As a new school year began with millions of American children learning remotely at home, requests to 2-1-1s for internet assistance rose 40% in September. Utility payment assistance needs also rose sharply, with requests for heating fuel (+29%), utility payment plans (26%), water (+22%) and gas (+14%) all among the top 10 in percentage increase (see chart, in blue).
September’s fastest rising needs: Internet access, utility bills
![](https://hcrl.wustl.edu/files/2020/10/All-one-graph-e1601602055913-350x233.png)