If you're worried about keeping your heat on this season, the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) may be one of the most important programs available to you right now. Updated guidance for the 2025–2026 program year reflects changes that may affect how benefits are distributed, who qualifies as a priority applicant, and how much funding is available in your state. Because LIHEAP operates on a limited annual appropriation — and funds can run out weeks before a heating season ends — knowing what's changed and acting quickly matters.

What Is LIHEAP and Who Administers It?

LIHEAP is a federally funded program administered by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), Office of Community Services. Federal dollars flow to states, territories, and tribal organizations, which then distribute assistance through local agencies — most commonly Community Action Agencies (CAAs). This means your actual point of contact is almost always a local or county-level office, not a federal one.

To find the agency serving your area, you can: - Call the National Energy Assistance Referral (NEAR) hotline at 1-866-674-6327 (free, available in English and Spanish) - Visit your state's HHS or Department of Social Services website - Search Benefits.gov using your zip code

What's Changing for 2025–2026

The 2025–2026 LIHEAP program year has brought updated guidance that may affect households in several ways. While specific changes vary by state, common updates across many programs include:

Adjusted Benefit Amounts Benefit amounts vary by household size and income, and some states have recalibrated their payment formulas based on updated energy cost projections and available federal appropriations. In states where federal LIHEAP funding was reduced or reallocated, average benefit amounts may be lower than in prior years. Your local agency can tell you the current benefit structure in your area.

Priority Population Rules Many states give priority to households that include a member who is 60 or older, has a disability, or includes a child under age 6. If your household includes any of these individuals, mention it when you call — it may affect how quickly your application is processed.

Application Windows and Intake Procedures Some states have updated their intake procedures, including shifts toward online applications or appointment-based intake. A few states have also adjusted their heating season open dates, which typically fall between October and November for most of the country. Cooling assistance programs, where available, generally open in May or June. Do not wait until you receive a shutoff notice — crisis assistance funds are separate from regular LIHEAP and are often more limited.

Income Eligibility: What the Guidelines Generally Look Like

LIHEAP eligibility is based on household income relative to the Federal Poverty Level (FPL) or state median income (SMI), whichever is higher under federal rules. Most states set their income threshold at:

  • At or below 150% of FPL — the most common cutoff
  • Up to 60% of state median income — used in some states as an alternative measure

Households already receiving SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program), SSI (Supplemental Security Income), TANF (Temporary Assistance for Needy Families), or certain veterans' benefits may be automatically income-eligible in many states — a process sometimes called categorical eligibility. Ask your local agency if this applies to you.

What Documents to Have Ready

Gathering your paperwork before you call or visit your local agency can make the difference between a same-day application and a return trip. Most agencies will ask for:

  • Proof of income for all household members (pay stubs, benefit award letters, Social Security statements — typically covering the past 30 days)
  • A recent utility bill showing your account number and service address
  • 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 (oil, propane, wood) rather than utility service

If you rent and your heat is included in your rent, you may still be eligible — bring your lease agreement and ask your agency about renter eligibility rules.

If You're Facing a Shutoff Right Now

If your utility has already sent a disconnection notice, tell the agency immediately when you call. Most LIHEAP programs include a crisis or emergency component that can move faster than regular benefit processing. In many states, a LIHEAP crisis benefit can result in a direct payment to your utility company within 24 to 48 hours of approval — but only if funds remain available.

Also contact your utility company directly and ask about: - Budget billing or payment plans - Utility-funded assistance programs (many electric and gas utilities have their own hardship funds) - Disconnection protection rules — many states prohibit winter shutoffs for households with elderly or disabled members, or during extreme cold weather events

Other Programs That May Help

LIHEAP is often the first call, but it's rarely the only option. Depending on your state and situation, you may also want to ask about:

  • Weatherization Assistance Program (WAP): A separate federal program that may help reduce your energy costs long-term by improving home insulation, sealing air leaks, and upgrading heating equipment — at no cost to eligible households.
  • State utility assistance programs: Many states operate their own energy assistance funds separate from federal LIHEAP.
  • Nonprofit and faith-based emergency funds: Organizations like the Salvation Army and Catholic Charities often have small emergency utility funds that can bridge gaps while LIHEAP applications are processed.

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

Last reviewed: April 2026