What we verified in “Electricity, water and internet without an SSN”

Statements and where we checked them

The statements with rules, figures or dates, with the exact place in the source and the date we checked them.

1. In Illinois, the Commerce Commission's rules (Part 280) cover gas, electric, water and sanitary sewer utilities, and govern eligibility for service, deposits, billing, payments, refunds and disconnection.

   Sources 1 · Ill. Admin. Code tit. 83, pt. 280: 'PROCEDURES FOR GAS, ELECTRIC, WATER AND SANITARY SEWER UTILITIES GOVERNING ELIGIBILITY FOR SERVICE, DEPOSITS, BILLING, PAYMENTS, REFUNDS AND DISCONNECTION OF SERVICE' · Checked October 17, 2026

2. Under Illinois rules, a utility may require up to two forms of ID: one must be a government-issued photo ID, such as a state ID, a U.S. or foreign passport, or a consular identification document; the other can be, among others, a Social Security number, a driver's license number, a birth certificate, immigration or naturalization documents, a student ID, banking information, employment or government benefits records, or a tax ID number. You choose which second form from the list to provide, the utility may not oblige you to provide one form instead of another as long as the first is a government photo ID, and it must post all acceptable forms of ID on its website.

   Sources 1 · 83 Ill. Adm. Code 280.30(b) and (d): 'Positive identification (ID) of applicants may be required by up to two forms of ID'; 'One form shall be a government issued photo ID, including a state issued ID, U.S. or foreign government issued passport, and consular identification documents'; 'Applicants may be asked to provide one other form of identification'; 'Social Security number'; 'Driver's license number'; 'Birth certificate'; 'Immigration and/or naturalization documents'; 'Student identification'; 'Banking information'; 'Employment records'; 'Government benefits/compensation records'; 'Tax ID number'; 'The applicant shall have the opportunity to choose the second form of identification to provide'; 'The utility may not oblige an applicant to provide one form of identification in favor of another'; 'The utility shall make available on its website a full description of the utility's application process, including all forms of acceptable identification' · Checked October 17, 2026

3. Under the same rules, an Illinois utility must approve or reject your application, and notify you, within two business days after receiving all required information; a rejection must give the specific reasons; and electric, water or sewer utilities must activate service no more than four calendar days after approval, absent construction work or a later date you request.

   Sources 1 · 83 Ill. Adm. Code 280.30(i)-(j): 'Approval or rejection of the application, including notification to the applicant, shall be accomplished within two business days after the date all the required information is received from the applicant'; 'Notification shall include the specific reasons for the rejection'; 'no more than four calendar days after the approval of the application' · Checked October 17, 2026

4. In Illinois, a utility may require a deposit from an applicant only in certain cases, including a previous disconnection for nonpayment, an unpaid final bill or a credit score below the minimum of the scoring system described in the utility's tariff; the deposit notice must be in writing and explain the reason, the amount and how it is calculated; and the utility may bill one third on the first bill and the rest in equal parts over the next two.

   Sources 2 · 83 Ill. Adm. Code 280.40(b), (d) and (f): 'The utility shall have the right to require a deposit of an applicant under the following conditions'; 'The applicant was previously disconnected for non-payment'; 'The applicant failed to pay a final bill'; 'credit score fails to meet the minimum standard of the credit scoring system described in the utility's tariff'; 'The initial deposit notice shall be made in writing'; 'The reason for the deposit'; 'A utility may require payment of 1/3 of an applicable deposit by including that amount on the first bill statement'; 'The remaining 2/3 of the deposit shall be paid in equal installment amounts included on the next two bill statements' · Checked October 17, 2026

5. In Illinois, a utility shall not charge a low-income customer a deposit based on credit scoring, and credit-scoring deposits are returned when the customer is certified as low income.

