Energy & Utility Help

Need Help Paying Utility Bills? LIHEAP May Be Able to Help

The Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) may help eligible households cover heating, cooling, and energy crisis costs — here's what you need to know.

April 3, 2026·By Patricia Holloway·✓ Reviewed 2026-04

Key Takeaways

✓LIHEAP is a federally funded program that may help low-income households pay heating and cooling bills, and in some cases cover energy-related home repairs.
✓Older adults, families with young children, and people with disabilities may be among those who qualify for priority assistance in many states.
✓Eligibility is generally based on household income, size, and energy costs — most households at or below 150% of the federal poverty level may qualify.
✓LIHEAP assistance may be available as a one-time payment, seasonal benefit, or emergency crisis grant depending on where you live.
✓Applications are handled at the state and local level, so benefit amounts, application periods, and eligibility rules vary widely across the country.

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.

Struggling to keep the lights on or worried about staying warm this winter — or cool this summer — is one of the most stressful kinds of financial hardship a household can face. Utility shutoffs can threaten your health, your safety, and your family's wellbeing. If you are facing high energy bills or a shut-off notice and do not know where to turn, the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program — known as LIHEAP — may be an important source of relief worth exploring.

What Is LIHEAP?

LIHEAP is a federal assistance program administered by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS). It provides funding to states, territories, and tribal organizations, which then distribute benefits to eligible low-income households. The program was created to help people who struggle to pay their home energy bills — both to heat their homes in the winter and cool them in the summer.

Because funding flows from the federal government to state and local agencies, the way LIHEAP works can look quite different depending on where you live. Some states open applications only during certain seasons. Others run year-round programs. Benefit amounts, income limits, and the types of help offered all depend on your state's specific program design.

What Types of Help May Be Available?

LIHEAP is not a single type of benefit — it may offer several different kinds of energy assistance depending on your state:

Heating Assistance: This is the core benefit most people associate with LIHEAP. Eligible households may receive help paying heating bills during the cold-weather months. This can apply whether you heat your home with natural gas, electricity, propane, oil, or even wood.

Cooling Assistance: In many states, LIHEAP funds may also be used to help with summer cooling costs — including help paying electric bills or, in some cases, assistance obtaining a fan or air conditioning unit. This is especially important for older adults and young children, who face greater health risks from extreme heat.

Crisis or Emergency Assistance: If you are facing an immediate energy emergency — such as a utility shutoff notice or a broken furnace in the dead of winter — crisis assistance through LIHEAP may be available. This type of aid is often processed more quickly than standard benefits to address urgent situations.

Weatherization and Home Repair: Some LIHEAP programs coordinate with or refer households to weatherization programs that may help reduce long-term energy costs through home repairs like insulation, window sealing, or heating system improvements.

Who May Qualify for LIHEAP?

LIHEAP eligibility is primarily based on household income and size. In general, households with income at or below 150% of the federal poverty level may qualify, though some states set their limits as high as 60% of the state median income. Because income limits vary by state and are updated periodically, you will want to check with your local LIHEAP agency for the most current numbers.

Certain groups may receive priority consideration in many states, including:

Older adults aged 60 and above — The National Council on Aging highlights LIHEAP as one of the most important energy programs for seniors, who often live on fixed incomes and face greater health risks from temperature extremes.
Households with young children, particularly infants and toddlers
People with disabilities who may have higher energy needs due to medical equipment or health conditions
Households with the highest energy costs relative to their income

Even if you receive other forms of government assistance, such as Supplemental Security Income (SSI), SNAP, or Medicaid, you may still need to apply separately for LIHEAP — though in some states, receiving certain benefits may automatically make you eligible or simplify the application process.

How Do You Apply?

To apply for LIHEAP, you will generally need to contact your state or local administering agency. The National Energy Assistance Referral (NEAR) project can help connect you to your local program. You can also visit Benefits.gov or call 1-800-677-1116 (the Eldercare Locator) for referrals.

When you apply, you may be asked to provide:

Proof of identity and household members (such as a driver's license or birth certificates)
Proof of address
Recent utility bills
Proof of income for all household members (pay stubs, Social Security award letters, etc.)
Social Security numbers for household members

Requirements vary by location, so it is a good idea to call ahead or check your state agency's website before your appointment.

Tips for Getting the Most From LIHEAP

Apply early. LIHEAP funding is limited and is distributed on a first-come, first-served basis in many states. Once funds run out, applications may be closed until the next funding cycle. Do not wait until your situation becomes a crisis if you can help it — though crisis benefits may still be available if you are already in an emergency.

Check for additional programs. LIHEAP is often one piece of a larger puzzle. Many states offer supplemental utility assistance programs, and your utility company itself may have a Low Income Payment Assistance program or budget billing options. Community action agencies in your area may also offer emergency help.

Ask about weatherization. If your home is drafty, poorly insulated, or has an aging heating or cooling system, you may also want to ask about the Weatherization Assistance Program (WAP), which is separate from LIHEAP but often administered through the same local agencies.

Renew your benefits. LIHEAP benefits typically do not renew automatically. If you received assistance last year, you will likely need to reapply for the current season.

A Note on Program Availability

Federal funding for LIHEAP can change from year to year based on Congressional appropriations. In years when additional emergency funding has been allocated — such as during extreme weather events or economic downturns — more households may be able to receive assistance. In tighter funding years, waiting lists or early closures are more common. This makes it all the more important to apply as soon as your local program opens.

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

Sources & Further Reading

Frequently Asked Questions

How much money can I get from LIHEAP?

LIHEAP benefit amounts vary widely depending on your state, your household income, your family size, and your home energy costs. Some households may receive a few hundred dollars toward a utility bill, while others in states with more generous funding may receive more. Your local LIHEAP agency can give you the most accurate estimate for your situation. Benefits are typically paid directly to your utility provider, not to you.

Can I apply for LIHEAP if I rent my home?

Yes, renters may qualify for LIHEAP assistance just as homeowners do. If you pay your own utility bills directly, you may be eligible to apply. In some cases, even households where heat or utilities are included in the rent may be eligible for a benefit, though how this is handled varies by state. Contact your local LIHEAP office to find out how renters are treated in your area.

What if I already received a shutoff notice from my utility company?

If you have received a shutoff notice, you may want to contact your local LIHEAP office right away and ask specifically about crisis or emergency assistance. Many states have a separate, faster-track process for households facing immediate energy emergencies. You should also contact your utility company directly — many are required to offer payment arrangements or have their own hardship programs that may help you avoid disconnection while you wait for LIHEAP assistance.

Does LIHEAP help with cooling costs in the summer?

In many states, yes — LIHEAP funding may be used for cooling assistance during hot weather months. This can include help paying electric bills to run an air conditioner, or in some cases, assistance obtaining a cooling device. Cooling assistance is especially important for older adults and households with young children or people with medical conditions. Check with your state agency to see if a summer cooling component is offered where you live.

I receive Social Security or SSI — does that affect my LIHEAP eligibility?

Receiving Social Security or SSI does not automatically disqualify you from LIHEAP — in fact, many recipients of these programs may qualify based on their income level. In some states, receiving SSI may make you automatically eligible for LIHEAP or simplify the application process. However, you will still generally need to apply separately. Your local LIHEAP agency can tell you exactly how Social Security income is counted in your state's eligibility calculation.

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 billslow incomeheating assistancecooling assistancesenior assistancefederal programscrisis assistanceutility shutoff

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