A big heating bill in winter or a huge air conditioning bill in summer can wreck a monthly budget. The Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program, known as LIHEAP, helps low-income households keep the lights and heat on.
What LIHEAP can help with
- Paying heating or cooling bills
- Crisis help if you have a shutoff notice or are out of fuel
- In some states, repairing or replacing broken heating or cooling equipment
- Weatherization to make your home more energy efficient
Who qualifies
LIHEAP is federally funded but run by states, territories, and tribes. Each one sets its own income limits within federal guidelines. Households that already receive SNAP, SSI, or TANF may automatically qualify in some states. Priority often goes to households with seniors, young children, or people with disabilities.
How to apply
- Find your state LIHEAP office through the federal LIHEAP website or by calling the National Energy Assistance Referral line.
- Gather documents: ID, proof of income, recent energy bills, and Social Security numbers if you have them.
- Apply as early as possible. Funding is limited and can run out.
If you have a shutoff notice
Call your utility company right away and ask about payment plans, hardship programs, and medical certificates if someone in your home depends on electricity for medical equipment. Many states also have rules that limit shutoffs during extreme cold or heat.
When to apply
LIHEAP has limited funding, and many states open applications for heating help in the fall and cooling help in late spring or summer. Some states take applications all year until money runs out. The safest approach is to apply as early as possible and ask your local office when their season opens.
Help beyond paying the bill
LIHEAP is often connected to other energy programs. When you apply, ask about:
- Weatherization services that can lower your energy use for years
- Furnace or air conditioner repair or replacement in some states
- Your utility’s discount rates or hardship funds
- Budget billing to keep monthly bills steady
What renters should know
Renters can apply for LIHEAP too. If your heat or electricity is in your name, the payment usually goes to your utility. If utilities are included in your rent, some states still provide help, so ask your local office how it works where you live.
A real-life example
Last winter, Beatriz received a disconnection notice after a cold snap tripled her gas bill. She called her county’s community action agency, which runs LIHEAP in her area. Because she had a shutoff notice, they processed her crisis application within days.
The program paid part of the bill directly to the gas company, and the utility set up a payment plan for the rest.
Tips from people who have been through it
- Apply early in the season before funds run low.
- Keep copies of your energy bills from the past year.
- Ask your utility about budget billing, which spreads costs evenly over the year.
- If someone in your home uses medical equipment, ask about medical protection from shutoff.
Frequently asked questions
Does LIHEAP pay my bill directly?
Usually the payment goes directly to your utility company.
Can renters apply?
Yes, including renters whose heat is included in the rent in some states.
Can I get help more than once a year?
It depends on your state. Many offer one regular benefit per season plus crisis assistance.
Related guides
- Utility Assistance Programs: Help With Electric, Gas, and Water Bills
- Home Repair Grants and Loans for Low-Income Homeowners
- Lifeline Program: Discounted Phone and Internet Service
Official resources
This guide is for general information only. US Assistance Guide is an independent website and is not affiliated with, endorsed by, or connected to any government agency. Program rules, income limits, and benefit amounts change often and vary by state, so always confirm details with the official agency before you apply.