   Sources 3 · 83 Ill. Adm. Code 280.45(b)(1): 'A utility shall not assess a low income customer a deposit based upon credit scoring'; 'Credit scoring deposits shall be returned to the customer upon certification as a low income customer' · Checked October 17, 2026

6. Illinois rules define a low-income customer as a residential customer who qualifies under the income criteria of the Energy Assistance Act, effective when the LIHEAP administrator notifies the utility.

   Sources 4 · 83 Ill. Adm. Code 280.20: 'means a residential customer who has qualified under the income criteria of Section 6 of the Energy Assistance Act of 1989'; 'when the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) administrator notifies the customer's utility of the customer's low income status' · Checked October 17, 2026

7. Under New York rules, a distribution utility must provide residential service to an applicant who asks orally or in writing, within five business days of receiving a completed application; an oral application is complete when you give your name, address, phone number and prior account address or number, if any; the utility may use non-discriminatory procedures to require reasonable proof of identity, and may deny service to applicants who do not provide it.

   Sources 5 · 16 NYCRR §11.3(a): 'every distribution utility shall provide residential service to an applicant upon his or her oral or written request'; 'within five business days of receipt of a completed oral or written application for service'; 'provides his or her name, address, telephone number and address of prior account (if any) or prior account number (if any)'; 'A distribution utility may establish non-discriminatory procedures to require an applicant to provide reasonable proof of the applicant's identity'; 'Service may be denied to applicants who fail to provide reasonable proof of identity' · Checked October 17, 2026

8. Under New York rules, unless the commission authorizes it, no utility may require a new residential customer to post a security deposit as a condition of service unless the customer is seasonal or short-term; it may require a deposit from a new customer who fails to provide reasonable proof of identity only after a hearing and the commission's required findings; it may not require a deposit from someone it knows receives public assistance or SSI; it may not demand or hold a deposit from someone it knows is 62 or older unless service was terminated for nonpayment in the prior six months; and where a deposit is allowed, it may not exceed twice the average monthly bill for the year (or for the heating season, for electric or gas heating customers).

   Sources 6 · 16 NYCRR §11.12(b), (d)(4), (f), (g) and (h): 'no utility shall require any new residential customer to post a security deposit as a condition of receiving utility service, unless such new customer is a seasonal or short-term customer'; 'from new residential customers who fail to provide reasonable proof of identity pursuant to section 11.3 of this Part, provided a hearing has been held'; 'No utility shall require any person it knows to be a recipient of public assistance, supplemental security income, or additional State payments, to post a security deposit'; 'No utility shall demand or hold a deposit from any new or current residential customer it knows is 62 years of age or older'; 'a reasonable amount of money not greater than twice the average monthly bill for a calendar year'; 'twice the estimated average monthly bill for the heating season' · Checked October 17, 2026

9. Under Arizona Corporation Commission rules, the minimum information a utility may obtain from a new applicant includes your name, service address and phone number, billing address if different, the address where you had service before and the date you need service; and the utility may require you to come to its office to produce proof of identity and sign its application.

   Sources 7 · Ariz. Admin. Code R14-2-203(A): 'A utility may obtain the following minimum information from each new applicant for service'; 'Name or names of applicant or applicants'; 'Service address or location and telephone number'; 'Address where service was provided previously'; 'Date applicant will be ready for service'; 'A utility may require a new applicant for service to appear at the utility's designated place of business to produce proof of identity and sign the utility's application form' · Checked October 17, 2026

10. In Arizona, a utility may not require a deposit from a new residential applicant who had comparable service with it in the past two years without more than two late payments in the last 12 months or a disconnection for nonpayment, or who produces a letter from the electric utility where they last had service stating a timely payment history; instead of a deposit, an applicant may provide a letter of guarantee from a government or nonprofit entity, or a surety bond; a residential deposit may not exceed twice the estimated average monthly bill; deposits bear interest; and they are refunded (or guarantees expire) after 12 months of service if the customer was not late more than twice.

