Trump's Proposed LIHEAP Elimination: What Low-Income Households Need to Know

The Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) — the federal program that helps millions of low-income Americans pay heating and cooling bills — is facing a proposed elimination under the Trump administration's federal budget plan. If you rely on LIHEAP or were planning to apply, this proposal may affect your options, but the program has not been eliminated yet. Understanding where things stand, what the timeline looks like, and what alternatives may be available to you is the most practical thing you can do right now.

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Data Snapshot

LIHEAP served approximately 6.2 million households in fiscal year 2023, according to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), which administers the program. Congress appropriated $4.1 billion for LIHEAP in FY2023. The program reaches households at or below 150% of the Federal Poverty Level (FPL) in most states, though some states set their income threshold as high as 60% of state median income — whichever is higher. Average benefit amounts vary widely by state and household need, but nationally, heating assistance benefits have ranged from roughly $200 to over $1,000 per household per season depending on fuel type, climate, and available state funding. Source: HHS LIHEAP Household Report — https://www.acf.hhs.gov/ocs/programs/liheap

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What the Proposal Actually Says

The Trump administration's budget proposal calls for the complete elimination of LIHEAP funding. This is not the first time a presidential budget has targeted LIHEAP — similar proposals were made during the first Trump administration and were rejected by Congress both times. A presidential budget proposal is a request, not a law. Congress holds the actual power of the purse, and LIHEAP has historically enjoyed bipartisan support because it serves households in every state, including rural and cold-weather communities that lean conservative.

That said, even a prolonged budget fight or a continuing resolution that freezes funding at reduced levels could delay or reduce LIHEAP benefits in the near term. States that rely heavily on federal LIHEAP dollars may face difficult decisions about how to allocate limited funds if federal appropriations are cut or delayed.

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Who LIHEAP Serves — and Who Is Most at Risk

LIHEAP is designed for households with low incomes who face a significant energy burden — meaning a high percentage of their income goes toward heating and cooling costs. The program covers:

  • Heating assistance (the largest component) — helps pay winter heating bills for natural gas, electricity, oil, propane, and other fuels
  • Cooling assistance — helps with summer electricity costs in many states
  • Crisis assistance — emergency help when a household faces shutoff or has run out of fuel
  • Weatherization linkages — some states use a portion of LIHEAP funds to connect households with home energy efficiency improvements

Who May Be Eligible

Eligibility is generally based on household income at or below 150% of the Federal Poverty Level (FPL), though this varies by state. Priority is typically given to:

  • Households with elderly members (age 60 or older)
  • Households with young children (under age 6)
  • Households with a member who has a disability
  • Households with the highest energy costs or lowest incomes

Immigration status requirements vary by state. Some states serve households with mixed immigration status; others have stricter requirements. Contact your state energy office directly for the most accurate information.

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What You Should Do Right Now

If you currently receive LIHEAP or were planning to apply this year, here are the most practical steps you can take:

Step 1: Apply for the Current Program Year Without Delay

LIHEAP funding is distributed to states in annual allocations. Even if future funding is uncertain, current-year funds may still be available in your state. Many states open their heating assistance applications in the fall and run through spring. Cooling assistance programs often open in late spring or early summer. Do not wait — funds are limited and distributed on a first-come, first-served basis in many states.

To find your state's LIHEAP office and application, visit the National Energy Assistance Referral (NEAR) project or contact your state's health and human services department directly.

Step 2: Gather Your Documents Before You Apply

Having your paperwork ready speeds up the process significantly. Most LIHEAP applications require:

  • Proof of identity (driver's license, state ID, or passport)
  • Proof of address (utility bill, lease agreement, or mail with your name and address)
  • Proof of income for all household members (recent pay stubs, Social Security award letter, unemployment determination letter, or tax return)
  • Social Security numbers for all household members applying
  • A recent utility bill or account number for your heating or cooling provider
  • Proof of household size (birth certificates for children, or other documentation)

Requirements vary by state, so check with your local administering agency before your appointment.

