If your utility company has sent a shutoff notice or your heat is already off, the LIHEAP crisis component can step in faster than any other government assistance program. Unlike the regular heating benefit, which pays utility bills in advance during winter, the crisis component is built for emergencies. Federal rules require states to deliver aid within 18 hours for life-threatening situations and within 48 hours for other qualifying crises. That speed separates it from everything else available.
Every state participates in LIHEAP, but each one runs its own crisis program with different rules, benefit amounts, open dates, and application processes. This guide explains how the crisis component works, what qualifies as an emergency, the 2026 income limits, and how to apply in major states.
What the LIHEAP Crisis Component Covers
The crisis component of LIHEAP is a separate pool of federal funds reserved for urgent energy emergencies. It goes beyond the regular benefit, which may only help pay outstanding balances. Crisis funds can cover:
- Utility shutoff prevention when a disconnect notice has been issued
- Reconnection fees and utility deposits after service has already been cut off
- Emergency fuel delivery for households running out of oil, propane, or wood
- Furnace or air conditioner repair and replacement when the system fails
- Restoration of service when a household has no heat or cooling
These are distinct from the regular heating benefit. A household that already received a regular LIHEAP grant this season may still qualify separately for crisis assistance if a new emergency arises.
Who Qualifies for Crisis Assistance in 2026
The federal rules for the crisis component start with the same income threshold as regular LIHEAP: households earning up to 150% of the Federal Poverty Guidelines (FPG) or 60% of State Median Income (SMI), whichever is higher in the state. States may not set eligibility below 110% FPG.
Some states set their crisis component threshold higher than the standard program, and some allow it to run year-round even after the regular benefit window closes.
2026 LIHEAP Income Limits at 150% FPG (Contiguous 48 States)
| Household Size | Annual Income Limit |
|---|
| 1 person | $23,940 |
| 2 people | $32,460 |
| 3 people | $40,980 |
| 4 people | $49,500 |
| 5 people | $58,020 |
| 6 people | $66,540 |
| 7 people | $75,060 |
| 8 people | $83,580 |
For each additional person beyond 8, add approximately $8,520. Alaska and Hawaii use higher base poverty guidelines, so their limits are also higher.
These are the federal ceiling amounts. Your state may use a lower or higher threshold. Always confirm with your state's LIHEAP office.
What Counts as a Crisis
To qualify for the crisis component, a household generally needs to demonstrate one of the following:
- A utility shutoff notice (usually within 30 to 60 days of disconnection)
- Service has already been disconnected
- A heating or cooling system that is broken and must be repaired or replaced
- A deliverable fuel supply (oil, propane, wood) that is critically low, typically defined as less than a 15-day supply
- Conditions that pose a direct health or safety risk due to lack of energy
A life-threatening emergency, such as a medically vulnerable household member or extreme temperature conditions, moves the application into the 18-hour response category.
How Crisis Assistance Differs from the Regular LIHEAP Benefit
| Feature | Regular LIHEAP Benefit | LIHEAP Crisis Component |
|---|
| Purpose | Reduce heating or cooling costs during season | Respond to an active energy emergency |
| Timing | Paid in advance or during season window | Available when emergency exists |
| Processing time | 10 to 30 business days typical | 18 to 48 hours for qualifying emergencies |
| Benefit amount | Varies by state, often $300 to $1,000 | Varies by state, often $300 to $2,000 |
| Year-round availability | Most states: seasonal only | Many states: year-round |
| Prior benefit required | No | No; prior LIHEAP grant does not disqualify you |
The crisis benefit stacks with regular assistance. Receiving a heating grant earlier in the season does not prevent a separate crisis claim if a new emergency develops.
State-by-State Crisis Program Overview
Each state administers the crisis component differently. Below is a snapshot of how the program works in the most populated states. For the most current deadlines and benefit amounts, contact your local community action agency directly.
California
California's crisis component is called the Energy Crisis Intervention Program (ECIP). It operates through local Community Services and Development (CSD) providers across the state. ECIP helps households with a shutoff notice, households where service has been disconnected, and households at risk due to a broken heating or cooling system.
Income limit: Up to 200% FPG for some California crisis programs, though local providers may apply the standard 150% threshold.
