The Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) is a federally funded, state-administered program that helps low-income households pay their heating and cooling bills. Each year, LIHEAP serves roughly 5–6 million households — about one in every six income-eligible families. Funds typically arrive as a one-time payment sent directly to your utility company, applied as a credit against your account.
LIHEAP is separate from the Weatherization Assistance Program, which funds permanent home energy upgrades like insulation. LIHEAP just helps you pay this winter’s heating bill or this summer’s cooling bill — but for households facing a shutoff notice or a brutal monthly statement, that immediate help can be the difference between staying warm and falling behind.
What LIHEAP Covers
LIHEAP funding can be used in four main ways, depending on your state’s program design:
- Heating assistance — the largest portion of LIHEAP funds. Pays for natural gas, electricity, heating oil, propane, kerosene, wood, or pellets used for home heating
- Cooling assistance — pays summer electric bills in states where extreme heat is a safety risk. Some states also fund free air conditioners or window units for vulnerable households
- Crisis assistance — emergency funds for households facing a shutoff or who have already lost heat. Often released in 24–48 hours for true emergencies
- Weatherization (small portion) — a fraction of LIHEAP money funds simple weatherization measures like caulking and weatherstripping. The bulk of weatherization funding comes from the separate WAP program
The amount paid varies widely by state, household size, income, energy costs, and fuel type. Typical benefits range from $200 to $700 per year, though some households facing crisis situations or high fuel costs may receive more. The funds are paid directly to your utility or fuel supplier — you don’t receive a check.
Who Qualifies
LIHEAP eligibility is based on household income, with the federal cap set at 150% of the federal poverty level or 60% of the state median income — whichever is higher. States can set lower limits, but most use the federal maximum.
For a rough sense: a single-person household generally needs to earn under about $22,000 a year, and a household of four under about $45,000, though exact figures change each year. Many states automatically qualify households already receiving SNAP, TANF, or SSI.
You qualify regardless of whether you own or rent. Renters whose heat is included in rent can still qualify, though the benefit may be smaller or paid differently. Homeless individuals living in shelters typically don’t qualify, but those at imminent risk of becoming homeless because of utility shutoff often do.
When to Apply
LIHEAP funds are limited. Most states open applications in the fall (October or November) and continue accepting them until funds are exhausted — sometimes as early as January or February in high-demand years. Apply as early in the heating season as possible.
Crisis applications are accepted year-round in most states. If you have a shutoff notice or have already been disconnected, contact your LIHEAP office immediately — don’t wait for the regular application window.
How to Apply
- Find your state’s program — every state, plus DC, all U.S. territories, and many tribal nations run their own LIHEAP. The federal LIHEAP Clearinghouse lists each state’s contact info at liheapch.acf.hhs.gov
- Call 2-1-1 — the United Way’s 2-1-1 helpline can connect you with your local LIHEAP intake agency and other utility assistance programs in your area
- Apply through your Community Action Agency — most states channel LIHEAP through local Community Action Agencies, which also screen for related programs like weatherization and food assistance
- Apply online if available — many states now have online portals. Some require an in-person interview; others handle everything by mail or phone
Bring proof of income for the last 30 days (or 12 months for some states), a recent utility bill, Social Security numbers for all household members, and proof of residency. If your heat is included in rent, bring your lease.
Other Utility Assistance Programs
LIHEAP isn’t the only utility help available. Many states have their own programs that work alongside LIHEAP, and most utility companies offer hardship assistance for customers in arrears. The Utility Assistance hub covers the broader landscape — including payment plans, percentage-of-income discounts, and shutoff protection rules in your state.
Educational only. LIHEAP eligibility, benefit amounts, and application windows vary by state and change annually. Confirm current details with your state LIHEAP office or by calling 2-1-1.