7-Minute Guide

Eligibility & Application

The Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) may help eligible households with certain home energy costs. Eligibility rules, available assistance, and application procedures vary by location, so the first step is finding the program that serves your area.

FIND MY STATE’S PROGRAM →

Opens the official state and territory contact directory

What Is LIHEAP?

LIHEAP is a federally funded program overseen by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services through the Administration for Children and Families. Federal funds are provided to states, territories, and tribal organizations that administer energy assistance locally.

Because LIHEAP is administered locally, there is no single national application. Your state, territory, or tribal organization determines the application process, deadlines, eligibility rules, and available assistance.

What Can LIHEAP Help With?

Heating Assistance
Eligible households may receive assistance with certain costs related to heating their homes.
Cooling Assistance
Some local programs may also provide assistance with certain home cooling expenses.
Crisis Assistance
Emergency assistance may be available in some areas for urgent energy situations, including a possible utility shutoff.
Weatherization and Minor Repairs
Depending on the local program, certain weatherization services or minor energy-related home repairs may be available.

Who May Qualify?

Eligibility is generally based on household income, although household size and participation in certain assistance programs may also be considered. The exact requirements are established by the program serving your location.

Income Guidelines
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.
Household Size
The number of people in the household may affect the income limit used when evaluating eligibility.
SNAP, SSI or TANF
Participation in certain assistance programs may also be relevant when determining eligibility under local rules.

What May Be Reviewed?

Factor Why It Matters
Income Household income may be compared with the limits used by your local program.
Household Size The number of household members may affect the applicable income threshold.
Program Participation Participation in SNAP, SSI, TANF, or certain other programs may be relevant.
Location Your location determines which agency, rules, deadlines, and application process apply.

Important 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 energy expenses or paid directly to the energy provider on behalf of the household.

How Can You Apply?

Application procedures vary by location, but the process generally begins with these steps.

1
Find Your Local LIHEAP Program
Use the official directory to identify the agency responsible for your location.
2
Review the Requirements
Check current eligibility rules, application dates, and instructions for your area.
3
Complete Your Application
Follow the application method provided by the agency that administers LIHEAP in your area.
4
Submit Requested Documents
Provide the documentation requested so the agency can review your household’s eligibility.

Documents You May Be Asked to Provide

Requirements vary by location, but the application process may include documents such as:

Proof of Household Income
The agency may request documentation showing income received by household members.
Program Participation
Documentation may be requested if participation in another assistance program is relevant to eligibility.
Recent Energy Bill
A recent bill may be used to verify the energy provider, account, and certain home energy expenses.
Identification and Household Information
Information may also be requested to verify identity, residence, and household members.

Application Periods Can Vary
Some programs have regular heating-season application periods, while cooling or crisis assistance may follow different schedules. Funding is limited, so check the current information for the program serving your area.

Find Your State’s LIHEAP Program

The Administration for Children and Families provides an official directory with LIHEAP contact information for states and territories.

Need Help Finding the Right Program?

The National Energy Assistance Referral line can help people locate energy assistance resources. It is available Monday through Friday from 9:00 AM to 7:00 PM ET.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is LIHEAP a loan?

No. LIHEAP provides assistance, and approved benefits do not have to be repaid.

Are eligibility rules the same in every state?

No. LIHEAP is administered locally, so specific eligibility rules and application procedures can vary.

Does meeting an income guideline guarantee assistance?

No. The local agency must review the application under its applicable rules, and funding availability may also affect assistance.

What if my utility service may be disconnected?

Some local programs may provide crisis assistance for urgent energy situations. Check with the agency serving your area for current availability.

Can I apply at any time?

Not necessarily. Application periods may vary depending on your location and the type of assistance available.

Check Official LIHEAP Information
Review official program information and find resources for the area where you live.

VISIT THE OFFICIAL LIHEAP PAGE →

acf.gov — U.S. Department of Health and Human Services

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.