Millions of Americans struggle to pay their utility bills every month, and multiple federal and state programs exist specifically to help. The Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) is the largest, providing direct bill payments and crisis assistance to households earning up to 150% of the federal poverty level. Beyond LIHEAP, the Weatherization Assistance Program (WAP) can reduce your energy costs permanently through free home upgrades, and most major utility companies offer their own low-income discount rates. This guide covers every major program, who qualifies, income limits for 2026, and how to apply.
If you want a fast answer on what you qualify for, run a free check at the Benefits Navigator screener.
LIHEAP: The Federal Energy Assistance Program
LIHEAP (Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program) is a federal block grant that states use to help low-income households cover heating and cooling costs. The program distributes funds to states and territories, which then administer benefits through local agencies, nonprofits, and community action organizations.
LIHEAP benefits generally come in three forms:
- Heating/cooling assistance: A payment made directly to your utility company or fuel supplier, typically once per year during winter (October through March) or summer cooling seasons.
- Crisis assistance: Emergency funds for households facing shutoff notices or dangerous temperature conditions. Crisis funds often have separate, higher income limits and shorter application windows.
- Energy-related home repairs: Some states use a portion of LIHEAP funding to repair broken furnaces, replace inefficient heating equipment, or fix weatherization issues.
LIHEAP Income Limits 2026
Federal rules require that states set LIHEAP eligibility no higher than 150% of the federal poverty guideline (FPG) or 60% of state median income (SMI), whichever is greater. States may not set eligibility below 110% FPG. In practice, most states use 150% FPL as the standard threshold, though some states (including Iowa) set limits as high as 200% FPL.
The table below shows 2026 income limits at 100%, 150%, and 200% of the federal poverty level. Your state will use one of these thresholds or a comparable state median income figure.
| Household Size | 100% FPL (annual) | 150% FPL (annual) | 200% FPL (annual) |
|---|
| 1 | $15,960 | $23,940 | $31,920 |
| 2 | $21,640 | $32,460 | $43,280 |
| 3 | $27,320 | $40,980 | $54,640 |
| 4 | $33,000 | $49,500 | $66,000 |
| 5 | $38,680 | $58,020 | $77,360 |
| 6 | $44,360 | $66,540 | $88,720 |
| 7 | $50,040 | $75,060 | $100,080 |
| 8 | $55,720 | $83,580 | $111,440 |
For households larger than 8, add approximately $5,680 per additional person to the 100% FPL column, then calculate the percentage you need.
Note: States use their own income thresholds within these federal ranges. Always check with your local LIHEAP agency for the exact limit in your state.
What Can LIHEAP Cover?
LIHEAP can pay for:
- Electric bills (heating and cooling)
- Natural gas
- Propane
- Heating oil
- Wood and other fuel sources used for home heating
- Emergency furnace repair or replacement (in some states)
The benefit amount varies by state and by household. Most households receive a one-time annual payment ranging from roughly $150 to over $1,000 depending on your location, energy costs, income, and household size. Crisis benefits may be available on top of regular benefits if you are facing a shutoff.
LIHEAP Application Deadlines
LIHEAP runs on a federal fiscal year (October through September), but states open and close their application windows at different times. The heating assistance season typically runs from October 1 through March 31. Some states continue accepting applications into summer for cooling assistance.
Do not wait until you receive a shutoff notice to apply. Funding is limited and many states operate on a first-come, first-served basis. Once funds are exhausted for the year, you may be placed on a waitlist or turned away.
How to Apply for LIHEAP
- Find your local agency. Go to the National Energy Assistance Referral (NEAR) hotline at 1-866-674-6327 or visit the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services LIHEAP page to search by state and ZIP code.
- Gather your documents. You will need proof of income for all household members (pay stubs, Social Security award letters, tax returns), a recent utility bill showing your account number, proof of address, and ID for the applicant.
- Submit your application. Depending on your state, you can apply online through your state's LIHEAP portal, in person at a local community action agency, or by mail. Some states also accept applications over the phone.
