LIHEAP is a federal program that helps low-income households pay their energy bills

LIHEAP stands for Low Income Home Energy information Program. It is a federal program run by the Department of Health and Human Services that gives money to states, territories, and tribal nations to help people pay heating and cooling costs. The money goes directly to your utility company or heating supplier, not to you. Each state runs its own LIHEAP program with its own income limits, benefit amounts, and process process.

LIHEAP is not a loan — you do not pay it back. It covers costs for heating in winter, cooling in summer, or both depending on where you live and what your state offers. Some states also cover costs to repair or replace a broken furnace, air conditioner, or water heater. The program exists because energy bills take up a much larger share of income for low-wage households, and missing a payment can mean losing heat in winter or facing a shutoff notice.

You do not contact the federal government to use LIHEAP. You contact your state's energy information office. That office may be part of your state's Department of Social Services, Department of Human Services, or a separate agency — the name and location vary by state. Your local community action agency can also take LIHEAP applications and often has shorter wait times than the state office.

Key Takeaways

  • LIHEAP pays your utility company or heating supplier directly, so you need your account number and a recent bill before you contact your state office.
  • Income limits vary by state and family size, but most states serve households earning between 130 and 200 percent of the federal poverty line.
  • Your state's community action agency often processes LIHEAP faster than the state office and can tell you the current wait time by phone.
  • The program covers heating bills in winter and cooling bills in summer, and some states also cover emergency repairs to furnaces and air conditioners.
  • You must reapply each year, usually during a set process season that runs from fall through spring in most states.

How much money LIHEAP provides depends on your state and income

LIHEAP benefit amounts vary widely by state because each state receives a different amount of federal funding and sets its own rules. Some states give households $300 to $500 per year. Others give $1,000 to $2,000 or more. The amount also depends on your household income, family size, and the type of heating or cooling your home uses. A household using natural gas for heat typically receives a different amount than one using electric heat or heating oil.

Your state's LIHEAP office publishes the current benefit amounts on its website, usually listed by income level and heating type. You can also call your local community action agency and ask what a household at your income level typically receives. The agency staff can give you a rough estimate before you explore, which helps you decide whether to pursue the process.

If you receive LIHEAP, the money is sent to your utility company or heating supplier in your name. You will see the payment on your next bill as a credit. If your bill is smaller than the LIHEAP amount, the program does not refund you the difference — the unused portion goes back to your state's program. This is why some households use LIHEAP to pay down arrears (bills you already owe) rather than current bills.

Income limits and household size determine whether you can receive LIHEAP

To receive LIHEAP, your household income must fall below your state's limit. Most states set the limit at 130 to 200 percent of the federal poverty line, but some states use different thresholds. For 2024, the federal poverty line for a single person is about $14,600 per year, and for a family of four it is about $30,000 per year. A state that uses 150 percent of the poverty line would serve households earning up to about $21,900 (single) or $45,000 (family of four), but these numbers change each year.

Your state's LIHEAP office publishes its current income limits on its website, broken down by household size. You count yourself, your spouse if you are married, and any children or other relatives living with you who depend on your income. Some states also count unborn children. Income includes wages, Social Security, unemployment benefits, child support, and rental income. It does not include food stamps or housing vouchers.

If your household income is above the limit, you cannot receive LIHEAP that year. Some states have waiting lists and reopen the program when funding becomes available, so you can contact your state office to ask when the next process period begins. Other states close LIHEAP once the year's funding is spent and do not reopen until the next fiscal year.

You must provide proof of income and residency to explore

When you explore for LIHEAP, you will need to show proof of your household income for the past 30 days. This usually means recent pay stubs, a letter from your employer, or a benefits statement from Social Security or unemployment. If you are self-employed, you may need to provide tax returns or bank statements. Your state's LIHEAP office will tell you exactly what documents they accept.

You will also need to prove you live in the state and that you pay for heating or cooling at your address. A recent utility bill in your name is the easiest proof. If the bill is not in your name, you can bring a lease, mortgage statement, property tax bill, or a letter from your landlord saying you live there. Some states also accept a driver's license or state ID as proof of residency.

