LIHEAP (Energy Bill Assistance)
Last updated August 2026
LIHEAP puts money toward your heating or cooling bill if your income is low. Every state runs it, but there is no federal application. You apply through a local office, usually a community action agency. Find yours with the office search at energyhelp.us, or call the national referral line at 1-866-674-6327 on weekdays.
Apply the day the program opens if you can. This is the single most important thing to know: on average only about 2 in 10 households who qualify actually get help, because each year's money runs out. Most states open a fresh funding year around October 1. Get in line early.
The help comes in four flavors, and your state picks the mix: help with the bill itself, crisis help for shut-offs and reconnections, free weatherization repairs, and minor fixes like a broken furnace. All main heating fuels count: electricity, natural gas, propane, fuel oil, even wood.
Renters qualify, including when heat is baked into the rent. And if you already get SNAP, SSI, or TANF, many states skip the income math for you, though you still file an application. Income limits vary by state within a federal range; your local office runs your number in minutes.
Two warnings. LIHEAP pays part of your energy costs, not the whole bill. And it is always free: anyone charging a fee for a "LIHEAP grant" is a scammer. Report them to the HHS fraud line at 1-800-447-8477. If you are told the money ran out, ask about crisis funds, and dial 2-1-1 for the church and local funds still open.
Phone 1-866-674-6327
Updated August 2026 Program details can change — confirm with the program directly.
Who qualifies
- Income-based (typically at or below 150% of the federal poverty level, varies by state)
- Priority often given to households with seniors, young children, or a member with a disability
You may qualify. The program makes the final decision.
How to apply
- 1
Find your local LIHEAP office with the search tool at energyhelp.us, or call 1-866-674-6327 on a weekday.
- 2
Ask two questions: when does the application window open, and what should you bring.
- 3
Holding a shut-off notice? Say so first. Crisis help moves faster than the regular program.
- 4
Gather the usual proof: ID, income for the household, and a recent energy bill. Your office confirms its exact list.
- 5
Apply as early in the program year as possible. Most states start a new year around October 1, and funds go until they are gone.
- 6
If you are approved, ask about free weatherization too. Getting LIHEAP often qualifies your home for it.
- 7
If you are denied, appeal. The steps must be in your denial notice. And ask 2-1-1 about local utility funds in the meantime.
What the application looks like
Common questions
How do I apply for LIHEAP?
Through your local LIHEAP office, not the federal government. Find it with the office search at energyhelp.us or by calling 1-866-674-6327. Many states also post applications online.
Will LIHEAP pay my whole bill?
No. It pays part of your energy costs, with the biggest help going to the households in the deepest hole. Pair it with a payment plan from your utility if you are behind.
Do renters qualify for LIHEAP?
Yes, including renters whose heat is included in the rent. Rules for subsidized housing vary by state, so ask your local office.
If I qualify, will I get money?
Not always, and this surprises people. Only about 20 percent of qualified households get benefits in an average year because funds run out. That is why applying early matters so much.
Does LIHEAP cover propane or wood heat?
Yes. Electricity, natural gas, propane, fuel oil, and wood all count as heating fuels.
Is there a fee to apply?
Never. LIHEAP is free and is not a loan. Anyone asking for a fee is running a scam; report them to the HHS fraud hotline at 1-800-447-8477.
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