Tennessee Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program

Quick Facts

State leadership: The Tennessee Department of Commerce & Insurance (TDCI) Office of Energy Programs oversees LIHEAP funding, policies, and reporting.
Local implementation: Nineteen human resource agencies and community action agencies accept applications, verify eligibility, and process benefits.
Benefit options: Regular heating/cooling assistance, crisis grants for shutoffs, energy replacement for storm damage, weatherization referrals, and coordination with utility-sponsored relief programs.
Eligibility: Households with income at or below 150% of the Federal Poverty Guidelines who are responsible for paying energy costs.
Application tip: Submit complete documentation early in the fiscal year (starting July 1) to secure benefits before funding is depleted.

Program Overview

Tennessee’s diverse geography—mountains, plateaus, river valleys—leads to varied energy needs. Winters can be icy in the Appalachians and milder in Memphis, while summers deliver high humidity statewide. LIHEAP ensures vulnerable residents maintain safe indoor temperatures by subsidizing energy costs and providing emergency assistance when crises arise.

Each local agency tailors services to community needs. Some prioritize elderly and disabled residents, others focus on working families, and many operate mobile intake events in rural counties. In addition to bill assistance, agencies connect households to weatherization, utility budget billing, and financial counseling.

Eligibility Requirements

Income: Household income must be at or below 150% of the Federal Poverty Guidelines. Applicants can provide income documentation for the previous 30 days or 12 months.
Energy responsibility: Applicants must be responsible for paying home energy bills directly or through rent. Renters with utilities included in rent must provide a landlord statement verifying energy costs.
Residency: Applicants must live in Tennessee and occupy the dwelling as their primary residence.
Identification: Provide Social Security numbers for all household members and government-issued ID for adults.
Documentation: Submit required paperwork (income proof, utility bills, crisis notices) as specified by the local agency.

Priority is given to elderly households (60+), individuals with disabilities, and families with young children. Agencies also prioritize situations where energy service is disconnected, at risk of disconnection, or where fuel supplies are critically low.

Benefit Components

Regular assistance: Provides a one-time payment of $350–$1,500 based on household income, fuel type, and region. Payments go directly to utilities or fuel vendors.
Crisis assistance: Offers emergency funds when a household faces disconnection, has already been disconnected, or has less than 25% fuel remaining. Crisis benefits cover past-due balances, reconnection fees, and deposits.
Energy replacement: Following disasters or equipment failure (e.g., HVAC damage due to storms), agencies can allocate LIHEAP funds to replace essential equipment or provide temporary heating/cooling solutions.
Weatherization referral: Approved households are referred to the Weatherization Assistance Program (WAP) for efficiency upgrades and health/safety improvements.
Energy education: Agencies provide workshops and counseling on budgeting, thermostat management, and safe heater use.

Application Steps

Find local agency: Use the LIHEAP agency list to locate contact information for your county.
Contact agency: Call, email, or visit during office hours to request an application or schedule an appointment. Some agencies accept online applications.
Prepare documents: Gather IDs, Social Security cards, proof of income, utility bills, landlord statements, and crisis notices.
Submit application: Complete forms and return them with documentation. Applications may be submitted in person, via mail, or electronically.
Agency review: Staff verify eligibility, calculate benefit amounts, and contact utilities to place holds on disconnections.
Notification: Applicants receive written approval or denial. Regular benefits typically process within 45 days; crisis cases within 48 hours of receiving complete documentation.
Monitor accounts: Check utility statements to ensure payments are credited. Follow up with the agency if payments do not appear within two billing cycles.

Documentation Checklist

Government-issued photo ID for head of household and adults.
Social Security cards for all household members.
Proof of income for the past 30 days or 12 months (pay stubs, Social Security, unemployment, pensions, VA benefits, child support, self-employment records).
Proof of zero income if applicable (self-declaration form and support letters).
Current utility bills (electric, gas) showing account numbers, usage, and arrears.
Fuel vendor statements showing tank levels for propane, kerosene, or heating oil.
Disconnect notices, termination letters, or eviction notices referencing utility arrears.
Lease or landlord statement verifying responsibility for utilities if included in rent.
Medical documentation for households seeking medical hardship priority.