    Sources 7 · Ariz. Admin. Code R14-2-203(B): 'A utility shall not require a deposit from a new applicant for residential service if the applicant is able to meet any of the following requirements'; 'was not delinquent in payment more than twice during the last 12 consecutive months or disconnected for nonpayment'; 'The applicant can produce a letter regarding credit or verification from an electric utility where service of a comparable nature was last received which states applicant had a timely payment history at time of service discontinuance'; 'In lieu of a deposit, a new applicant may provide a Letter of Guarantee from a governmental or non-profit entity or a surety bond as security for the utility'; 'Deposits shall be interest bearing'; 'after 12 months of service if the customer has not been delinquent more than twice in the payment of utility bills'; 'Residential customer deposits shall not exceed two times that customer's estimated average monthly bill' · Checked October 17, 2026

11. The Arizona Corporation Commission says its staff can investigate inquiries or disputes about a request for a deposit or a utility's refusal of service, but not about municipally owned utilities, cable or satellite TV, or internet service or providers.

    Sources 8 · Consumer Services: 'Staff can investigate your inquiry or dispute if it concerns'; 'A request for a deposit'; 'Refusal of service by a utility'; 'Complaints regarding municipally-owned utilities'; 'Complaints related to cable TV or satellite TV service'; 'Complaints related to internet service or providers' · Checked October 17, 2026

12. Under Texas rules, a retail electric provider (REP) may require you to establish satisfactory credit as a condition of service. With an affiliated REP or provider of last resort, you show it, for example, if you were a customer of a REP or electric utility in the prior two years without delinquency and with no more than one late payment in the last 12 months, if you have a satisfactory rating from a consumer reporting agency, if you are 65 or older with no delinquent electric account, or if you were certified as a victim of family violence; other REPs must accept at least the age and family violence criteria and may set other non-discriminatory methods. A deposit request must include these options. The REP keeps your payment history for two years to give you a credit history letter on request.

    Sources 9 · 16 Tex. Admin. Code §25.478(a): 'A retail electric provider (REP) may require a residential customer or applicant to establish and maintain satisfactory credit as a condition of providing service'; 'has been a customer of any REP or an electric utility within the two years prior to the request for electric service'; 'during the last 12 consecutive months of service was not late in paying a bill more than once'; 'possesses a satisfactory credit rating obtained through a consumer reporting agency'; 'is 65 years of age or older and the customer is not currently delinquent in payment of any electric service account'; 'has been determined to be a victim of family violence'; 'Notice of these options for customers or applicants shall be included in any written or oral notice to a customer or applicant when a deposit is requested'; 'may establish additional methods'; 'A REP shall maintain payment history information for two years after a customer's electric service has been terminated or disconnected in order to be able to provide credit history information at the request of the former customer' · Checked October 17, 2026

13. In Texas, if you cannot show satisfactory credit, the REP may require a deposit before providing service; an affiliated REP or provider of last resort must offer you a written letter of guarantee instead of a cash deposit; total deposits may not exceed the greater of one-fifth of your estimated annual billing or the sum of the estimated billings for the next two months, counting only charges disclosed in the REP's terms of service; and the REP pays interest on the deposit.

    Sources 9 · 16 Tex. Admin. Code §25.478(c), (e) and (f): 'If satisfactory credit cannot be demonstrated by a residential applicant, a REP may require the applicant to pay a deposit prior to receiving service'; 'the option of providing a written letter of guarantee'; 'instead of paying a cash deposit'; 'one-fifth of the customer's estimated annual billing'; 'the sum of the estimated billings for the next two months'; 'the estimated billings shall include only charges for electric service that are disclosed in the REP's terms of service document'; 'A REP that requires a deposit pursuant to this section shall pay interest on that deposit' · Checked October 17, 2026

14. Under Florida Public Service Commission rules, each electric utility's tariff states how the deposit is calculated; the utility may require you to establish credit, and credit is established if you provide a satisfactory guarantor (for residential customers, at least a customer of the utility with a satisfactory payment record), pay a cash deposit or provide an irrevocable bank letter of credit or a surety bond; after 23 months of continuous service with a satisfactory payment record, the utility refunds the residential deposit; and it pays at least 2 percent interest a year on deposits.

