Help Paying Your Heating and Cooling Bills: The Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program

When winter temperatures drop below freezing or summer heat becomes dangerous, energy bills can spike to levels that force low-income households into impossible choices—pay the electric bill or buy groceries, keep the heat on or fill a prescription. The Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) exists to prevent those choices from becoming tragedies. LIHEAP is a federally funded, state-administered program that helps millions of low-income households pay for home heating and cooling, prevents utility disconnections during dangerous weather, and funds improvements that make homes more energy-efficient.

LIHEAP is not a small or obscure program. With annual federal funding of approximately $4 billion—and significantly more during emergency supplemental allocations—LIHEAP serves roughly 6 million households each year across every state, the District of Columbia, U.S. territories, and more than 150 tribal organizations. The program has been operating continuously since 1981, when Congress created it through the Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act, and it has been reauthorized multiple times since.

For eligible households, LIHEAP can mean the difference between a warm home and a dangerous cold snap, between keeping the air conditioning running during a heat wave and risking heat stroke. The program operates year-round in most states, though the specific types of assistance available may shift seasonally. Heating assistance is the most common benefit, but cooling assistance, crisis intervention, and weatherization services are also integral components.

Opportunity Snapshot

Detail	Information
Program Type	Ongoing energy bill assistance and weatherization
Who It Serves	Low-income households, with priority for elderly, disabled, and families with young children
Income Limit	At or below 150% FPG or 60% of state median income (whichever is higher)
Households Served	Approximately 6 million per year
Benefit Range	$200–$1,000+ per heating season; crisis benefits can cover full arrears
Weatherization Value	Up to several thousand dollars in home energy upgrades
Application	Apply through your state or local LIHEAP agency; rolling enrollment
Federal Funding	Approximately $4 billion annually
Administered By	HHS Administration for Children and Families, Office of Community Services

Types of LIHEAP Assistance

LIHEAP is not a single benefit—it encompasses four distinct types of assistance, each addressing a different aspect of the energy burden that low-income households face.

Heating Assistance

The core LIHEAP benefit is a payment to help cover the cost of heating your home during cold months. This can take several forms: a direct payment to your utility company or fuel dealer, a credit applied to your account, or in some cases a check or electronic payment to you if you pay for fuel directly (such as purchasing heating oil, propane, or wood). Payments typically range from $200 to $1,000 or more per heating season, depending on your state, household size, income level, fuel type, and heating costs. Some states calculate benefits using a formula that accounts for actual energy costs, while others provide flat-rate payments based on income brackets.

In many states, heating assistance applications open in the fall (September through November) and remain available through the winter or until funds are exhausted. However, the program itself operates continuously—if you miss the initial application window, you may still be able to apply for crisis assistance or be placed on a waiting list for the next funding cycle.

Cooling Assistance

As climate change drives more frequent and intense heat waves, LIHEAP cooling assistance has become increasingly critical. This component helps pay for air conditioning costs during summer months, and in some states includes the provision or repair of air conditioning units, fans, or other cooling equipment. Cooling assistance is particularly important for elderly individuals and people with chronic health conditions who are most vulnerable to heat-related illness.

Not all states offer a separate cooling assistance program—some incorporate cooling costs into their general energy assistance benefit. Check with your local LIHEAP office to find out what cooling assistance is available in your area.

Energy Crisis Intervention

When you face an immediate energy emergency—a shutoff notice, a broken furnace, a depleted fuel tank during a cold snap, or a dangerously high summer temperature with no working cooling system—LIHEAP crisis intervention can provide rapid assistance. Crisis benefits are typically processed faster than regular seasonal assistance (sometimes within 24 to 48 hours) and can cover larger amounts, including the full balance needed to prevent or restore service.

Energy crisis intervention may include direct payments to prevent utility disconnection, emergency fuel delivery, repair or replacement of heating or cooling equipment, and in some cases temporary relocation to safe shelter during extreme weather events. This component is available year-round in most states and is one of the most time-sensitive LIHEAP services.