To apply: Call your local CSD provider or dial 1-800-780-9218 to be connected to the right office.
Texas
Texas runs LIHEAP through the Community Services Block Grant network, with Community Action Agencies in each region managing both regular and crisis applications. Crisis assistance is available for shutoff prevention and reconnection.
Income limit: Generally up to 150% FPG, or approximately $23,940 for one person.
To apply: Contact your local Community Action Agency. The Texas LIHEAP finder is available through the Texas Health and Human Services website.
New York
New York receives the largest LIHEAP allocation in the country, over $400 million in recent fiscal years. The Home Energy Assistance Program (HEAP) includes an Emergency Benefit that covers shutoffs, broken heating equipment, and no-heat emergencies. New York's Emergency HEAP typically opens in the fall and runs as long as funds remain.
Income limit: Varies; typically around 60% of State Median Income, which can exceed the 150% FPG standard for some household sizes.
To apply: Apply through your local Department of Social Services or online at mybenefits.ny.gov.
Florida
Florida's program covers both heating and cooling crises and operates year-round through county-level Community Action Agencies. Because Florida's climate risk is heat-related, the crisis component addresses cooling shutoffs and broken air conditioning units as well as heating.
Income limit: Up to approximately $40,000 annually for a two-person household (150% FPG), though county agencies may use SMI-based limits.
To apply: Find your local Community Action Agency through the Florida Department of Economic Opportunity or call 2-1-1.
Pennsylvania
Pennsylvania's LIHEAP program runs from December through early May each year, with the 2025-2026 season extended through May 8, 2026. Crisis grants are available within that window for households with shutoff notices or no heat. Crisis grant amounts range from $25 to $1,000 per season.
Income limit: Approximately $22,590 annually for a one-person household (slightly below the federal 150% FPG for one person, adjusted for state plan).
To apply: Apply through your County Assistance Office online at compass.state.pa.us, by phone, or in person.
Ohio
Ohio runs LIHEAP through the Home Energy Assistance Program (HEAP) and includes a Winter Crisis Program that operates from November through March. The Winter Crisis component specifically addresses shutoff prevention and reconnection for households with a disconnection notice or a balance due with no heating service.
Income limit: Up to 175% of the federal poverty level for the Winter Crisis Program, which is higher than the standard program limit.
To apply: Apply through your county's Community Action Agency. Ohio HEAP information is available at the Ohio Development Services Agency website.
Illinois
Illinois runs LIHEAP through the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) administered by the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity. Emergency assistance is available for households facing shutoffs outside the regular program window.
Income limit: Up to 200% FPG, one of the higher thresholds in the country.
To apply: Contact your local community action agency or call the Illinois LIHEAP hotline.
Colorado
Colorado offers both a Winter Crisis component (November 1 through April 30) and a year-round Crisis component. In fiscal year 2024, the year-round crisis program served approximately 1,800 households. Colorado's program is administered through county departments of social services and community action agencies.
Income limit: Up to 165% FPG for the crisis component.
To apply: Apply online at Colorado PEAK (peak.colorado.gov) or through your county social services office.
Oklahoma
Oklahoma's LIHEAP crisis component includes a life-threatening emergency provision that is available year-round. If a household member faces a medically dangerous situation due to lack of heat or cooling, they can request immediate assistance regardless of the time of year.
To apply for a life-threatening crisis: Call 405-522-5050 and select the energy assistance option.
Virginia
Virginia's Energy Assistance Program includes a Cooling Assistance component and a crisis provision for households that have received a shutoff notice or have had service disconnected. Community Action Agencies administer the program in each region.
Income limit: Up to 150% FPG.
To apply: Contact your local Community Action Agency or the Virginia Department of Social Services.
Documents You Will Need to Apply
Regardless of state, most crisis applications require the following:
- Proof of identity (driver's license, state ID, or passport)
- Proof of address (utility bill, lease, or recent mail)
- Social Security numbers for all household members
- Proof of income for the past 30 days (pay stubs, benefit award letters)
- A copy of your shutoff notice or a recent utility bill showing past-due amount
- Proof of heating equipment failure (if applying for repair or replacement)
If applying for deliverable fuel, you may also need to show the current level in your tank or a delivery receipt showing critically low supply.