    Sources 10 · Fla. Admin. Code R. 25-6.097(1), (2), (3) and (5): 'Each utility's tariff shall state the methodology for determining the amount of the deposit charged'; 'Each utility may require an applicant for service to satisfactorily establish credit'; 'The applicant for service furnishes a satisfactory guarantor to secure payment of bills for the service requested'; 'For residential customers, a satisfactory guarantor shall, at a minimum, be a customer of the utility with a satisfactory payment record'; 'The applicant pays a cash deposit'; 'The applicant for service furnishes an irrevocable letter of credit from a bank or a surety bond'; 'has had continuous service for a period of 23 months, the utility shall refund the residential customer's deposits'; 'shall pay a minimum interest on such deposits of 2 percent per annum' · Checked October 17, 2026

15. Under New Jersey rules, a utility may require a reasonable deposit as a condition of service, calculated at two times the average monthly bill for the previous 12 months; it must apply the same credit and deposit requirements throughout its service area and post them on its website if it has one; it must tell you the deposit's interest rate; and it must give you a receipt.

    Sources 11 · N.J. Admin. Code §14:3-3.4: 'A utility may require a reasonable deposit as a condition of supplying service'; 'The amount of a deposit shall be calculated at two times the average monthly bill for the previous 12 months'; 'the utility shall apply the same credit and deposit requirements throughout the utility service area, and, if the utility maintains a website, the utility shall post these requirements on that website'; 'the utility shall inform the customer of the interest rate that applies to the deposit'; 'The utility shall furnish a receipt to each customer that makes a deposit' · Checked October 17, 2026

16. According to USAC, which administers the program, Lifeline is a federal program that lowers the monthly cost of phone or internet service; qualifying consumers can get a monthly discount of up to $9.25; only one discount is allowed per household, meaning people who live together and share income and expenses; and if you change your address you must tell your phone or internet company within 30 days.

    Sources 12 · About Lifeline: 'Lifeline is a federal program that helps lower the monthly cost of phone or internet service'; 'Qualifying consumers can get a monthly discount of up to $9.25 off the cost of their phone, internet, or bundled services'; 'Only one discount is allowed per household'; 'is a group of people who live together and share income and expenses'; 'If you change your address, no longer qualify for Lifeline, or more than one person in your household gets Lifeline, tell your phone or internet company within 30 days' · Checked October 17, 2026

17. According to USAC, you can get Lifeline if you or someone in your household participates in programs such as Medicaid, SNAP, SSI, Federal Public Housing Assistance or the Housing Choice Voucher (Section 8) program, or if your income is at or below 135% of the Federal Poverty Guidelines; and also if your child or dependent participates in a qualifying program.

    Sources 13 · How to Qualify: 'You can get Lifeline if you (or someone in your household) participate in one of these programs'; 'Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP)'; 'Federal Public Housing Assistance (FPHA)'; 'Housing Choice Voucher (HCV) Program (Section 8 Vouchers)'; 'You can get Lifeline if your income is at 135% or less than the'; 'You can also get Lifeline if your child or dependent participates in a qualifying program' · Checked October 17, 2026

18. USAC explains that the Lifeline application asks for your full name, date of birth, the last four digits of your Social Security number or your Tribal ID number, and your address (which can be temporary, such as a shelter or a relative's home); that if you qualify through a child or dependent you are also asked for their information and the last four digits of their Social Security number or Tribal ID; and that you can get help or a mailed application at (800) 234-9473.

