LIHEAP: How to Get Help Paying Your Heating and Cooling Bills
The Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) helps low-income households pay their heating and cooling bills, avoid utility shutoffs, and in some cases get weatherization assistance. It's one of the most underclaimed federal programs — mostly because people don't know it exists until they're already in crisis.
What LIHEAP Covers
LIHEAP provides four types of assistance: heating assistance (help paying winter heating bills), cooling assistance (help with summer air conditioning costs), crisis assistance (emergency help when service has been shut off or is about to be), and weatherization (improving home energy efficiency to lower bills permanently). Not all states offer all four types — funding is limited and varies yearly.
Who Qualifies
Eligibility is based on income relative to the federal poverty level or a percentage of state median income. Most states set the threshold at 150% of the federal poverty level. For a family of four in 2026, that's approximately $46,800/year. Households with a member who is elderly, disabled, or has young children often receive priority. Some states also prioritize households facing immediate shutoff.
How Much Help You Can Get
LIHEAP benefit amounts vary widely by state, household size, income, and fuel type. The national average LIHEAP benefit is approximately $500–$1,000 per year, but some states provide significantly more during extreme weather. Crisis assistance payments can be higher. Benefits are paid directly to your utility company — you don't receive cash.
Apply Early — Funds Run Out
LIHEAP is block-granted to states, which means each state receives a fixed amount each year. When the money runs out, it runs out. Many states open their LIHEAP application period in the fall and close it early due to demand. Don't wait until your bill is due — apply at the start of the benefit season, usually October or November for heating assistance.
How to Apply
Apply through your state's LIHEAP administering agency — typically the state Department of Social Services or a local community action agency. Use the LIHEAP grantee locator at acf.hhs.gov/ocs/map/liheap-map-state-and-territory-contact-listing to find your state's program. Many areas also have local community action agencies that can process applications and may have supplemental local funds.
Bottom Line
LIHEAP doesn't solve long-term energy insecurity, but it can prevent a shutoff, cover a heating bill in a crisis, and buy time. Apply early every year — income from last year doesn't disqualify you from this year's benefits. And if your state runs out of federal LIHEAP funds, ask about state or local utility assistance programs.