Energy & Utility Help

LIHEAP Energy Assistance: How to Get Help With Utility Bills Before Funds Run Out

If you're facing a shutoff notice or can't afford your heating or cooling bill, federal and state energy assistance programs may be available — but application windows close fast.

May 23, 2026·By Sandra Kim·✓ Reviewed May 2026

Close-up of two people reviewing and filling out a credit card application on a wooden table.

Key Takeaways

✓The Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) is the primary federal program that may help eligible households pay heating and cooling bills — but funds are limited and distributed on a first-come, first-served basis in most states.
✓Most states open LIHEAP heating season applications between October and November; cooling assistance windows typically run May through August, though exact dates vary by state.
✓Households at or below 150% of the Federal Poverty Level (FPL) are generally prioritized, though some states extend eligibility up to 60% of state median income.
✓Beyond LIHEAP, utility company Low-Income Home Energy Assistance programs, the Weatherization Assistance Program (WAP), and local community action agencies may offer additional help.
✓Having your documents ready — proof of income, a recent utility bill, and ID — before you call can significantly speed up your application.

Informational guide only. Not affiliated with any government agency. Program details vary by state and change frequently. Verify eligibility directly with your local agency or at Benefits.gov.

If you've received a shutoff notice or your energy bill has become unmanageable, the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) is the federal program most likely to help — and knowing how to apply quickly may make the difference between keeping your lights on and losing service. LIHEAP is administered through your state or tribal government and funds are finite, which means applying early in each program season is critical.

What Is LIHEAP and Who Administers It?

LIHEAP is a federally funded block grant program managed by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) and delivered at the state level through local community action agencies (CAAs), tribal organizations, and state energy offices. Because each state runs its own version of the program, benefit amounts, application windows, and eligibility rules vary significantly.

The program covers four types of assistance: - Heating assistance — help paying winter heating bills or purchasing heating fuel - Cooling assistance — help with summer electric bills or air conditioning equipment - Crisis assistance — emergency funds for households facing an imminent shutoff or dangerous temperature conditions - Weatherization linkages — referrals to the Weatherization Assistance Program (WAP) for home energy efficiency improvements

Who May Be Eligible for LIHEAP?

Federal guidelines set the income ceiling at 150% of the Federal Poverty Level (FPL), but states have flexibility to set their own thresholds — some go as high as 60% of state median income, whichever is greater. Households with elderly members (60+), individuals with disabilities, and families with young children (under age 6) are typically given priority under federal rules.

Income Guidelines to Know

Because FPL figures change annually, check your state's current LIHEAP income chart rather than relying on fixed dollar amounts. Your local community action agency can tell you exactly where your household falls. Generally speaking:

A household at or below 100% FPL is almost always eligible where funds are available
Households between 100%–150% FPL are commonly eligible in most states
Some states extend eligibility to 60% of state median income, which may be higher than 150% FPL for larger households

When to Apply: Heating and Cooling Season Windows

This is where timing matters most. LIHEAP funds are not an entitlement — once a state's allocation runs out, new applications are typically closed until the next funding cycle.

Heating Season - Most states open heating assistance applications between October 1 and November 1 - Programs often run through March or April, but many states exhaust funds well before the official close date - Apply as early as possible — waiting until January or February in a cold-weather state can mean finding no funds available

Cooling Season - Cooling assistance programs typically open between May and June - Funding windows often close by August or September - Not all states offer cooling assistance — check with your state energy office

Crisis Assistance - Available year-round in most states for households facing imminent shutoff or a dangerous home temperature - If you have a shutoff notice in hand, ask specifically about crisis or emergency LIHEAP funds when you call — these are separate from regular seasonal benefits and may move faster

How to Apply for LIHEAP: Step-by-Step

Step 1: Find your local administering agency. Call the National Energy Assistance Referral (NEAR) hotline at 1-866-674-6327 (toll-free) or visit your state's energy office website. You can also search for your nearest community action agency through the National Community Action Partnership (NCAP).

Step 2: Gather your documents before you call. Having everything ready speeds up the process considerably. You'll typically need: - Proof of identity (government-issued ID for all adults in the household) - Proof of income for all household members (pay stubs, Social Security award letters, unemployment benefit statements — usually covering the past 30 days) - Most recent utility bill (showing your account number and service address) - Proof of address (utility bill often doubles as this) - Social Security numbers for all household members - If you rent, your landlord's name and contact information may be required if heat is included in rent

Step 3: Submit your application. Depending on your state, you may apply in person at a local CAA office, by mail, online through your state's benefits portal, or by phone. Some states have moved to fully online applications; others still require in-person visits for first-time applicants.

