LIHEAP Energy Assistance: What to Do Right Now If You Can't Pay Your Utility Bill
If you're staring at a shutoff notice or dreading your next heating or cooling bill, the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) is the federal program most likely to help — and it's available in every state, the District of Columbia, and U.S. territories. Administered by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) and run locally through state agencies and community action agencies, LIHEAP energy assistance may help eligible low-income households cover heating costs, cooling costs, and in some cases, energy-related home repairs. The catch: funds are allocated annually and run out, sometimes weeks before the season ends. Acting quickly is not optional — it's essential.
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What Is LIHEAP and Who Runs It?
LIHEAP stands for the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program. The federal government provides block grant funding to states, tribes, and territories, which then design their own programs within federal guidelines. That means your state's LIHEAP program may look different from a neighboring state's — different income limits, different benefit amounts, different application windows, and different local offices.
Your first call should be to your state LIHEAP office or your local community action agency (CAA). The National Energy Assistance Referral (NEAR) project can connect you to your local office: call 1-866-674-6327 (toll-free). You can also visit the HHS LIHEAP website or Benefits.gov to find your state's program contact.
Who Administers LIHEAP Locally?
In most states, LIHEAP applications are processed through: - Community Action Agencies (CAAs) — nonprofit organizations funded to serve low-income households - State social services or human services departments - Tribal organizations for eligible tribal members - Local utility company partnerships in some states
Search for your nearest CAA through the Community Action Partnership network or call 211 (available in most areas) and say you need energy assistance.
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Do You Meet the Income Guidelines?
LIHEAP eligibility is income-based, and the thresholds vary by state. Here's what federal guidelines establish as the framework:
- Federal minimum: Households must have income at or below 150% of the Federal Poverty Level (FPL) to be eligible under federal rules.
- Federal maximum: States may serve households up to 60% of state median income if that figure is higher than 150% FPL.
- Many states prioritize households below 100% or 125% FPL when funds are limited.
Because FPL figures change annually and state thresholds vary, do not rule yourself out based on a rough estimate. Contact your local LIHEAP office and let them screen you — that's what they're there for.
Who Gets Priority?
Federal law requires states to give priority to households with: - The highest energy costs or needs relative to income - Members who are elderly (age 60 or older) - Members with disabilities - Young children (under age 6)
If your household includes any of these members, say so when you call. It may affect how quickly your application is processed.
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When to Apply: Heating vs. Cooling Season
This is where many families lose out — not because they're ineligible, but because they apply too late.
Heating Assistance (Most Critical) - Application windows typically open: October – November - Funds often run out: January – February in high-demand states - Emergency heating assistance may be available through the winter if you face an imminent shutoff — ask specifically about crisis or emergency funds
Cooling Assistance - Application windows typically open: May – June - Funds are generally smaller than heating allocations and deplete faster in hot-climate states - Some states do not offer a separate cooling component — check with your state office
Crisis and Emergency Assistance If you already have a shutoff notice or your heat or power has been disconnected, ask your LIHEAP office specifically about crisis intervention funds. These are separate from regular LIHEAP allocations and may be processed faster. Not all states have them, and they are often the first funds to run out.
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What Documents to Have Ready
Gathering these before you call or visit will save time and may help you get processed faster:
- Most recent utility bill(s) — electric, gas, heating oil, or propane
- Proof of income for all household members (pay stubs, Social Security award letter, unemployment determination letter, child support documentation)
- Photo ID for the applicant
- Social Security numbers for all household members
- Proof of address (utility bill, lease, or mail with your name and address)
- Rental or lease agreement if you rent and heat is included in rent (some states cover this)
If you're missing a document, don't wait — call anyway. Many local offices can work with you or connect you to help obtaining records.
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Other Programs That May Help
LIHEAP is the starting point, but it's not the only resource. If LIHEAP funds in your area are exhausted or your benefit doesn't cover the full bill, these programs may also help:
Weatherization Assistance Program (WAP) Also administered by the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) through states and local agencies, WAP may help eligible households reduce energy costs long-term by improving home insulation, sealing air leaks, and upgrading heating and cooling systems. WAP services are provided at no cost to eligible households. Income eligibility generally mirrors LIHEAP — at or below 200% FPL in most states. Ask your local community action agency about WAP at the same time you apply for LIHEAP.
Utility Company Low-Income Programs Most major electric and gas utilities are required by state regulators to offer low-income rate discounts, payment plans, or arrearage management programs. These go by different names — "budget billing," "low-income rate," "CARE program," "HEAP discount" — depending on your utility and state. Call your utility's customer service line and ask specifically: "Do you have a low-income assistance or discount program?" Do not wait for them to offer it.
State and Local Emergency Assistance Many states have their own energy assistance funds separate from federal LIHEAP. Local nonprofits, faith-based organizations, and community foundations also sometimes offer one-time emergency utility payments. Dial 211 to find what's available in your county.
SNAP and Categorical Eligibility If your household receives SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program), SSI, TANF, or certain other federal benefits, you may be categorically eligible for LIHEAP in your state — meaning the income screening step may be simplified. Mention any benefits your household currently receives when you apply.
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How to Apply for LIHEAP: Step by Step
- Call 211 or 1-866-674-6327 to find your local LIHEAP office or community action agency.
- Ask about the current application window — confirm whether heating or cooling assistance is currently open in your state.
- Ask about crisis funds if you have a shutoff notice or disconnection.
- Gather your documents (see list above) before your appointment or application.
- Submit your application — in person, by mail, or online depending on your state. Some states now offer online portals.
- Follow up — processing times vary from a few days to several weeks. Ask for a confirmation number and a timeline.
- Contact your utility directly — let them know you've applied for LIHEAP. Many utilities will place a hold on shutoff proceedings while an assistance application is pending.
If you complete or submit any form through a third-party service, note that by providing your contact information you may be consenting to be contacted about related programs and services. Always review consent language before submitting.
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A Note on the National Council on Aging (NCOA)
The National Council on Aging (NCOA) operates BenefitsCheckUp (benefitscheckup.org), a free online screening tool that can help older adults and people with disabilities identify federal, state, and local benefit programs they may be eligible for — including LIHEAP and WAP. If you or a family member is 60 or older, NCOA's resources are worth exploring alongside your direct LIHEAP application.
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Program eligibility and availability vary by state. Not affiliated with any government agency.
Last reviewed: May 2026