7-Minute Guide

Eligibility & Application

LIHEAP may provide assistance to eligible households with certain home energy expenses. Because the program is administered locally, eligibility requirements, available benefits, application periods, and procedures can differ depending on where you live.

FIND MY LOCAL PROGRAM →

Use the official state and territory directory

Understanding LIHEAP

The Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program, known as LIHEAP, is federally funded and overseen by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services through the Administration for Children and Families. Funding is provided to states, territories, and tribal organizations that administer assistance locally.

There is no single nationwide LIHEAP application. Your location determines which agency handles your application, which eligibility requirements apply, when applications are accepted, and what types of assistance may be available.

What Assistance May Be Available?

Home Heating Costs
Eligible households may receive assistance with certain expenses related to heating their homes.
Home Cooling Costs
Depending on the local program, assistance may also be available for certain home cooling expenses.
Energy Crisis Assistance
Some programs may provide assistance for urgent energy situations, including circumstances involving a potential utility shutoff.
Weatherization and Minor Repairs
In some areas, assistance may include certain weatherization measures or minor energy-related home repairs.

What Can Affect Eligibility?

Household income is commonly considered when determining LIHEAP eligibility. Household size and participation in certain assistance programs may also be relevant under the rules used by the program serving your area.

Household Income
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 which income guideline applies to the application.
SNAP, SSI or TANF
Participation in certain assistance programs may be considered when determining eligibility, depending on local rules.

Eligibility Factors at a Glance

Factor What It May Affect
Income Income may be compared with the limits established by the program serving your area.
Household Size The number of household members can affect the applicable income threshold.
Program Participation Participation in SNAP, SSI, TANF, or another qualifying program may be relevant.
Location Your location determines the agency, application procedures, deadlines, and local requirements.

Assistance, Not a Loan
LIHEAP assistance does not have to be repaid. Depending on local procedures, approved assistance may be applied toward eligible energy expenses or paid directly to an energy provider on behalf of the household.

How Does the Application Process Work?

The exact process varies by location, but these steps can help you understand what to expect.

1
Locate the Program Serving Your Area
Find the state, territory, or tribal agency responsible for LIHEAP where you live.
2
Check the Current Requirements
Review the eligibility rules, application period, and instructions provided by the local agency.
3
Complete the Application
Follow the application method specified by the agency responsible for your location.
4
Provide Supporting Documents
Submit the information requested so the agency can review your household’s eligibility.

What Documents Might You Need?

Documentation requirements vary, but your local program may ask for information such as:

Proof of Income
Documents may be requested to verify income received by members of your household.
Benefit Information
If participation in another assistance program is relevant, you may be asked to provide documentation.
Recent Energy Bill
A current bill may be used to verify your account, energy provider, and certain home energy expenses.
Identification and Household Details
Information may be requested to verify identity, residence, and the people included in your household.

Check Application Dates
Application periods and available funding can vary. Regular heating assistance, cooling assistance, and crisis assistance may operate on different schedules. Check the current information for the program serving your area before applying.

Find the LIHEAP Program for Your Area

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

Need Help Locating Energy Assistance?

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Does meeting the income requirement guarantee approval?

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

Does LIHEAP assistance have to be repaid?

No. LIHEAP assistance is not a loan.

Can I use the same application in every state?

No. LIHEAP is administered locally, so you must follow the application process used by the program serving your location.

What if my energy service may be disconnected?

Some programs may offer crisis assistance for urgent energy situations. Contact the agency serving your area to check current availability and requirements.

Can I apply throughout the year?

Not necessarily. Application periods and available assistance can vary by location and by the type of energy assistance offered.

Review the Official LIHEAP Resources
Check official program information and find the resources available for your location.

VISIT THE OFFICIAL LIHEAP SITE →

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.