Bankruptcy can help you catch up your utilities if you are behind. Utilities owed through the day of the bankruptcy are included in the bankruptcy. Utility Service incurred after the date of filing are not part of the bankruptcy. You must maintain your ongoing utility service. You are responsible for paying the ongoing utility services after you have filed your bankruptcy. You must let your lawyer know if you are behind on your utilities before you sign and file your bankruptcy petition.
Individuals who file chapter 7 and are behind on their Utilities will have to pay a security deposit to the utility company.
Individual who file Chapter 13 and are behind on their Utility service have the deposit posted by the Chapter 13 trustee.
If your utilities are shut off at the time you file you can get them turned back on after you file. Often you will have to pay a charge for turning the utility on and a deposit.
Cable TV, internet and cell phones are not considered utilities for bankruptcy purposes