Can't Pay Your Energy Bill? These Federal and State Programs May Help You Keep the Lights On
If your energy bill has become unmanageable — or you've already received a shutoff notice — the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) is the first federal program worth looking into. Administered by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) and delivered through state and local agencies, LIHEAP may help eligible low-income households cover heating and cooling costs, and in some states, it also offers crisis assistance for households facing imminent utility disconnection. Benefit amounts vary by household size and income, and program availability depends heavily on where you live and when you apply.
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Why Timing Your Application Is Critical
LIHEAP is not a year-round open enrollment program. Funding is allocated to states in annual federal appropriations, and once a state's funds are exhausted, new applications are typically closed until the next program year. This makes applying as early as possible within your state's open window one of the most important things you can do.
Heating Season Most states open their LIHEAP heating assistance application windows in October or November, with some opening as early as September. The heating season typically runs through March or April, but high-demand states can exhaust funds well before then. If you live in a cold-weather state and your heating bills are already climbing, don't wait until December.
Cooling Season LIHEAP cooling assistance windows are shorter and less universally available. Many states offer cooling assistance from June through August, and some states do not offer cooling benefits at all. If you're in a hot-climate state — such as Texas, Arizona, Florida, or Georgia — check with your local Community Action Agency as soon as temperatures begin rising.
Crisis and Emergency Assistance Many states also have a LIHEAP Crisis Assistance component, which is separate from the regular heating/cooling benefit. This is specifically for households facing an imminent shutoff, a broken heating or cooling system, or a dangerous home energy situation. Crisis funds are often available outside the standard seasonal window, but they are typically even more limited. If you have a shutoff notice in hand, ask specifically about crisis assistance when you call.
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Who May Be Eligible for LIHEAP
LIHEAP eligibility is determined at the state level, but federal guidelines set a ceiling: households must generally have income at or below 150% of the Federal Poverty Level (FPL). Some states set their threshold lower (at 110% or 125% FPL), while others have received waivers to serve households up to 60% of the state median income — whichever is higher.
Factors that may affect eligibility include:
- Household income (all sources, for all members)
- Household size
- Type of energy used (electric, natural gas, propane, heating oil, wood)
- Whether you rent or own your home
- Whether energy costs are included in your rent (some programs still allow renters to apply)
- Presence of a young child, elderly member, or person with a disability — these households are often prioritized
Households receiving SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program), SSI (Supplemental Security Income), or certain other federal benefits may be automatically income-eligible in some states — ask your local agency about this when you call.
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How to Apply for LIHEAP
LIHEAP is not applied for directly through the federal government. Applications go through state-designated agencies, which are often:
- Community Action Agencies (CAAs) — local nonprofits that administer LIHEAP in most counties
- State Department of Social Services or Human Services
- Tribal organizations (for eligible tribal members)
Step 1: Find Your Local Agency The fastest way to locate your state's LIHEAP contact is through the National Energy Assistance Referral (NEAR) hotline: 1-866-674-6327 (toll-free). You can also search by state on the HHS LIHEAP website or through Benefits.gov.
Step 2: Gather Your Documents Having these ready before you call or visit will speed up your application:
- Proof of income for all household members (pay stubs, Social Security award letters, unemployment documentation — typically covering the past 30 days or the prior year, depending on your state)
- Most recent utility bill (or account number if you don't have the bill)
- Proof of address (utility bill, lease, or official mail)
- Photo ID for the applicant
- Social Security numbers for all household members
- Proof of citizenship or eligible immigration status (requirements vary by state)
- Heating fuel type and vendor information if you use deliverable fuel (propane, heating oil, wood)
Step 3: Submit Your Application Depending on your state and local agency, you may be able to apply: - In person at a Community Action Agency office - By mail using a paper application - Online through your state's benefits portal - By phone in some states
Ask about expedited processing if you have a shutoff notice — many agencies have a fast-track process for crisis situations.
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Other Programs That May Help With Energy Costs
LIHEAP is the largest federal program, but it's not the only option worth exploring.
