Energy costs can put extra pressure on a household budget. LIHEAP may provide assistance to eligible households with certain home energy expenses. Here’s what the program may help with and how to review the requirements in your area.
LIHEAP Assistance May Include
Available assistance, benefit amounts, and application periods may vary by location and household circumstances.
Type of Help
Home energy assistance
Eligibility
Income or other criteria
Where to Apply
State or local program
What Is LIHEAP?
LIHEAP stands for the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program. It is federally funded and designed to help eligible households with certain home energy costs. The program is administered through states, territories, and tribal organizations, which means requirements, available assistance, and application procedures can differ depending on where you live.
Could Your Household Qualify?
Household income is commonly used when determining eligibility. Depending on the rules in your state or area, participation in certain assistance programs may also be considered.
✓
Household 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.
✓
SNAP: participation may be considered when determining eligibility in some states.
✓
SSI: Supplemental Security Income participation may be relevant under applicable local rules.
✓
TANF: participation in Temporary Assistance for Needy Families may also be considered.
Meeting one criterion does not automatically guarantee assistance. Eligibility is determined according to the rules of the agency administering the program in your area.
Good to Know
LIHEAP provides assistance, not a loan. Approved assistance does not need to be repaid. Depending on local rules, support is generally applied toward eligible home energy expenses or provided to the energy supplier on behalf of the household rather than distributed as unrestricted cash.
How Does the Process Work?
The exact process varies by location, but households will generally need to complete a few basic steps.
1
Review the eligibility rules
Check the income limits and any additional requirements established by the program serving your area.
2
Find the agency serving your area
LIHEAP is administered locally, so the appropriate agency depends on your state, territory, or tribal area.
3
Submit an application
Follow the application process provided by the local agency and submit any information needed to review your household’s eligibility.
4
Receive assistance if approved
If approved, the type and amount of assistance will depend on local program rules, available funding, and the household’s circumstances.
Check Current Availability
Application periods and funding availability can vary. Many states have specific periods for regular heating assistance, while cooling or crisis assistance may follow different schedules. Checking the current information for your local program can help you understand when applications are being accepted.
Common Questions
Do I have to repay LIHEAP assistance?
No. LIHEAP assistance is not a loan and does not need to be repaid.
Are the requirements the same in every state?
No. Eligibility rules, application periods, procedures, and available assistance can differ depending on the agency administering the program.
What if my energy service may be shut off?
Some programs offer crisis assistance for urgent energy situations. Availability and requirements depend on the program serving your area.
What if I’m not sure whether I qualify?
You can review the eligibility criteria for your state before applying. The next page explains the requirements in more detail and how to locate the appropriate program.
Want to Check the Requirements?
Learn more about eligibility, possible documentation requirements, and how to find the LIHEAP program serving your state.
LEARN HOW TO APPLY →
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.