Step 3: Contact Your Utility Company Directly

Most major utility companies — electric, gas, and heating oil — operate their own low-income assistance or hardship programs that are entirely separate from LIHEAP. These programs exist regardless of what happens at the federal level. Common options include:

  • Budget billing plans that spread costs evenly across 12 months
  • Low-income rate discounts (sometimes called LITE-UP, CARE, or similar names depending on your state)
  • Arrearage management programs that forgive past-due balances if you maintain current payments
  • Emergency shutoff protection for households with elderly, disabled, or young children

Call the customer service number on your utility bill and ask specifically about low-income assistance programs. Many households don't know these exist until they ask.

Step 4: Check State-Funded Energy Assistance Programs

Some states fund their own energy assistance programs that operate independently of federal LIHEAP dollars. California, New York, Massachusetts, and several other states have state-level programs that may continue even if federal funding is reduced. Your state's public utilities commission or department of social services website is the best place to check.

Step 5: Explore Weatherization Assistance

The Weatherization Assistance Program (WAP), also administered by the U.S. Department of Energy, helps low-income households reduce energy costs through home improvements like insulation, air sealing, and heating system upgrades. WAP has separate funding from LIHEAP and may still be available in your area. Eligibility is generally set at or below 200% of the Federal Poverty Level (FPL). Weatherization improvements can reduce energy bills by an average of several hundred dollars per year — a long-term solution that doesn't depend on annual benefit renewals.

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What Advocates Are Saying

Energy assistance advocates and state administrators have raised strong objections to the proposed LIHEAP elimination. Organizations representing state energy offices have noted that LIHEAP is one of the few federal programs that directly prevents utility shutoffs — which can lead to dangerous living conditions, especially for elderly and medically vulnerable households. The National Energy Assistance Directors' Association (NEADA) and other groups are actively lobbying Congress to maintain full LIHEAP funding.

The outcome will depend on the congressional appropriations process, which typically plays out over the summer and fall. Households should monitor developments but not wait on applying for current-year assistance.

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If LIHEAP Is Eliminated: A Realistic Picture

If Congress were to approve the elimination of LIHEAP — which has not happened and faces significant political resistance — the impact would be felt most severely by:

  • Elderly households on fixed incomes who currently use LIHEAP to avoid choosing between food and heat
  • Rural households that rely on heating oil or propane, which tend to be more expensive and have fewer utility company assistance alternatives
  • States with limited budgets that cannot easily replace federal dollars with state funds

Even in a worst-case scenario, utility company programs, state-funded assistance, nonprofit resources like the Salvation Army and Catholic Charities, and community action agencies would remain available — though they would face significantly higher demand.

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People Also Ask

Is LIHEAP still accepting applications in 2025? In most states, yes. LIHEAP funding for the current program year has already been allocated to states, and many state programs are still open or will open for cooling season. Contact your state energy office or local community action agency to check availability and deadlines in your area.

What income limit does LIHEAP use? Most states set LIHEAP eligibility at or below 150% of the Federal Poverty Level (FPL), though some states use up to 60% of state median income if that figure is higher. Exact dollar thresholds change annually with FPL updates. Your state administering agency can confirm the current limit for your household size.

Will I lose my LIHEAP benefits immediately if the program is cut? Not immediately. The proposal must go through Congress before any changes take effect. Current-year funding already distributed to states would continue to be used under existing program rules. Future program years are what's at risk if Congress approves the elimination.

What can I do if I can't pay my heating or cooling bill right now? Contact your utility company immediately and ask about hardship programs, payment plans, and shutoff protection. Also reach out to your local community action agency — find one at communityactionpartnership.com — which may have emergency energy funds available. The 211 helpline (dial 2-1-1) can connect you with local resources.

Does LIHEAP cover renters, or only homeowners? LIHEAP covers both renters and homeowners. If you are a renter whose heat is included in your rent, some states have provisions that may still allow you to receive assistance. Check with your state LIHEAP office for how your specific situation is handled.

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

Last reviewed: July 2026