Utility Company Assistance Programs Many electric and gas utilities operate their own low-income assistance programs, sometimes called: - Budget Billing or Levelized Payment Plans — spreads your annual energy cost into equal monthly payments - Low-Income Rate Discounts — reduced rates for qualifying customers - Arrearage Management Programs (AMPs) — forgive past-due balances over time if you stay current - Shutoff Protection Programs — some utilities are prohibited from disconnecting service during extreme weather (rules vary by state)
Call the customer service number on your utility bill and ask specifically: "Do you have a low-income assistance program or a payment plan for customers facing hardship?" Many people don't know these programs exist because utilities don't always advertise them prominently.
Weatherization Assistance Program (WAP) Administered by the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE), the Weatherization Assistance Program may help eligible low-income households reduce energy costs long-term by improving home insulation, sealing air leaks, and upgrading heating and cooling systems. WAP is not a bill payment program — it's a home improvement program — but it can significantly reduce what you owe on future bills. Income eligibility is generally at or below 200% FPL. Applications go through the same local Community Action Agencies that administer LIHEAP.
State-Specific Programs Many states have their own energy assistance programs that operate independently of or alongside LIHEAP. Examples include: - New York's Home Energy Assistance Program (HEAP) - California's Energy Savings Assistance Program - Illinois Home Weatherization Assistance Program (IHWAP)
Your state's Department of Human Services or Public Utilities Commission website is the best place to find state-specific programs.
211 Helpline If you're not sure where to start, dial 2-1-1 from any phone. The 211 helpline connects you to local social services, including energy assistance programs, food banks, and emergency financial help. It's free, confidential, and available in most areas 24/7.
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What to Do If You've Already Received a Shutoff Notice
A shutoff notice does not mean your power or heat will be disconnected today — but it does mean you need to act quickly. Here's a prioritized action list:
- Call your utility company immediately. Explain your situation and ask about payment arrangements, arrearage forgiveness, or any hardship programs. Utilities often prefer a payment plan over the cost of disconnection.
- Call your local Community Action Agency and ask specifically about LIHEAP Crisis Assistance. Mention the shutoff notice — this may qualify you for expedited processing.
- Dial 2-1-1 to find any additional local emergency energy funds, which are sometimes available through churches, nonprofits, or local government.
- Check your state's shutoff protection rules. Many states prohibit utility shutoffs during extreme cold or heat, or require advance notice periods. Your state's Public Utilities Commission website will have this information.
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People Also Ask
How do I apply for LIHEAP energy assistance? LIHEAP applications are submitted through state or local agencies — not the federal government directly. Most people apply through their county's Community Action Agency. You can find your local agency by calling the National Energy Assistance Referral (NEAR) hotline at 1-866-674-6327 or searching through Benefits.gov. Have proof of income, a recent utility bill, and household identification ready before you apply.
What income level qualifies for LIHEAP? LIHEAP eligibility is set by each state, but federal guidelines generally allow states to serve households with income at or below 150% of the Federal Poverty Level (FPL). Some states use 60% of state median income if that figure is higher. Households with elderly members, young children, or people with disabilities are often prioritized even within eligible income ranges.
Can I get help with my energy bill if I rent? Yes, renters may be eligible for LIHEAP even if heat or electricity is not listed separately on their lease. Some states allow renters to apply if they can demonstrate that energy costs are included in their rent. Ask your local LIHEAP agency specifically about renter eligibility rules in your state, as policies vary.
What happens if LIHEAP funds run out before I apply? If your state's LIHEAP funds are exhausted, you may be placed on a waitlist or asked to reapply when the next program year opens. In the meantime, contact your utility company about hardship payment plans, call 2-1-1 for local emergency energy funds, and ask your Community Action Agency about the Weatherization Assistance Program (WAP), which has a separate funding stream.
Does LIHEAP pay my utility company directly? In most cases, yes — LIHEAP benefits are typically paid directly to your utility company or fuel vendor on your behalf, rather than as a cash payment to you. The benefit amount applied to your account varies by household size, income, and your state's payment structure. Some states issue a one-time annual payment; others provide multiple payments throughout the season.
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Program eligibility and availability vary by state. Not affiliated with any government agency.
If you'd like to learn more about programs that may be available to you, explore the resources below or contact your local Community Action Agency. Submitting any inquiry form on third-party sites may constitute consent to be contacted — review any consent language carefully before submitting.
Last reviewed: May 2026