- Wait for approval. Processing times vary by state from a few days to several weeks. Once approved, payment is sent directly to your utility company. You typically do not receive a check.
- Apply for crisis assistance if needed. If you have a shutoff notice, call your local agency immediately and ask specifically about emergency LIHEAP funds. These have faster processing and different eligibility rules.
Weatherization Assistance Program (WAP): Reduce Your Bills Permanently
While LIHEAP helps you pay current bills, the Weatherization Assistance Program takes a different approach: it makes your home more energy-efficient so your bills are lower every month going forward. WAP is administered by the U.S. Department of Energy through state energy offices.
WAP services include:
- Insulation for attics, walls, and crawl spaces
- Air sealing to stop drafts
- Furnace and water heater efficiency upgrades or replacement
- Smart thermostat installation
- Window and door sealing
- Health and safety repairs (carbon monoxide, ventilation)
The average WAP household saves approximately $283 per year on energy costs, according to DOE estimates, and the improvements last for decades.
WAP Income Limits 2026
WAP eligibility is set at 200% of the federal poverty level. Households already receiving SSI, SNAP, or TANF are automatically income-eligible in most states.
| Household Size | 200% FPL (annual) |
|---|
| 1 | $31,920 |
| 2 | $43,280 |
| 3 | $54,640 |
| 4 | $66,000 |
| 5 | $77,360 |
| 6 | $88,720 |
States prioritize households with elderly members (age 60 or older), people with disabilities, and families with young children. If you are a renter, your landlord must agree to allow the work, but you are still eligible to apply.
How to Apply for WAP
- Contact your state energy office or local community action agency. The DOE's WAP application page at energy.gov/cmei/scep/wap/how-apply-weatherization-assistance has a state-by-state directory.
- Complete an application with proof of income, address, and household composition.
- If approved, an energy auditor visits your home to assess what improvements are needed.
- A contractor completes the approved work at no cost to you.
Wait times for WAP can be long (months to over a year in some states) due to high demand, so apply as early as possible.
Utility Company Assistance Programs
Most major electric and gas utilities operate their own low-income assistance programs, separate from federal programs. These can include:
- Discounted rate programs: Percentage reductions on your monthly bill (20% to 35% is common) for qualifying low-income customers.
- Budget billing: Fixed monthly payments based on your usage history, spreading large seasonal bills evenly.
- Arrearage management: Programs that forgive past-due balances if you make on-time payments for a set period.
- Emergency payment assistance: One-time grants to prevent shutoffs, funded by the utility or charitable donations from other customers.
Examples of Major Utility Programs
California CARE and FERA (PG&E, SCE, SDG&E, SoCalGas): The California Alternate Rates for Energy (CARE) program provides a 20% to 35% discount on monthly bills for households earning up to 200% FPL. The Family Electric Rate Assistance (FERA) program offers smaller discounts for households at 200% to 250% FPL.
ComEd (Illinois) Low-Income Discount: Starting January 2026, ComEd expanded its low-income discount to households earning up to 300% FPL, with bill credits applied automatically if you qualify.
PG&E REACH (California): Pacific Gas and Electric offers a one-time emergency grant of up to $1,000 for customers facing a shutoff. Eligibility is based on income and account status.
New York Energy Affordability Program: As of early 2026, New York expanded its program to cover utility customers below the state median income who do not qualify for other programs.
To find your utility's assistance programs, call the customer service number on your bill and ask specifically about low-income rates, crisis assistance, and arrearage forgiveness. Many utilities do not advertise these programs prominently.
Additional Resources to Lower Your Electric Bill
2-1-1 Helpline
Dial 2-1-1 from any phone to reach your local United Way helpline. Trained specialists can connect you with LIHEAP, utility assistance, and other local emergency funds. The service is free and confidential and covers all 50 states.
Lifeline Program
If your household qualifies for LIHEAP, SNAP, Medicaid, SSI, or a few other programs, you also qualify for the federal Lifeline program, which provides up to $9.25 per month off your phone or internet bill. This is not directly an energy program, but reducing phone and internet costs frees up money for utility bills.
