If you're struggling to pay your energy bills, federal energy assistance programs — specifically the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) and the Weatherization Assistance Program (WAP) — may be available to help you manage heating and cooling costs. Both programs are administered at the state and local level, which means eligibility rules, application windows, benefit amounts, and waitlist lengths vary depending on where you live. What follows covers what these programs include, who may be eligible, what documents you'll likely need, and how to take a concrete next step.
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What Is LIHEAP and What Does It Cover?
LIHEAP — the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program — is a federally funded program administered by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) and delivered through state agencies, tribal organizations, and local community action agencies. It is designed to help low-income households manage the cost of home energy.
Depending on your state, LIHEAP may assist with:
- Heating costs (natural gas, electricity, oil, propane, wood, or other fuels)
- Cooling costs (electric bills during summer months)
- Energy crisis assistance (if your service has been shut off or you're facing an imminent disconnection notice)
- Minor weatherization (in some states, a portion of LIHEAP funds may be used for small home repairs that improve energy efficiency)
Benefit amounts vary by household size and income. LIHEAP does not guarantee a fixed dollar amount — what a household may receive depends on the state's available funding, the household's energy costs, and income relative to the Federal Poverty Level. Funds are limited and allocated annually by Congress, so applying early in your state's program year is strongly recommended.
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What Is the Weatherization Assistance Program (WAP)?
The Weatherization Assistance Program is a separate federal initiative run by the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE). Unlike LIHEAP, which may help pay energy bills directly, WAP focuses on making your home more energy-efficient so that bills decrease over time.
Services that may be available through WAP include:
- Insulation of walls, attics, and floors
- Air sealing to reduce drafts and heat loss
- Heating and cooling system upgrades or repairs
- Water heater improvements
- Health and safety-related repairs connected to energy use
WAP services are provided at no cost to eligible households. A certified energy auditor typically visits the home first to assess which improvements would have the greatest measurable impact on energy consumption and costs.
Because WAP involves physical home improvements, the process takes longer than a standard LIHEAP benefit payment. Waitlists in some states can extend from several months to over a year, which makes early application especially important.
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Data Snapshot: LIHEAP Funding and Program Reach
In federal fiscal year 2023, LIHEAP received approximately $6.1 billion in appropriations, according to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (https://www.acf.hhs.gov/ocs/programs/liheap). Historically, the program has served roughly 6 to 7 million households per year, though that figure fluctuates based on congressional funding levels and prevailing energy prices.
For the Weatherization Assistance Program, the DOE reports that WAP has weatherized more than 7 million homes since the program launched in 1976. Based on DOE program evaluations, participating households have seen average energy cost savings of approximately $372 per year — a figure that compounds over time as efficiency improvements remain in place.
These numbers reflect meaningful reach, but they also illustrate a persistent gap: demand for both programs routinely exceeds available funding in many states. That reality makes timing your application — and understanding your state's enrollment window — a practical priority, not just a procedural one.
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Who May Be Eligible for LIHEAP?
LIHEAP eligibility is primarily income-based. Most states set the income limit at 150% of the Federal Poverty Level (FPL) or below, though federal law allows states to set limits as high as 60% of the state median income — whichever is greater. Some states use a lower threshold. Because these limits are set at the state level and updated periodically, the specific figure that applies to your household depends on where you live and your household size.
Beyond income, states may give priority to applications from households that include:
- Adults age 60 or older
- Children under age 6
- Individuals with disabilities
- Household members with a documented medical condition that is affected by temperature extremes
You do not need to own your home to apply. Renters may also be eligible, particularly if they pay utilities directly or if energy costs are included in their rent — though how renter applications are handled varies by state.
Categorical Eligibility: A Potential Shortcut
If your household already receives benefits through SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program), SSI (Supplemental Security Income), Medicaid, or TANF (Temporary Assistance for Needy Families), you may be automatically income-eligible for LIHEAP in many states. This is sometimes called categorical eligibility, and it can simplify the income verification process. Contact your local LIHEAP agency to confirm whether this applies in your state.
