Some households may qualify for help with certain home energy expenses through LIHEAP. The type of assistance available can depend on where you live, your household circumstances, and the rules of the program serving your area.
LIHEAP May Help With
Available assistance and benefit amounts can vary by location, household circumstances, and available funding.
Who May Qualify
Eligible households
Where to Check
Local program
How Does LIHEAP Work?
LIHEAP stands for the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program. The program receives federal funding, while states, territories, and tribal organizations administer assistance locally. This means the exact benefits and application procedures can differ depending on where you live.
What May Affect Eligibility?
Household income is one of the main factors considered when determining eligibility. Household size and participation in certain assistance programs may also be relevant under local rules.
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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 the household may affect which income threshold applies.
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SNAP or SSI: participation in these programs may be considered under certain local eligibility rules.
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TANF: participation may also be relevant when determining eligibility.
Meeting an income guideline or another eligibility factor does not guarantee approval. The agency serving your area determines eligibility after reviewing the application.
Important to Know
LIHEAP provides assistance rather than a loan, so approved benefits do not have to be repaid. Depending on local procedures, assistance may be applied toward eligible energy expenses or paid to the energy provider on behalf of the household.
Where Do You Start?
Because LIHEAP is administered locally, the process begins by checking the program serving your area.
1
Locate your program
Find the agency responsible for LIHEAP applications where you live.
2
Review current requirements
Check the income guidelines and other eligibility criteria that may apply to your household.
3
Gather your information
You may need information about household income, household members, and your energy account.
4
Follow the local process
Use the application instructions provided by the agency serving your location.
Availability Can Vary
Application periods and available funding can change throughout the year. Heating, cooling, and crisis assistance may also have different application periods depending on your location.
Common Questions
Does LIHEAP pay the entire energy bill?
Not necessarily. The type and amount of assistance depend on local rules, household circumstances, and available funding.
Do approved benefits have to be repaid?
No. LIHEAP assistance is not a loan.
What if my energy service is at risk of being shut off?
Some local programs may offer crisis assistance for urgent energy situations. Availability and requirements vary by location.
How can I check whether I may qualify?
Review the current eligibility requirements for the LIHEAP program serving your area and compare them with your household circumstances.
See What Requirements May Apply
Review eligibility information, possible documentation requirements, and the steps involved in applying.
SEE 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.