State-Specific Energy Programs
Many states have their own energy assistance funds beyond federal LIHEAP. These include:
- New York HEAP (Home Energy Assistance Program): A separate state program that supplements federal LIHEAP funds.
- Pennsylvania LIHEAP Crisis Program: Available for households facing shutoffs or dangerous heating conditions, with faster processing than the regular program.
- Illinois DCEO Utility Assistance: Illinois runs additional utility assistance programs through its Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity.
Check your state's LIHEAP office website or 2-1-1 for state-specific programs that may be available in addition to federal assistance.
Nonprofit and Local Emergency Funds
Organizations like the Salvation Army, Catholic Charities, and St. Vincent de Paul often have emergency utility assistance funds. Local churches, community foundations, and even some employers offer one-time grants. These funds are typically small ($100 to $500) but can bridge a gap while you wait for LIHEAP.
How to Maximize Your Energy Assistance Benefits
Applying for only one program leaves money on the table. The most effective approach is to apply for all programs you may qualify for at once:
- Apply for LIHEAP through your local agency as soon as the application window opens.
- Apply for WAP to reduce your long-term bills.
- Contact your utility company and ask about low-income discount rates and arrearage programs.
- Call 2-1-1 to find any local emergency funds or state-specific programs.
- If your household includes a phone or internet bill, apply for Lifeline.
There is no rule against receiving multiple types of energy assistance, and many households receive both LIHEAP payments and utility company discounts simultaneously.
Use the Benefits Navigator screener to see all the programs you may qualify for based on your income, household size, and state.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I know if I qualify for LIHEAP?
If your household income is at or below 150% of the federal poverty level, you are likely eligible for LIHEAP. A family of four earning up to approximately $49,500 per year would meet this threshold in most states. Some states use higher limits, up to 200% FPL. Receiving SNAP, SSI, or other means-tested benefits often makes you automatically eligible.
Does LIHEAP pay my electric bill directly?
Yes. LIHEAP payments go directly to your utility company or fuel supplier. You do not receive a check. The payment appears as a credit on your account, and your bill amount for that month or season is reduced accordingly.
Can I get help with my electric bill if I rent?
Yes. LIHEAP and WAP are available to both renters and homeowners. For WAP, your landlord must give permission for the weatherization work, but you as the tenant are still the applicant.
What if my electricity was already shut off?
Call your local LIHEAP agency immediately and ask about crisis or emergency assistance. Most states have separate emergency funds for households facing shutoff or restoration. Many utilities are also required to restore service when LIHEAP payment is pending. Contact your utility's customer service line and state your LIHEAP application is in process.
How long does it take to get LIHEAP?
Standard applications typically take two to six weeks to process, depending on your state and the volume of applications. Crisis assistance is often processed within one to three days for households with active shutoff notices. Payment goes directly to your utility, not to you, so there is no check to wait for.
Can I apply for LIHEAP if I have no income?
Yes. Zero-income households are eligible for LIHEAP. You may need to provide a statement explaining your lack of income. Some states have minimum benefit amounts for very low or zero-income households.
What is the difference between LIHEAP and WAP?
LIHEAP pays your existing utility bill. WAP makes permanent improvements to your home so your future bills are lower. The programs have different income limits (LIHEAP typically up to 150% FPL, WAP up to 200% FPL) and different application processes, though both are administered locally. Many households qualify for and receive both.
How often can I receive LIHEAP benefits?
Most states provide LIHEAP benefits once per program year (October through September). Some states allow both a heating benefit in winter and a cooling benefit in summer, which would be two separate payments. Crisis assistance may be available in addition to the regular annual benefit.
Where do I apply for utility help if I am not sure what programs exist?
Call 2-1-1 from any phone. This free service connects you to local specialists who know every program available in your area, including LIHEAP, state energy funds, utility company programs, and nonprofit emergency assistance. You can also use the Benefits Navigator screener to check eligibility across multiple programs at once.
