First month US housing setup — full checklist for new immigrants

First month US housing setup — full checklist for new immigrants

Overview

Complete first-month checklist: utilities, internet, mobile, renters insurance, mail forwarding, USPS box, bank account, DMV state ID. Step-by-step.

What you generally need

1. Identity: ITIN/SSN/Passport/Matrícula consular
2. Proof of address: rental contract, prior utility bill, statement
3. Phone number: for emergencies
4. Bank account or credit card: for autopay (optional)
5. Deposit: varies by credit + service ($0-$500)

Step-by-step process

Step 1: Call before moving in

Ideally 1 week before to schedule start date. Some companies require in-person appointment.

Step 2: Compare options

In areas with multiple providers, compare plans and rates. Example (CA): PG&E vs Community Choice Aggregator.

Step 3: Apply

• Online (often fastest)
• By phone
• In person at local office

Step 4: Pay deposit if required

Accept check, credit card, money order. Some ITIN-friendly banks for payment.

Step 5: Schedule activation

Generally 1-3 business days. Some areas same day.

Step 6: Keep payments current

12 months on-time payments = refundable deposit.

Specific documents by state/utility

This list will vary depending on where you live. For specific utility/state:

• Call first: ask “what ID do you accept besides SSN?”
• Mention ITIN explicitly: many agents unaware of ITIN policy
• Ask for supervisor if they reject ITIN initially

Low-income assistance programs

• LIHEAP: federal energy subsidy. Apply at your state agency.
• California CARE: 20-35% discount on CA bills.
• NY HEAP: heating subsidy in NY.
• ACP (Affordable Connectivity): $30/month for internet, $75 on tribal lands.

Related information

• Bank account with ITIN
• DMV by state
• First month housing checklist

Last verified: 2026-05-25.

General procedural information for educational purposes. Not legal, tax, or immigration advice. Laws and fees change — verify with the issuing agency before taking action. For case-specific guidance, consult a licensed immigration attorney or other appropriate professional.

Related procedural information

• Consulate of your country in the US — passport renewal, consular ID, document apostille
• ITIN — file federal taxes without SSN — required regardless of immigration status
• USCIS form library — federal immigration forms (I-130, I-485, N-400, etc.)
• Find an immigration attorney — pro bono lists + AILA + BIA-recognized
• Know Your Rights — ICE encounters — constitutional protections

Utility account setup context (2025-2026)

US utility providers accept ITIN (Individual Taxpayer Identification Number) in place of SSN for account setup at virtually all major providers. The CALL Act of 2024 (proposed Federal Register rulemaking) does NOT change ITIN utility setup. Required documents typically: ITIN letter from IRS (Form W-7 approval), valid photo ID (US driver’s license, US state ID, passport, or consular ID / matrícula consular), proof of US address (recent lease, mortgage, or another utility bill within 90 days).

Deposit requirements vary: $0-$500 for electricity, $50-$300 for natural gas, $25-$150 for water, $50-$200 for internet/cable. Some utilities accept letter of credit from previous utility (transfer of credit history without SSN). The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) Equal Credit Opportunity Act prohibits utilities from denying service based solely on immigration status. Report discrimination to FTC at 1-877-FTC-HELP (1-877-382-4357) or reportfraud.ftc.gov.

LIHEAP (Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program) provides bill assistance up to $1,200/year for low-income households; eligibility typically requires income under 150-200% of Federal Poverty Level. LIHEAP does NOT require SSN — ITIN accepted. Apply through state LIHEAP office or community-action agency. Verify state contact at acf.hhs.gov/ocs/programs/liheap. Crisis assistance (heat/cooling shut-off prevention) available year-round in most states.

Major utility companies that explicitly accept ITIN nationwide: ConEdison, PG&E, Southern California Edison, Dominion Energy, Duke Energy, Florida Power & Light, Entergy, Xcel Energy. Phone companies: Verizon, AT&T, T-Mobile, Mint Mobile (ITIN works), Google Fi (ITIN works). Internet: Comcast Xfinity, Spectrum, Cox, AT&T Internet, Verizon FiOS, T-Mobile Home Internet — all accept ITIN. For account-opening disputes call the utility’s customer service or your state Public Utilities Commission (PUC).

For low-income subsidies: Lifeline (FCC) provides $9.25/month phone or internet discount for households under 135% FPL; ACP (Affordable Connectivity Program, suspended June 2024 pending Congressional refunding). Verify current subsidies at lifelinesupport.org.