LIHEAP funds can also be used for weatherization—physical improvements to your home that reduce energy consumption and lower future bills. These improvements typically include insulation (attic, wall, and floor), air sealing to reduce drafts, repair or replacement of heating and cooling systems, storm windows and doors, weather stripping, and in some cases appliance replacement. Weatherization services are often provided in coordination with the U.S. Department of Energy’s Weatherization Assistance Program (WAP), which has its own separate funding stream and eligibility process.

The value of weatherization services can reach several thousand dollars per home, and the improvements provide ongoing savings for years to come. The Department of Energy estimates that weatherization reduces heating costs by an average of $283 per year and returns $1.72 in energy savings for every dollar invested.

Who Qualifies for LIHEAP

LIHEAP eligibility is primarily income-based, with federal guidelines establishing a floor that states can modify upward.

Federal income threshold: Households with income at or below the greater of 150% of the Federal Poverty Guidelines or 60% of the state median income. For 2025, 150% of FPG is approximately $23,475 for a single person and $48,375 for a family of four. In states with higher costs of living, the 60% state median income threshold may be significantly higher than 150% FPG, extending eligibility to more households.

Priority populations: Federal law requires states to give priority to households with the highest energy costs relative to income, particularly those that include elderly individuals (age 60+), people with disabilities, and families with young children under age six. These populations are most vulnerable to energy insecurity and face the greatest health risks from inadequate heating and cooling.

Categorical eligibility: In many states, households where at least one member receives SNAP, TANF, SSI, or certain veterans’ benefits are automatically income-eligible for LIHEAP without additional income documentation. This streamlines the application process and reduces paperwork.

Homeowners and renters: Both homeowners and renters can qualify. If your heating or cooling costs are included in your rent, you may still be eligible for LIHEAP assistance—the benefit would be paid to you or credited toward your housing costs, depending on state policy.

Non-subsidized housing: Even if you live in subsidized housing where utilities are included, you may still qualify for LIHEAP if you pay a separate utility bill or a utility allowance.

How to Apply

Step 1: Find your local LIHEAP office. LIHEAP is administered by different agencies in different states—it might be the state energy office, the department of social services, a community action agency, or another designated organization. Visit the LIHEAP website at acf.hhs.gov/ocs/programs/liheap or call the National Energy Assistance Referral (NEAR) hotline at 1-866-674-6327 to find the correct agency in your area.

Step 2: Gather your documents. Most LIHEAP applications require proof of identity, proof of household income for all household members (pay stubs, tax returns, benefit letters, or self-employment records), a recent energy bill or fuel statement, proof of residence (lease, deed, or utility bill), and Social Security numbers for all household members. Requirements vary by state, so call ahead to confirm exactly what you need.

Step 3: Submit your application. Applications can typically be submitted in person at your local LIHEAP office, by mail, and in an increasing number of states, online. Some states also accept applications by phone. If you are applying for crisis assistance, indicate that on your application—crisis applications receive expedited processing.

Step 4: Receive your benefit. If approved, your benefit will typically be paid directly to your utility company or fuel vendor and credited to your account. You will receive a notice telling you the amount of assistance and to whom it was paid. Processing times vary from a few days (for crisis assistance) to several weeks (for regular seasonal assistance).

Step 5: Reapply each year. LIHEAP benefits are not permanent—you must reapply each year (or each season, depending on your state). Set a reminder to apply as soon as the application period opens, because many states distribute benefits on a first-come, first-served basis and funds can run out before everyone who qualifies has been served.

Making the Most of LIHEAP

Apply early. LIHEAP funding is limited, and many states exhaust their allocations before the end of the heating or cooling season. Applying as soon as applications open gives you the best chance of receiving assistance.

Combine with other programs. LIHEAP is designed to complement other assistance programs. If you qualify for LIHEAP, you likely also qualify for SNAP, Medicaid, Lifeline phone service, and possibly weatherization services through the Department of Energy’s WAP program. Your LIHEAP office can often help you apply for these additional programs.

