Nebraska Energy Assistance (LIHEAP)
Last updated August 2026
The Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program, or LIHEAP, helps low-income Nebraska households pay home energy costs. It covers heating in winter and cooling in summer. It also has crisis help for emergencies. The program is run by Nebraska DHHS. Apply online through iServe Nebraska, or call ACCESSNebraska at (800) 383-4278.
The income line is 150 percent of the federal poverty level. For a one-person household, the limit is $23,475 a year. That figure covers October 1, 2025 through September 30, 2026. The limit rises with household size. So a bigger family can earn more and still qualify. If your income is near the line, apply and let DHHS check.
Heating help is paid straight to your utility for the winter season, from October 1 through March 31. Cooling help runs in summer, from June 1 through August 31. Cooling help is for households with a member under 6, a member 70 or older, a severe heat-aggravated condition, or a past DHHS air-conditioner unit.
Crisis help is the fast lane. It is available year-round for emergencies. That includes deposits, reconnect fees, and shutoff situations within the past 90 days. If your power is about to be shut off, say so when you contact DHHS. Naming the emergency helps them move faster on your case.
There is a shortcut for some families. Households that already have an Economic Assistance case can request LIHEAP without filing a new application. So if you already get help from DHHS, just ask to add energy help. This page cannot promise approval. DHHS reviews your case and decides.
Apply online at iServe Nebraska, in person at a local DHHS office, or by phone. Call toll-free (800) 383-4278. In Lincoln, call (402) 323-3900. In Omaha, call (402) 595-1258. You can also dial 2-1-1 to find other local utility funds while your LIHEAP application is reviewed.
Phone 1-800-383-4278
Help available in English and Spanish.
Updated August 2026 Program details can change — confirm with the program directly.
Who qualifies
- Income-based; households at or below 150 percent of the federal poverty level may qualify, and the limit rises with household size
- Crisis help covers deposits, reconnect fees, and emergencies tied to a medical event, job loss, or income drop in the past 90 days; equipment repair or replacement of a furnace or air conditioner is also covered
You may qualify. The program makes the final decision.
How to apply
- 1
Apply online at iServe Nebraska, at a local DHHS office, or by phone at (800) 383-4278.
- 2
Check your income against the 150% of poverty limit for your household size.
- 3
For a shutoff or emergency, ask about year-round crisis help right away.
- 4
If you already have an Economic Assistance case, ask to add LIHEAP without reapplying.
- 5
Ask about cooling help in summer if a household member is very young, elderly, or ill.
What to have ready
- A recent utility bill and any shutoff or disconnection notice
- Proof of income for household members
- ID and proof of address. Your DHHS office confirms the exact list.
What the application looks like
Common questions
What is the income limit for Nebraska LIHEAP?
150 percent of the federal poverty level. For one person the limit is $23,475 a year, from October 1, 2025 through September 30, 2026. The limit rises with household size.
When is heating and cooling help available?
Heating help runs October 1 through March 31. Cooling help runs June 1 through August 31 for households with a very young, elderly, or heat-sensitive member. Crisis help is available year-round.
What if my power is about to be shut off?
Ask about year-round crisis help, which covers deposits, reconnect fees, and shutoff situations within the past 90 days. Name the emergency when you contact DHHS.
How do I apply?
Apply online at iServe Nebraska, at a local DHHS office, or by phone. Call (800) 383-4278, or (402) 323-3900 in Lincoln and (402) 595-1258 in Omaha.
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