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Documents You'll Likely Need
While exact requirements vary by state and local agency, most LIHEAP applications ask for:
- Proof of identity — government-issued ID, passport, or birth certificate
- Proof of address — utility bill, lease agreement, or official mail
- Proof of income for all household members — recent pay stubs, Social Security award letters, unemployment benefit statements, or most recent tax return
- Social Security numbers for all household members
- A recent energy bill or utility account number from your provider
- Proof of housing status — lease or mortgage statement, particularly for renters
For WAP applications, you may also need documentation of home ownership or written landlord consent if you rent.
Gathering these documents before you contact your local agency can meaningfully reduce processing time and avoid delays caused by missing information.
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How to Apply: A Step-by-Step Overview
There is no single national application for LIHEAP or WAP — both are administered locally. Here's how to navigate the process.
Step 1: Locate Your Local Agency
Visit Benefits.gov (https://www.benefits.gov) or call the National Energy Assistance Referral (NEAR) hotline at 1-866-674-6327 to find the agency in your area that handles LIHEAP applications. You can also search your state's health and human services website directly, or dial 2-1-1 to reach a local community resource specialist.
Step 2: Check Your State's Application Window
Many states open LIHEAP applications in the fall for the heating season and in the spring for cooling assistance. Some states accept applications year-round; others have limited enrollment periods that close once funds are exhausted. Crisis assistance programs may be available outside regular enrollment windows if you're facing an active shutoff.
Step 3: Submit Your Application
Depending on your state, you may be able to apply:
- Online through your state agency's portal
- In person at a local community action agency
- By mail using a paper application
- By phone in some jurisdictions
If you submit a form or provide contact information online or by phone, review any consent language carefully — by doing so, you may be consenting to be contacted by program representatives regarding your application.
Step 4: Attend Any Required Appointments
Some agencies require an in-person or phone interview to verify your information. For WAP, a home energy audit conducted by a certified auditor is typically required before any services begin.
Step 5: Follow Up and Keep Records
Processing times vary widely. Keep a copy of your application, any confirmation numbers, and the name of any agency staff you speak with. If you don't hear back within the timeframe your agency provided, follow up directly.
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Realistic Timelines
Understanding what to expect can reduce uncertainty during an already stressful period:
- Crisis assistance: If your heat or power has been shut off or you've received a disconnection notice, many states have expedited crisis programs that can respond within 18 to 48 hours. Ask your local agency specifically about crisis assistance when you call.
- Standard LIHEAP benefits: Processing typically takes 2 to 6 weeks, depending on your state and the volume of applications received.
- Weatherization services: WAP waitlists can be lengthy. In some states, households wait several months to over a year before a home energy audit is scheduled. Applying as early as possible is strongly recommended.
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Other Resources That May Help
If LIHEAP or WAP funding has been exhausted in your area, or if you need additional support, consider these options:
- Utility company assistance programs: Many electric and gas utilities offer their own low-income rate discounts, deferred payment plans, or emergency assistance funds. Contact your utility provider directly and ask what programs are available.
- State-funded energy programs: Some states supplement federal LIHEAP funding with state dollars, which may extend eligibility windows or increase benefit amounts beyond what federal funding alone supports.
- BenefitsCheckUp (benefitscheckup.org): Operated by the National Council on Aging (NCOA), this free screening tool can help older adults identify energy, food, healthcare, and other programs they may be eligible for based on their specific situation.
- 211: Dialing 2-1-1 connects you to a local specialist who can identify energy assistance and other community resources in your area at no cost.
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Your Right to Apply and to Appeal
Applying for energy assistance is not something to feel embarrassed about. These programs exist because energy is a basic necessity, and financial hardship can affect anyone. You have the right to apply, to ask questions about the process, and to appeal a denial if you believe it was made in error. Your denial notice should include information on how to request a review or hearing. Most local agencies have staff who can walk you through the process — don't hesitate to ask for help navigating it.
Program eligibility and availability vary by state. Not affiliated with any government agency.
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Last reviewed: July 2025