Utility bills can consume a significant portion of a low-income household's budget, especially during extreme heat in summer or freezing temperatures in winter. The Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program — commonly known as LIHEAP — is a federally funded initiative designed to reduce that burden for qualifying Americans.

Administered by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) through the Office of Community Services, LIHEAP provides grants to states, territories, and tribal organizations, which then distribute assistance to eligible households. The program does not send money directly to applicants. Instead, payments are typically made on behalf of households to utility companies or heating fuel suppliers.

What LIHEAP May Cover

Depending on your state's program design, LIHEAP assistance may be available for:

  • Heating costs — help with bills for natural gas, electricity, oil, propane, wood, or other heating fuels during cold months
  • Cooling costs — assistance with electric bills during hot summer months, though not all states offer this component
  • Energy crisis assistance — emergency help for households facing an immediate threat of utility shutoff, loss of heating or cooling equipment, or a dangerous energy-related situation
  • Weatherization and minor home repairs — some states use a portion of LIHEAP funds to improve home energy efficiency, which can reduce long-term utility costs

The availability of each component depends entirely on how individual states and territories choose to allocate their federal block grant dollars.

Who May Be Eligible

LIHEAP eligibility is primarily income-based. Households with gross incomes at or below 150% of the federal poverty level — or 60% of the state's median income, whichever is higher — may qualify. States have some flexibility in setting their own income thresholds within federal guidelines, so the exact limit differs depending on where you live.

Other factors that may affect eligibility or benefit amounts include:

  • Household size — larger households may qualify at higher income levels
  • Energy costs — households with a higher energy burden relative to income may receive larger benefits
  • Vulnerability status — households that include a member age 60 or older, a child under age 6, or a person with a disability may receive priority in some states
  • Residency — applicants generally must live in the state or territory where they apply

Receipt of other public benefits such as SNAP, SSI, TANF, or veterans' pension benefits may automatically qualify a household for LIHEAP in certain states.

How to Apply

LIHEAP does not have a single national application. Each state operates its own program, which means the application process, deadlines, and required documents vary. To find your local LIHEAP contact office, you can:

  • Visit the HHS Office of Community Services website
  • Call the National Energy Assistance Referral (NEAR) hotline at 1-866-674-6327
  • Contact your local community action agency
  • Search Benefits.gov for LIHEAP listings in your state

When applying, you may be asked to provide proof of identity, household income (such as pay stubs or benefit award letters), a recent utility bill, and documentation of household members. Some states allow online applications, while others require an in-person visit or a mailed form.

Funding Availability and Timing

Because LIHEAP is a block grant program, funding is limited. States receive a set allocation each federal fiscal year, and once funds are exhausted, assistance may no longer be available until new funding is released. This means applying early — particularly at the start of the heating or cooling season — may improve your chances of receiving help.

Some states also open waiting lists when funds run low, while others operate on a first-come, first-served basis. Checking with your state agency frequently is the best way to stay current on available funding.

Special Considerations for Older Adults

The National Council on Aging highlights LIHEAP as a critical resource for seniors on fixed incomes, who often face a disproportionate energy burden. Older adults may also be able to get help applying through local Area Agencies on Aging (AAA), which frequently offer benefits enrollment assistance at no cost.

If you are an older adult and are unsure whether you may be eligible, consider reaching out to your local AAA or a benefits counselor who can review your full financial picture and identify all programs you may qualify for — including LIHEAP, SNAP, and Medicare Savings Programs.

A Note on State Variation

Eligibility requirements, benefit amounts, application periods, and covered services vary by state. What applies in one state may not apply in another. Always contact your state or local LIHEAP office directly to confirm the rules that apply to your situation.