eligibility requirements.
Q: What if my application is denied?
A: You can appeal the decision or apply for different programs. APS customer service representatives can help identify alternative options.
Take Action Today
If you’re struggling to pay your APS bills, don’t wait until you’re facing disconnection. These assistance programs exist specifically to help customers like you through difficult times.
The sooner you apply, the quicker you can receive help. Remember, APS wants to work with you to keep your power on – they offer these programs because they understand that everyone faces financial challenges sometimes.
Have you used any of these programs before? What was your experience like? Feel free to share in the comments below – your insights might help others who are in similar situations!
Pay by Phone 602-371-6555 (866-776-044
Pay with your bank account for no fee or use your debit or credit card for a $2.65 convenience fee. APS does not receive a portion of this fee.
Download Our App to Manage Payments
Our free and convenient mobile app makes it easy to pay your bill on the go via your checking or savings account, credit or debit card, PayPal, Venmo, Amazon Pay, Apple Pay or Google Pay. You can also track energy usage, keep an eye on outages and more.