Ask about weatherization. Even if your immediate need is help paying a bill, ask about weatherization services. Reducing your home’s energy consumption addresses the root cause of high bills rather than just treating the symptom. Weatherization services are free to eligible households and can reduce your energy costs for years to come.

Know your rights regarding shutoffs. Many states have laws prohibiting utility companies from disconnecting service during extreme cold or heat, for households with elderly or disabled members, or for households with pending LIHEAP applications. Your LIHEAP office can tell you about shutoff protections in your state and help you exercise your rights if you are facing disconnection.

Report income changes. If your income changes significantly during the year—due to job loss, retirement, disability, or other factors—contact your LIHEAP office. You may qualify for additional assistance or different benefit levels based on your current income rather than your income at the time of your original application.

The Scope of Energy Insecurity

LIHEAP addresses a problem that affects far more Americans than most people realize. According to the U.S. Energy Information Administration, approximately 27 million households—about one in five—report difficulty paying their energy bills. Low-income households spend a disproportionate share of their income on energy: while the average American household spends about 3% of income on energy, low-income households often spend 10% to 20% or more. This “energy burden” forces millions of families to make tradeoffs between heating their homes and meeting other basic needs.

The consequences of energy insecurity are severe and well-documented. Cold indoor temperatures contribute to respiratory illness, cardiovascular stress, and hypothermia—particularly among elderly individuals. Extreme indoor heat causes heat stroke, dehydration, and death. Children in energy-insecure households have higher rates of asthma, hospitalization, and developmental problems. Adults facing energy insecurity experience higher rates of depression and anxiety. And when families sacrifice food, medication, or medical care to pay utility bills, the downstream health and economic costs far exceed the cost of the energy assistance itself.

LIHEAP is a cost-effective intervention. Research shows that every dollar spent on LIHEAP generates multiple dollars in economic return through reduced emergency room visits, fewer weather-related deaths and illnesses, lower rates of homelessness, and reduced demand on other social services. The program also benefits the broader economy by keeping utility payments flowing to energy companies, preventing cascading financial crises for households already on the economic edge.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I get LIHEAP if I rent my home? Yes. Both homeowners and renters are eligible. If your utilities are included in your rent, you may still qualify—check with your local LIHEAP office.

Does LIHEAP only cover heating? No. LIHEAP can help with heating, cooling, energy crises, and weatherization. The specific types of assistance available depend on your state and the time of year.

Will LIHEAP pay my entire bill? It depends on the amount of your bill, your state’s benefit formula, and available funding. LIHEAP is designed to supplement your energy costs, not necessarily cover them entirely. However, crisis assistance may cover full past-due balances in some cases.

Can I get LIHEAP if I also receive SNAP or SSI? Yes. Receiving other means-tested benefits like SNAP, SSI, or TANF does not disqualify you from LIHEAP. In many states, it provides categorical eligibility, meaning you automatically meet the income requirement.

What if I use heating oil, propane, or wood instead of electric or gas? LIHEAP covers all heating fuel types, including electricity, natural gas, heating oil, propane, kerosene, wood, and coal. Benefits may be paid to your fuel dealer or provided directly to you.

Is LIHEAP a one-time benefit? Seasonal assistance is typically provided once per heating or cooling season. However, you can apply each year, and crisis assistance may be available multiple times during a season if you face additional emergencies.

How to Get Started

Call the National Energy Assistance Referral (NEAR) hotline at 1-866-674-6327 for your local LIHEAP contact
Visit acf.hhs.gov/ocs/programs/liheap for program information and state contacts
Contact your local Community Action Agency for in-person application assistance
Call 211 for energy assistance referrals in your area
Ask your utility company about LIHEAP and any additional company-sponsored assistance programs

No one should have to choose between keeping the lights on and putting food on the table. LIHEAP exists to ensure that low-income families can heat and cool their homes safely, and every eligible household should take advantage of this vital resource.