LIHEAP may help eligible households manage certain home energy costs. Available assistance, eligibility requirements, and application periods can vary based on where you live and the rules of the program serving your area.
Energy Assistance May Include
The type and amount of assistance available can vary by location, household circumstances, and available funding.
Eligibility
Household-based
Application
Local program
What Is LIHEAP?
LIHEAP stands for the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program. It uses federal funding to help eligible households with certain home energy expenses. States, territories, and tribal organizations administer the assistance locally.
Why Your Location Matters
LIHEAP does not use one nationwide application process. The agency serving your location determines the applicable requirements, application dates, documentation, and types of assistance that may be available.
Could Your Household Be Eligible?
Household income is commonly used to determine eligibility. Household size and participation in certain assistance programs may also be considered under the rules used in your area.
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Household income: limits are generally no more than 150% of the Federal Poverty Guidelines or 60% of the state’s median income, depending on which applicable threshold is higher.
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Household size: the number of people in your household may affect which income limit applies.
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SNAP or SSI: participation in these programs may be relevant under certain local eligibility rules.
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TANF: participation may also be considered depending on the rules used by your local program.
Meeting an income guideline or another eligibility factor does not guarantee assistance. The agency serving your area must review the application and determine eligibility under its applicable rules.
Good to Know
LIHEAP provides assistance, not a loan. Approved assistance does not have to be repaid. Depending on local procedures, benefits may be applied toward eligible home energy expenses or paid to the energy provider on behalf of the household.
How Can You Get Started?
The exact process varies by location, but these steps can help you begin.
1
Find your local program
Identify the agency responsible for LIHEAP applications in your location.
2
Review eligibility rules
Check the current income guidelines and other requirements that may apply to your household.
3
Prepare your information
You may need information about household income, household members, and your home energy account.
4
Follow the application instructions
Submit your application and requested documentation using the process established by your local agency.
Check Current Availability
Application periods and available funding can vary throughout the year. Heating, cooling, and crisis assistance may also follow different schedules depending on your location.
Common LIHEAP Questions
Is LIHEAP a loan?
No. LIHEAP provides assistance, so approved benefits do not have to be repaid.
Are the requirements the same everywhere?
No. Eligibility requirements and application procedures can vary because LIHEAP is administered locally.
Can LIHEAP help with a possible shutoff?
Some programs may offer crisis assistance for urgent energy situations. Availability and requirements depend on the local program.
How do I know if my household may qualify?
Review the current eligibility requirements for the LIHEAP program serving your location and compare them with your household circumstances.
Learn What May Be Available in Your Area
Review eligibility information, possible documentation requirements, and the application process.
LEARN HOW TO APPLY →
This page independently provides general informational content. It is not operated by, affiliated with, or endorsed by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, the Administration for Children and Families, or any other government agency.