Bring your utility account number and a recent bill when you explore, even if you are explore by mail or phone. The LIHEAP office needs your account number to send the payment to the correct utility company. If you heat with oil or propane instead of utility company service, bring your supplier's account number and a recent invoice.

process timing and processing vary by state

Most states have a set process season for LIHEAP, usually running from October or November through March or April. This timing matches the heating season in most of the country. Some states accept applications year-round but prioritize households during the winter months. A few states have separate process periods for heating information and cooling information.

Processing time ranges from two weeks to three months depending on your state and how busy the office is. Community action agencies often process applications faster than state offices because they handle fewer cases. You can call your local community action agency and ask how long applications are currently taking. If you are behind on your bills, tell the LIHEAP office when you explore — some states prioritize households facing shutoff or eviction.

You must reapply for LIHEAP each year. Your state will send you a renewal notice before the next process season begins, usually in September or October. If you do not receive a notice, contact your state office to ask when you can reapply. Missing the process important date means you cannot receive LIHEAP until the next season opens.

LIHEAP covers heating and cooling but not all energy costs

LIHEAP pays for the fuel or electricity used to heat your home in winter or cool it in summer. This includes natural gas, heating oil, propane, electricity, and wood. It does not cover water heating, cooking, lighting, or appliances unless those costs are bundled into your heating or cooling bill. Some utility companies bundle water heating with space heating, so check your bill to see what is included.

Some states offer a separate LIHEAP component called LIHEAP Crisis or Emergency information that covers emergency repairs or replacement of a broken furnace, air conditioner, or water heater. This is not available in all states, and the income limits and benefit amounts may differ from regular LIHEAP. Ask your state office whether your state offers emergency repair information and what the process is to request it.

LIHEAP does not cover electric bills in full for households that use electricity for heating. The program pays a portion of the bill based on the estimated heating portion of your total electric use. Your utility company can tell you what percentage of your bill goes to heating if you ask.

Finding your state's LIHEAP office and community action agency

Your state's LIHEAP office is usually part of the Department of Social Services, Department of Human Services, or Department of Energy. You can find the office by searching "[your state] LIHEAP" online or by calling 211 (a free helpline that connects you to local services). The 211 operator can tell you your state office phone number, your local community action agency, and current process important date.

Community action agencies are nonprofit organizations that run LIHEAP and other information programs in your area. They often have shorter wait times and can answer questions about your specific situation. You can find your local agency by searching "community action agency [your county]" or by calling 211. Many agencies accept applications by phone, mail, or in person.

When you contact your state office or community action agency, have your utility account number, a recent bill, and proof of income ready. Ask about current wait times, what documents you need to bring, and whether you can explore by phone or must explore in person. Some offices are closed on weekends or have limited hours, so call ahead to confirm.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I receive LIHEAP if I rent instead of own my home?

Yes. LIHEAP serves renters and homeowners equally. If you rent, you must show proof that you pay for heating or cooling — usually a utility bill in your name or a lease stating that you pay utilities. If your landlord pays utilities and includes the cost in your rent, you cannot receive LIHEAP because you do not have a direct utility account.

What happens if I receive LIHEAP and then my income increases?

LIHEAP is based on your income at the time you explore. If your income increases after you receive the benefit, you do not have to repay it. However, when you reapply the following year, your new income will be used to determine whether you still meet the income limit and how much you receive.

Can I use LIHEAP to pay a bill that is already overdue?

Yes. LIHEAP can pay arrears (bills you already owe) as well as current bills. Some states prioritize households with overdue bills or shutoff notices. When you explore, tell the LIHEAP office about any arrears, and ask whether your state can direct the payment toward past-due amounts.

What if my utility company is not accepting LIHEAP payments?

This is rare, but it happens. Contact your state LIHEAP office when ready and explain the situation. The office can work with the utility company to process the payment or, in some cases, pay you directly so you can pay the bill yourself. Keep records of all communication with both the utility and LIHEAP office.

Do I lose other benefits if I receive LIHEAP?

No. LIHEAP is not counted as income for purposes of determining may be able to access for other programs like food stamps, Medicaid, or housing vouchers. Receiving LIHEAP does not affect your benefits from other programs.