Alaska Heating Assistance Program (HAP / LIHEAP)
Last updated August 2026
The Heating Assistance Program, HAP, is Alaska's version of LIHEAP. It sends a one-time payment straight to your heating vendor, where it lands as a credit on your account. The heating season runs October 1 through April 30. You can apply through the Alaska Connect portal or a local Public Assistance office, or call 800-478-7778 (TDD or Alaska Relay 7-1-1).
Two things decide if you qualify: your heating costs and your income. Your household must have at least $200 in out-of-pocket heating costs a year. That is easy to meet in most Alaska homes. Then your income must be at or below the program's monthly limit for your household size.
For the 2025-2026 season, the monthly income limits are $2,443 for one person, $3,303 for two, $4,162 for three, $5,023 for four, $5,883 for five, and $6,742 for six. Add $860 for each additional member above six. If your income is near the line, apply anyway and let the office do the math.
The deadlines are the part people miss, so mark them now. Applications open after October 1 each year. The deadline for regular, non-crisis help is April 30. If you are in an energy emergency, crisis applications are accepted through June 30, 2026, which gives you a little more time when the heat is at risk.
You can turn in the completed and signed application in person, by mail, by fax, or by email to a local Public Assistance office. The current form is the 2026 Heating Assistance Application. Filling it out fully the first time helps avoid delays while you are waiting on heat.
For help, reach the Virtual Contact Center at 800-478-7778, email the office, or dial Alaska 2-1-1. If your fuel is about to run out, say so, and ask about crisis help right away. Pair HAP with weatherization to lower next winter's bill for good.
Phone 800-478-7778
Updated August 2026 Program details can change — confirm with the program directly.
Who qualifies
- Income-based; for the 2025-2026 season monthly income limits run from $2,443 for one person to $5,023 for a household of four, with more added for larger households
- Your household must have at least $200 in out-of-pocket heating costs a year to qualify
You may qualify. The program makes the final decision.
How to apply
- 1
Get the 2026 Heating Assistance Application through Alaska Connect or a local Public Assistance office.
- 2
Check that your household has at least $200 a year in out-of-pocket heating costs.
- 3
Compare your monthly income to the limit for your size, from $2,443 for one person to $5,023 for four.
- 4
Turn in the signed application in person, by mail, fax, or email before the April 30 regular deadline.
- 5
If your heat is at risk, ask about crisis help, which is accepted through June 30, 2026.
What to have ready
- A recent heating bill or vendor account information
- Proof of income for household members
- ID and proof of where you live. The office confirms the exact list.
What the application looks like
Common questions
What are the income limits?
For 2025-2026, the monthly limits run from $2,443 for one person to $5,023 for four, with $860 added for each member above six.
How does the payment work?
HAP is a one-time payment sent straight to your heating vendor and added as a credit on your account.
What is the deadline?
The regular deadline is April 30. Crisis applications are accepted through June 30, 2026.
Do I need heating costs to qualify?
Yes. Your household must have at least $200 in out-of-pocket heating costs a year, along with income at or below the limit.
Not sure this is the right program for your situation?
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