If you've received a shutoff notice or your energy bill has climbed beyond what your budget can handle, the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) is the first program to look into. Administered by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) and delivered through state and local agencies, LIHEAP may help income-eligible households cover heating costs in winter, cooling costs in summer, and in some cases, emergency utility crises year-round. Eligibility and benefit amounts vary by state, but most programs serve households with incomes at or below 150% of the Federal Poverty Level (FPL) — though some states extend eligibility up to 60% of state median income.
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What LIHEAP Actually Covers
LIHEAP isn't a single benefit — it's a block grant that states use to run their own programs. Depending on where you live, LIHEAP funds may cover:
- Heating assistance — help paying your winter heating bill (natural gas, electric, oil, propane, or even wood/pellets in some states)
- Cooling assistance — help with summer electric bills or, in some states, air conditioner units
- Crisis or emergency assistance — if you have a shutoff notice or your heat has already been disconnected, many states have a separate emergency LIHEAP component that can move faster
- Weatherization referrals — some LIHEAP programs connect households to the Weatherization Assistance Program (WAP), which may provide free insulation, window sealing, or furnace repairs
Benefit amounts vary by household size and income — there is no single national dollar figure. In some states, a qualifying household may receive a one-time payment sent directly to the utility company; in others, benefits are distributed as credits on your account.
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When to Apply — Timing Is Critical
This is the part most people don't hear until it's too late: LIHEAP funds are limited and allocated on a first-come, first-served basis in most states. Once the money runs out, it's gone until the next program year.
Heating Season Most states open their LIHEAP heating assistance programs between October and November. Some states — particularly in the Northeast and Midwest — exhaust their regular heating funds by January or February. If you wait until your bill is three months overdue, you may find the program closed.
What to do right now: Call your local community action agency or your state's LIHEAP office as soon as the program opens in your area. You can find your state's contact through the National Energy Assistance Referral (NEAR) hotline at 1-800-432-4128 (a free service operated by the National Energy Assistance Directors' Association).
Cooling Season Cooling assistance windows are often much shorter — sometimes just four to eight weeks in summer, typically July through August. Not all states offer cooling assistance, and those that do may have stricter eligibility criteria or prioritize households with elderly or medically vulnerable members.
Emergency Assistance If you already have a shutoff notice in hand, don't wait for the regular application window. Ask specifically about emergency or crisis LIHEAP funds when you call. Many states keep a portion of their LIHEAP allocation for exactly this situation, and processing can sometimes happen within 24–48 hours for verified emergencies.
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Who LIHEAP Prioritizes
While income is the primary eligibility factor, most state LIHEAP programs give priority to households that include:
- Adults age 60 or older
- Children under age 6
- Individuals with disabilities
- Households with a member who has a documented medical condition worsened by extreme heat or cold
When you call or apply, make sure to mention if anyone in your household fits these categories. It can affect how quickly your application is processed and whether you're eligible for higher benefit amounts.
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Documents to Have Ready Before You Apply
Gathering these before your appointment or call can prevent delays:
- Proof of income for all household members (pay stubs from the last 30 days, Social Security award letter, unemployment determination letter, or a self-employment statement)
- Most recent utility bill — even if you can't pay it, the account number and provider name are needed
- Proof of address (utility bill, lease, or official mail)
- Photo ID for the applicant
- Social Security numbers for all household members (requirements vary by state)
- Proof of heating fuel type if you use deliverable fuel like oil or propane (a recent delivery receipt works)
If you're applying for a household member who is elderly or disabled and cannot apply in person, ask whether your state allows a designated representative to apply on their behalf — many do.
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Other Programs That May Help
LIHEAP is the starting point, but it's not the only resource:
Utility Company Assistance Programs Most major electric and gas utilities are required by state regulators to offer Low Income Rate Programs (LIRPs) or budget billing plans for qualifying customers. Call the customer service number on your bill and ask specifically about low-income assistance, medical baseline rates, or arrearage management programs (which may help you pay down past-due balances over time).
Weatherization Assistance Program (WAP) Administered by the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE), WAP may provide free energy efficiency improvements — insulation, air sealing, furnace tune-ups or replacements — to income-eligible households (generally at or below 200% FPL). These improvements can lower your bills permanently. Apply through your local community action agency.
Community Action Agencies Your local Community Action Agency (CAA) is often the single best first call. These nonprofit organizations administer LIHEAP in most states, and many also run their own emergency utility funds, food assistance, and housing programs. Find yours at communityactionpartnership.com or by calling 211.
211 Helpline Dialing 211 connects you to local health and human services resources, including utility assistance programs, food banks, and emergency funds operated by churches, nonprofits, and local governments. It's free, confidential, and available in most areas 24/7.
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How to Apply for LIHEAP
- Find your state or local LIHEAP office — call NEAR at 1-800-432-4128 or visit Benefits.gov to locate your state's program page.
- Call ahead to confirm the application window is open and ask what documents to bring.
- Apply in person, by mail, or online depending on what your state offers — many states now have online portals.
- Follow up — if you don't hear back within two weeks, call to check your application status.
- Ask about emergency funds if you have a shutoff notice — don't assume you have to wait.
If you submit any form or request a callback, note that by providing your contact information you may be consenting to be contacted about program information — review any consent language carefully before submitting.
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Program eligibility and availability vary by state. Not affiliated with any government agency.
Last reviewed: May 2026