LIHEAP Explained: How to Get Help Paying Your Energy Bills

When you're struggling to make ends meet, the utility bill is often the expense that gets pushed to the bottom of the stack — until the disconnection notice arrives. The Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program, known as LIHEAP, exists specifically to keep that from happening. It helps eligible low-income households pay for heating in winter, cooling in summer, and in some cases, covers weatherization improvements that reduce energy costs permanently.

LIHEAP is a federally funded program, but it's administered by states, tribes, and territories, which means the specifics — how much assistance you can receive, when you can apply, and exactly how the program operates — vary depending on where you live. What's consistent is the core purpose: helping families keep the lights and heat on.

What LIHEAP Covers

LIHEAP funds can be used for several types of energy-related assistance. Heating assistance helps cover the cost of home heating during winter months, whether you use natural gas, oil, propane, electricity, wood, or another fuel source. Cooling assistance helps with air conditioning costs during summer, which is especially important for elderly and medically vulnerable households. Crisis assistance provides emergency help when you're facing a utility shutoff, are already disconnected, or have a dangerously low fuel supply. Some states also use LIHEAP funds for weatherization — improvements like insulation, sealing air leaks, and upgrading inefficient heating systems that reduce your energy costs over the long term.

In most cases, LIHEAP payments go directly to your utility company or fuel provider rather than to you. The amount varies based on your state's funding, your household income, your energy costs, and the severity of your situation.

Who Qualifies

LIHEAP eligibility is generally based on household income at or below 150 percent of the federal poverty level, or 60 percent of your state's median income — whichever is higher. Some states set their own thresholds that are more generous. For 2026, 150 percent of the federal poverty level is approximately $23,940 for an individual and $49,500 for a family of four.

States often prioritize assistance for households with the highest energy costs relative to income, and for households that include elderly members, young children, or people with disabilities. If you receive SNAP, SSI, TANF, or certain veterans' benefits, you may automatically meet the income requirements.

You must be responsible for your home energy costs — either directly (you pay the utility company) or indirectly (energy costs are included in your rent). Both homeowners and renters can qualify.

How to Apply

Application periods and processes vary by state. Many states open LIHEAP applications in the fall for winter heating assistance and in the spring for summer cooling assistance. Some states accept applications year-round for crisis assistance.

To find your state's LIHEAP program, contact your local community action agency or call the LIHEAP National Hotline at 1-866-674-6327. You can also find your state's contact information through the Administration for Children and Families at acf.hhs.gov.

When you apply, you'll typically need to provide proof of identity, proof of residence, proof of income for all household members, a recent utility bill or energy statement, and Social Security numbers for all household members.

Processing times vary. Crisis assistance is typically handled on an expedited basis — often within 48 hours to a few days. Regular heating and cooling assistance may take several weeks.

What If You're Already Behind

If you've already received a shutoff notice or have been disconnected, apply for LIHEAP crisis assistance immediately. Many states can intervene to prevent disconnection or restore service. In the meantime, contact your utility company directly — most have hardship programs, payment plans, or medical protection policies that can delay disconnection if you're elderly, disabled, or have a medical condition that requires powered equipment.

Many utility companies also have their own low-income discount programs that operate independently of LIHEAP. Ask your provider about budget billing, rate reductions, or arrearage management programs that can help stabilize your monthly costs.

Sources

• Administration for Children and Families. "Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP)." acf.hhs.gov

• National Energy Assistance Directors Association. "LIHEAP." neada.org