Seasonal Timeline

July–August: Program year begins. Agencies accept applications and prioritize vulnerable households. Gather documents early.
September–October: Prepare for heating season—schedule HVAC maintenance, enroll in budget billing, and complete applications.
November–March: Peak heating season. Monitor bills, request crisis aid if necessary, and follow up on weatherization referrals.
April–June: Cooling assistance available in many counties. Clean air conditioners, replace filters, and manage summer energy usage.
Year-round: Crisis aid remains available while funds last. Report changes in income or household composition promptly.

Maximizing Benefits

Pair with utility programs: Enroll in TVA’s Home Uplift, MLGW’s Plus-1, NES Project Help, or local cooperative assistance funds. Provide LIHEAP approval to support applications.
Budget billing: Equalize monthly payments to avoid seasonal spikes.
Track energy usage: Use utility portals or smart meters to monitor daily consumption and identify high-use appliances.
Implement efficiency upgrades: Accept weatherization services, install LED lighting, seal ducts, and maintain HVAC equipment.
Stay organized: Keep an energy binder with bills, receipts, and agency correspondence for quick reapplication.
Communicate with landlords: Document requests for repairs affecting energy efficiency (drafty windows, faulty HVAC).
Build emergency reserves: Allocate small monthly savings to cover propane deliveries or prevent disconnections.

Coordination Opportunities

Weatherization Assistance Program: Provides insulation, air sealing, HVAC repairs, and health/safety improvements.
Low Income Household Water Assistance Program: Address water and sewer arrears during the same appointment.
SNAP/TANF coordination: Sharing verification with DHS streamlines applications and supports overall household stability.
Medicaid & TennCare: Care coordinators can help obtain medical certifications for utility protections.
Local nonprofits: United Way, Salvation Army, and faith-based groups provide supplemental utility grants.
Disaster recovery programs: After storms, coordinate with FEMA, SBA, or state recovery grants to repair energy systems.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I receive LIHEAP more than once per year? You can receive one regular benefit per program year plus crisis assistance if an emergency occurs and funds are available.

Does LIHEAP cover propane tank rentals? Crisis funds can cover rental fees and emergency fills when necessary to maintain service.

What if my income temporarily exceeds the limit? Report changes immediately. If income increases after approval, you may finish the current benefit year but may not receive additional crisis aid.

Can college students apply? Students living independently and responsible for energy costs can apply if they meet income limits.

Will LIHEAP replace my HVAC system? If the system is unsafe and beyond repair, agencies may coordinate LIHEAP with weatherization and utility funds to replace it. Funding is limited—apply as soon as issues arise.

Do I have to reapply every year? Yes. Benefits do not renew automatically. Keep documentation updated and apply early in the new program year.

Troubleshooting & Appeals

Missing documents: Submit proof that replacements were requested (e.g., SSA receipt). Agencies may grant temporary acceptance.
Utility disputes: Provide pledge numbers and contact names to both the agency and utility. Request agency assistance if the payment is not credited.
Denial appeals: File a written appeal with the local agency within 10 days. Escalate to TDCI if unresolved.
Language/accessibility: Request interpreters or home visits if needed. Agencies must provide reasonable accommodations.
Weatherization delays: Call monthly to confirm waitlist status and ask about alternative efficiency programs.
Natural disaster impacts: Document damages and coordinate with emergency management for additional support.

Energy Efficiency Checklist

Schedule HVAC tune-ups twice per year; replace filters quarterly.
Seal ducts, attics, and crawl spaces to reduce heat loss.
Install programmable thermostats and maintain 68°F winter/78°F summer settings.
Use ceiling fans and dehumidifiers to improve comfort and reduce HVAC load.
Upgrade to ENERGY STAR appliances when possible; seek rebates from utilities.
Insulate water heaters and set temperature to 120°F.
Practice space heater safety and avoid using ovens for heating.
Create an emergency kit with flashlights, blankets, and battery-powered fans.

100-Day Action Plan

Days 1–10: Contact local agency, gather documents, and submit application.
Days 11–30: Follow up on application status, provide any missing documents, and request crisis hold if needed.
Days 31–60: Confirm payment posting, enroll in budget billing, and schedule weatherization assessment.
Days 61–80: Attend energy education sessions, implement efficiency upgrades, and coordinate with landlords/contractors for repairs.
Days 81–100: Build emergency savings, review utility usage, and set reminders for next application cycle.

Key Resources

By treating LIHEAP as the hub of a comprehensive energy plan—integrating crisis aid, weatherization, utility partnerships, and budgeting support—Tennessee households can maintain safe, affordable homes regardless of seasonal extremes.