    Sources 14 · Frequently Asked Questions, Q4, Q5 and Q11: 'You’ll be asked to share your full name, date of birth, last four digits of your Social Security Number or Tribal ID number, and home address'; 'you can use a temporary home address (such as the address of a shelter, family, or friend)'; 'If you qualify through a child or dependent, you’ll also be asked to share their full name'; '(800) 234-9473' · Checked October 17, 2026

19. The federal Lifeline rule requires the certification form to collect the last four digits of the subscriber's Social Security number, or the subscriber's Tribal identification number if the subscriber is a member of a Tribal nation and does not have a Social Security number.

    Sources 16 · 47 CFR §54.410(d): 'The last four digits of the subscriber's social security number, or the subscriber's Tribal identification number, if the subscriber is a member of a Tribal nation and does not have a social security number' · Checked October 17, 2026

20. USAC says there are three ways to apply for Lifeline: online, through a participating phone or internet company, or by mail with an application in English or Spanish; and that people who live in Oregon or Texas apply on their state's website.

    Sources 15 · How to Apply: 'Three Ways to Apply for Lifeline'; 'If you live in Oregon or Texas, visit your state website to apply'; 'Contact a participating phone or internet company for help with your application'; 'Print out an application (English or Spanish)' · Checked October 17, 2026

21. USAGov explains that the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) can help you pay heating or cooling bills or get emergency services during an energy crisis; that depending on where you live it may also help with electric bills; and that eligibility is based on income, but every state and territory sets its own requirements.

    Sources 17 · Get help with energy bills: 'can help you pay your heating or cooling bills or get emergency services during an energy crisis'; 'Depending on where you live, you may also qualify for help with electric bills'; 'Eligibility for LIHEAP is based on your income. However, every state and territory has its own requirements' · Checked October 17, 2026

22. The New York Department of Public Service explains that scammers impersonate utility companies or government agencies to steal information or money; that they often demand payment by gift card, cryptocurrency, wire transfer or payment app; that genuine utilities do not contact you to request passwords, PINs, Social Security numbers or bank details by phone or email; that some claim the federal government is providing utility bill credits and ask for Social Security numbers; that you should contact the utility using the number on your official bill or its official website; and that utilities typically send multiple disconnection notices by mail for past-due payments.

    Sources 18 · Utility Scams: 'Scammers impersonate utility companies or even government agencies to steal your personal information or money'; 'They often demand payment through gift cards, cryptocurrency, wire transfers, or payment apps'; 'Genuine utility companies do not contact you to request sensitive information like passwords, PINs, Social Security numbers, or bank details via phone or email'; 'They claim the Federal Government is providing utility bill credits and ask for Social Security numbers'; 'contact your utility provider directly using the phone number or website you already know is legitimate from your official bill or their official website'; 'Utility companies typically send multiple disconnection notices via mail for past-due payments' · Checked October 17, 2026

23. The CFPB explains that housing counselors give advice on buying a home, renting, defaults and credit, and that the agencies on its list are approved by HUD and offer independent advice, often at little or no cost.

    Sources 19 · Find a housing counselor: 'Housing counselors throughout the country can provide advice on buying a home, renting, defaults, forbearances, foreclosures, and credit issues'; 'often at little or no cost to you' · Checked October 17, 2026

24. The Legal Services Corporation (LSC), established by Congress in 1974, funds civil legal aid for low-income Americans; on its page you search by address or city for an LSC-funded legal aid organization near you.

    Sources 20 · I Need Legal Help: 'established by Congress in 1974 to provide financial support for civil legal aid to low-income Americans'; 'enter an address or city below to find an LSC-funded legal aid organization near you' · Checked October 17, 2026

25. According to the Justice Department's EOIR, the people who can represent someone before EOIR include validly licensed attorneys and accredited representatives, and EOIR publishes a list of accredited representatives and a list of recognized organizations.

    Sources 21 · Can someone represent you at EOIR?: 'Those include validly licensed attorneys and accredited representatives'; 'List of Accredited Representatives'; 'List of Recognized Organizations' · Checked October 17, 2026