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Complete Guide

Here’s everything you need to know: how this program works, who may qualify, and how to check the requirements for your state.

FIND MY STATE’S PROGRAM →

Opens the official state and territory contact directory

What Is LIHEAP?

LIHEAP — the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program — is a federal program overseen by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, through the Administration for Children and Families (ACF). It’s funded federally, but the money is distributed as grants to each state, territory, and tribal agency, which set their own local rules, deadlines, and application process. There’s no single national application — it works through your local program.

What It May Help With

Heating assistance
Help with the cost of heating your home during colder months — often the main focus of the regular season.

Cooling assistance
Many states also offer summer cooling help — availability and timing vary by location.

Crisis or emergency assistance
Many states offer a separate, faster process for urgent situations, like a pending utility shut-off.

Weatherization and minor repairs
Some states use part of their funding for home efficiency improvements that may lower future energy costs.

Who May Qualify?

Eligibility is generally based on household income or participation in certain assistance programs — but the exact thresholds are set by each state.

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By Income

Typically at or below 150% of the Federal Poverty Guidelines, or 60% of your state’s median income — whichever is higher.

By Program Participation
✓ SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program)
✓ SSI (Supplemental Security Income)
✓ TANF (Temporary Assistance for Needy Families)

In many states, participation in one of these programs may qualify you automatically — but this varies, so it’s worth confirming with your state’s agency.

Eligibility at a Glance

Factor What It Means
Income level Compared against your state’s income limit, which can vary by household size.
Program participation Enrollment in SNAP, SSI, or TANF may qualify you automatically in some states.
Household size Used together with income to determine your eligibility.
Where you live Your state, territory, or tribal agency sets the exact rules and funding available.

Important Distinction
LIHEAP is assistance, not a loan — there’s nothing to repay. It’s typically applied as a credit toward your energy bill or paid to your provider on your behalf, not handed to you as cash.

How to Apply

Because LIHEAP is run locally, the exact process depends on where you live — but it generally follows the same pattern.

1
Find your state’s agency
Use the official state and territory directory below to find who administers LIHEAP in your area.
2
Review local eligibility rules
Income limits, qualifying programs, and deadlines are set by each state.
3
Submit your application
Methods vary by state — online, by mail, by phone, or in person are common options.
4
Provide documentation, if requested
You may need to confirm income or program participation — requirements depend on your state.

What Documents Might Be Needed?

This varies by state, but commonly requested items include:

Proof of income or program participation
Pay stubs, a benefits letter, or a prior-year tax return are common examples.

A recent energy bill
Used to confirm your provider and account details.

Household identification
Proof of identity and household size, such as IDs or a lease.

Worth Knowing
Many states open their regular heating-season window in the fall, and funding is limited each year — once a state’s funds are used, no further grants can be issued until new funding becomes available. Separate crisis assistance may be available at other times if you’re facing an urgent situation.

Find Your State’s Program

The official ACF directory lists the LIHEAP contact, phone, and website for every state, territory, and tribal agency.

Prefer to Talk to Someone?

The National Energy Assistance Referral line can help direct you to your local program. Available weekdays, 9:00 AM–7:00 PM ET.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I have to repay this assistance?

No. LIHEAP is assistance, not a loan.

Is the process the same in every state?

No. Each state, territory, or tribal agency sets its own income limits, deadlines, and application method.

What if I’m facing a shut-off notice right now?

Many states offer a separate, faster crisis assistance process for urgent situations — contact your state’s agency directly to ask.

What if I’m not sure I qualify?

It’s still worth checking with your state’s agency — eligibility is reviewed individually, and criteria can be broader than people expect.

Is there a deadline to apply?

Regular-season deadlines and funding availability vary by state, so it’s reasonable to check sooner rather than later.

SEE THE OFFICIAL LIHEAP PAGE →

acf.gov — U.S. Department of Health and Human Services

This page is independently published for informational purposes. It is not affiliated with, endorsed by, or operated on behalf of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, the Administration for Children and Families, or any government agency.