Indiana's new policy blocking utility shutoffs during extreme heat days is a meaningful step for households at risk — but it only protects certain customers, and it does not pay your bill. If you're behind on your electric or gas bill this summer, the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) may be one of the most important federal programs available to you. Here's what you need to know about Indiana's shutoff protections, how LIHEAP works, and what concrete steps you can take right now.

What Indiana's New Heat Shutoff Rule Actually Does

Indiana utility regulators have moved to restrict electric and gas disconnections on days when temperatures reach dangerous highs. The policy is designed to prevent life-threatening situations for vulnerable residents — particularly elderly individuals, people with medical conditions, and young children — who depend on air conditioning or fans to survive extreme heat events.

However, the protection is not universal. According to reporting from WFYI, the rule applies to specific customer categories and conditions. Not every Indiana household is automatically covered under the new policy. If you're unsure whether your account qualifies for shutoff protection, contact your utility provider directly and ask about their disconnection policies during extreme weather events. Ask specifically which customer categories are covered and whether any documentation is required to establish eligibility.

One critical point: a shutoff moratorium is a temporary shield — it does not erase your balance. Unpaid bills continue to accumulate, and once the protection period ends, disconnection risk returns. That's why pairing any shutoff protection with an active application for energy assistance is the most practical path forward. The rule buys time; assistance programs may help you get current.

How LIHEAP May Help Indiana Households

The Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) is a federal block grant program administered by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) and delivered through state agencies. In Indiana, the program is managed through the Indiana Housing and Community Development Authority (IHCDA) and distributed by local Community Action Agencies (CAAs) across the state.

LIHEAP may help eligible households with:

  • Heating assistance during winter months
  • Cooling assistance during summer months, where states fund this component
  • Crisis or emergency assistance for households facing imminent shutoff
  • Weatherization referrals to reduce long-term energy costs

Benefit amounts vary by household size and income — no specific dollar figure can be guaranteed, as funding levels and benefit formulas change each program year.

Who May Be Eligible for LIHEAP in Indiana

LIHEAP eligibility is income-based. Federally, households with income at or below 150% of the Federal Poverty Level (FPL) are generally eligible, though states have flexibility to set thresholds up to 60% of the state median income. Indiana sets its own income limits, which may differ slightly from the federal floor. Because FPL figures are updated annually, contact your local Community Action Agency for the current thresholds that apply to your household size.

Household size matters significantly. A single-person household and a family of four face very different income thresholds, and benefit amounts scale accordingly. Priority is often given to:

  • Households with a member age 60 or older
  • Households with a person with a disability
  • Households with children under age 6
  • Households with the lowest incomes and highest energy costs relative to their income

If your household falls into one of these priority categories, say so when you contact your local agency — it may affect how quickly your application is processed.

Documents You'll Likely Need to Apply

Gathering your documents before you contact your local agency can meaningfully speed up the process. Most LIHEAP applications in Indiana will ask for:

  • Proof of identity — driver's license, state ID, or passport for all adult household members
  • Proof of residency — a utility bill, lease agreement, or piece of official mail showing your current address
  • Proof of income — pay stubs from the last 30 days, Social Security award letters, unemployment determination letters, or a self-employment statement
  • Social Security numbers for all household members
  • Your most recent utility bill — even if you cannot pay it; the account number and provider information are required
  • Proof of public assistance — if you currently receive SNAP, SSI, or TANF, this documentation may expedite eligibility determination in some cases

If you rent and your utilities are included in your rent, bring your lease agreement showing that arrangement. Your local CAA can tell you exactly how renter situations are handled and what additional documentation may be required.

Data Snapshot: LIHEAP Funding and Reach in Indiana

LIHEAP is one of the largest federal energy assistance programs in the country. According to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Indiana received approximately $155 million in LIHEAP funding in federal fiscal year 2023, including base formula grants and supplemental appropriations (source: HHS LIHEAP Funding — https://www.hhs.gov/ocs/programs/liheap/funding/index.html).

Nationally, LIHEAP served approximately 6.1 million households in fiscal year 2022, according to HHS program data. Despite this reach, LIHEAP is not an entitlement program — funding is limited and appropriated annually by Congress. Not every eligible household that applies receives assistance in a given program year. This makes applying early in the program season critically important, particularly for cooling assistance, which tends to have a shorter funding window than heating assistance.

In Indiana, cooling assistance availability can vary significantly by county and by how quickly local agency funds are exhausted. Some counties open cooling assistance intake in late spring; others operate on a first-come, first-served basis throughout the summer. Calling 2-1-1 or your local CAA as early as possible — before funds run out — is the most effective strategy.

How to Apply for LIHEAP in Indiana: Step by Step

The application process in Indiana runs through your local Community Action Agency. Here is a step-by-step overview:

  1. Find your local agency. Use the IHCDA's online locator or call 2-1-1 — Indiana's statewide helpline — to find the CAA serving your county.
  2. Call ahead or check online. Many agencies now offer online pre-screening or appointment scheduling. Ask whether walk-ins are accepted or whether you need a scheduled appointment.
  3. Submit your application with documents. Some agencies accept applications by mail, in person, or through an online portal. Bring or upload all required documents at the time of submission to avoid delays.
  4. Wait for a determination. Processing times vary by agency and season. During high-demand periods — peak summer or winter — expect two to four weeks, though crisis cases are often prioritized and processed faster.
  5. Follow up if needed. If you have not heard back within two weeks, contact the agency directly. Keep a record of your application date, the name of anyone you spoke with, and any reference numbers provided.

If you're facing an immediate shutoff notice, ask specifically about LIHEAP Crisis Assistance when you call. This is a separate component of the program designed for households in emergency situations and is typically processed on a faster timeline than standard applications.

Other Programs That May Be Available to Indiana Residents

LIHEAP is not the only option. Depending on your situation, the following programs may also be worth exploring:

  • Utility company assistance programs: Many Indiana utilities — including Duke Energy Indiana, AES Indiana, and CenterPoint Energy — offer their own low-income rate programs, extended payment plans, or hardship funds. Contact your provider's customer service line and ask specifically about assistance programs for customers experiencing financial hardship.
  • Indiana's Weatherization Assistance Program (WAP): Administered through IHCDA, this program may help reduce your home's energy consumption through insulation, air sealing, and equipment upgrades — lowering your bills on a long-term basis rather than just covering a single month's payment.
  • Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP): If you're struggling with energy costs, you may also be facing food insecurity. SNAP eligibility is generally set at or below 130% of the Federal Poverty Level (FPL) for most households. Applying for multiple programs simultaneously is common and encouraged — there is no penalty for doing so.
  • Local nonprofit and faith-based emergency funds: Many Indiana counties have emergency utility funds through United Way affiliates, Catholic Charities, Salvation Army locations, or local congregations. Call 2-1-1 to ask what emergency resources are currently available in your specific area.

Your Rights as an Indiana Utility Customer

Even outside of extreme heat days, Indiana utility customers have certain rights under Indiana Utility Regulatory Commission (IURC) rules. These include required advance notice before disconnection, the right to request a payment arrangement, and specific protections for households experiencing medical emergencies. If you believe your utility has disconnected service improperly or without required notice, you can file a complaint directly with the IURC.

Understanding your rights and knowing what assistance programs may be available to you are two separate but equally important steps. Shutoff protections create a window of time — energy assistance programs may help you use that window to get your account current before protections expire.

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Program eligibility and availability vary by state. Not affiliated with any government agency.

Last reviewed: July 2025