Step 4: Follow up. After submitting, ask for a confirmation number or case number. Processing times vary — typically 2 to 6 weeks for regular benefits, but crisis assistance may be processed within 24 to 48 hours in urgent situations.

Other Programs That May Help With Energy Bills

LIHEAP is the starting point, but it's rarely the only option.

Utility Company Assistance Programs Most major electric and gas utilities are required by state regulators to offer low-income rate discounts or payment assistance programs. These go by different names — Pacific Gas & Electric's REACH program, Consolidated Edison's Energy Assistance Program, and similar — but your utility's customer service line can tell you what's available. Ask specifically about budget billing, low-income rate programs, and arrearage management programs (AMPs) that forgive past-due balances.

Weatherization Assistance Program (WAP) Administered by the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE), WAP provides free home energy efficiency improvements — insulation, window sealing, furnace repairs — to income-eligible households. Eligibility generally mirrors LIHEAP at or below 200% FPL. WAP doesn't pay your bill directly, but reducing your home's energy use can lower bills long-term. Apply through your local CAA.

State and Local Emergency Funds Many states have their own utility assistance funds separate from federal LIHEAP dollars. Local nonprofits, religious organizations, and community foundations also sometimes maintain emergency utility funds. Your local 211 helpline (dial 2-1-1 from any phone) can connect you to these resources quickly.

The National Council on Aging (NCOA) BenefitsCheckUp For adults 60 and older, the NCOA's BenefitsCheckUp tool (benefitscheckup.org) screens for LIHEAP and dozens of other assistance programs in one place. It's free and does not require you to share personal information to get started.

What to Do Right Now If You Have a Shutoff Notice

Call your utility company today and tell them you've applied for or are applying for LIHEAP. Many utilities are required to delay shutoffs for customers with pending assistance applications.
Contact your local CAA and ask specifically about crisis LIHEAP funds — don't wait for the regular application process if your service is at immediate risk.
Dial 2-1-1 to find emergency local resources that can bridge the gap while your LIHEAP application is processed.
Document everything — keep records of every call, the name of the person you spoke with, and any confirmation numbers.

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

Last reviewed: May 2026

Sources & Further Reading

Frequently Asked Questions

How much money can I get from LIHEAP?

Benefit amounts vary by household size, income, energy costs, and the state you live in. Some households receive a one-time payment applied directly to their utility account; others receive seasonal benefits across multiple payments. States with higher heating costs often provide larger benefits. Your local community action agency can give you a realistic estimate based on your specific situation.

Can I apply for LIHEAP if I rent my home?

Yes. Renters may be eligible for LIHEAP even if heat is included in their rent. In that case, your landlord may receive the benefit on your behalf. You'll typically need your landlord's name, address, and contact information as part of your application. Renters who pay their own utilities apply the same way homeowners do.

What happens if LIHEAP funds run out in my state?

When state LIHEAP allocations are exhausted, new applications are typically placed on a waitlist or closed until the next funding cycle. This is why applying early in the heating or cooling season matters. If funds are depleted, contact your utility company directly about payment plans, and dial 2-1-1 to find local emergency utility assistance that may still have funding available.

Does LIHEAP affect my other benefits like SNAP or Medicaid?

LIHEAP benefits are generally not counted as income for purposes of other federal assistance programs including SNAP, Medicaid, and SSI. Receiving LIHEAP should not reduce your eligibility for other programs. However, rules can vary, so it's worth confirming with your caseworker if you have concerns about a specific program interaction in your state.

How do I find my local LIHEAP office?

Call the National Energy Assistance Referral (NEAR) hotline at 1-866-674-6327 (toll-free), or contact your state's energy or social services office. You can also dial 2-1-1 from any phone to be connected to local community action agencies that administer LIHEAP in your area. The Benefits.gov website also provides state-by-state contact information.

About the Author

Written by the Hardship Authority editorial team.

Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only. It does not constitute legal, financial, or benefits advice. Program eligibility and availability vary by state. Not affiliated with any government agency. Verify information with official sources including Benefits.gov, USDA, HUD, and your state program office.

LIHEAPenergy assistanceutility bill helpheating assistancecooling assistanceshutoff preventioncommunity action agencyweatherizationlow income energyfederal poverty level

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