Eligible households may be able to get help with home energy costs through LIHEAP. Learn what the program may cover and how to review the requirements.
LIHEAP Assistance May Include
Help during energy emergencies
Available assistance and benefit amounts can differ based on your location, household circumstances, and energy expenses.
Type of Help
Home energy assistance
Eligibility
Income or qualifying assistance
Where to Apply
State or local agency
What Is LIHEAP?
LIHEAP, short for the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program, is federally funded and designed to help eligible households with home energy costs. Although funding comes from the federal government, the program is administered at the state, territory, and tribal level, so application procedures and distribution of assistance can differ by location.
Who Could Be Eligible?
Eligibility commonly depends on household income, although participation in certain assistance programs may also be considered.
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Income: generally no more than 150% of the Federal Poverty Guidelines or 60% of the state’s median income, whichever threshold is higher.
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SNAP — participation may provide a pathway to eligibility in many states
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SSI — Supplemental Security Income
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TANF — Temporary Assistance for Needy Families
Specific eligibility standards and rules related to participation in other programs are determined locally, so requirements may differ depending on where you live.
An Important Point
LIHEAP provides assistance rather than a loan, so approved assistance does not need to be repaid. Support is commonly credited toward household energy costs or provided to the utility on the household’s behalf rather than issued as unrestricted cash.
What Does the Process Look Like?
The general process can be broken down into four basic stages.
1
Review the requirements
Check whether your household income or participation in another program may satisfy the LIHEAP rules used in your state.
2
Locate the agency serving your area
Applications are handled through state, territorial, or tribal agencies rather than through one nationwide application office.
3
Submit an application
Depending on local requirements, you may be asked to provide documentation related to household income or participation in qualifying programs.
4
Assistance is provided if approved
Approved households may receive help toward eligible home energy expenses. The amount, timing, and form of assistance depend on local rules and household circumstances.
Good to Know
Regular heating-assistance application periods open during the fall in many states, while crisis or cooling-related assistance may follow different schedules. Because funding is limited, checking your local program’s current availability and deadlines early can be helpful.
Common Questions
Do I have to repay the assistance?
No. LIHEAP assistance is not a loan and does not create a repayment obligation.
Are the rules identical nationwide?
No. State, territorial, and tribal agencies establish their own application procedures, deadlines, and methods for distributing available funds.
Could the program help with an urgent shut-off situation?
Crisis assistance for urgent energy situations is available in many states, but the specific options and requirements depend on the local program.
What if I don’t know whether I qualify?
You can review the requirements before applying. The next page provides more information about eligibility and how to locate the program serving your state.
Want to Review the Requirements?
Learn more about eligibility, possible documentation requirements, and how to locate the official LIHEAP program for your state.
SEE HOW TO APPLY →
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