How to Apply: Step-by-Step
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Find your local LIHEAP office. Call 2-1-1 from any phone. This free service connects you to local specialists who can identify your state's LIHEAP office and any additional programs in your area. You can also search online at energyhelp.us or call the NEAR hotline at 1-866-674-6327.
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Confirm the program is open. Crisis programs are often year-round, but some states close outside the winter season. Ask when you call if crisis funds are currently available.
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Gather your documents. Collect the items listed above before you apply. Incomplete applications slow the process, and a shutoff emergency requires everything in order.
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Submit your application. Most states offer application by phone, in person at a community action agency, or online. If your service is already disconnected or shutoff is imminent, say so immediately when you call so staff can prioritize your case.
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Tell your utility company. Once you have applied, call your utility and inform them you have applied for LIHEAP crisis assistance. Most utilities are required to hold off on disconnecting service while a LIHEAP application is pending.
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Receive a decision. For life-threatening situations, federal rules require a response within 18 hours. Other crisis situations should receive a decision within 48 hours of a complete application.
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Follow up on reconnection. If your service is already off, the crisis benefit will typically be paid directly to the utility. Ask the agency how long reconnection will take once payment is issued.
Other Resources If LIHEAP Crisis Funds Are Exhausted
Crisis funds run out in high-demand periods. If LIHEAP crisis assistance is unavailable in your area, these backup options may help:
Utility company programs. Most major utilities operate their own hardship or assistance programs. Call the number on your bill and ask about low-income rate programs, deferred payment plans, or emergency assistance funds.
State weatherization programs. If a broken heating or cooling system is the issue, Weatherization Assistance Program (WAP) funds may cover repairs or replacement. Ask your LIHEAP office about coordination with weatherization services.
211.org. The 211 network connects households to local emergency assistance including church funds, nonprofit utilities assistance, and emergency food and shelter grants.
The Low Income Home Energy Assistance Clearinghouse. Maintained by the federal government, it provides state-by-state contact information for LIHEAP offices at liheapch.acf.gov.
Benefits screener. Use the free screener at benefitsusa.org/screener to check eligibility for LIHEAP alongside other programs including SNAP, Medicaid, and Lifeline, which can reduce your ongoing phone or internet costs.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I get LIHEAP crisis assistance if I already received a regular LIHEAP benefit this year?
Yes. Prior receipt of a regular LIHEAP benefit does not disqualify you from crisis assistance. The crisis component is a separate pool of funds meant to address new emergencies. If you have already received a regular benefit and now face a shutoff, contact your state LIHEAP office or local community action agency to report the emergency.
How fast is LIHEAP crisis processing?
Federal rules require that life-threatening crises receive a response within 18 hours. Other eligible crises must be addressed within 48 hours. These timelines apply from the point a complete application is received, so gathering all required documents before you apply speeds up the process.
Does LIHEAP crisis cover summer cooling shutoffs?
In many states, yes. States like Florida, Oklahoma, and California include cooling emergencies in their crisis component, particularly for households with medically vulnerable members. Not every state covers cooling crises, so confirm with your local office whether a summer shutoff qualifies.
What if I rent and utilities are in my landlord's name?
Eligibility for renters varies by state. Some states allow renters to apply if utilities are included in rent or if they can demonstrate that energy costs affect their housing. Contact your local LIHEAP office to ask about renter-specific rules in your state.
Is the LIHEAP crisis benefit taxable income?
No. LIHEAP benefits, including crisis grants, are not counted as taxable income for federal tax purposes. They also do not count against eligibility for most other benefit programs.
What happens if crisis funds in my state run out?
Crisis funds are allocated from federal LIHEAP grants and can be exhausted in high-demand periods. If your state's crisis component is out of funds, ask about the utility's own assistance programs, contact 211 for local emergency resources, and ask your community action agency whether additional funding is expected to arrive.
Can I apply for LIHEAP crisis if I use a prepaid utility meter?
Some states have updated their crisis definitions to include prepaid meters. A critically low balance on a prepaid meter may qualify as an impending shutoff. Ask your local LIHEAP office whether prepaid meter situations qualify in your state.
Do I have to prove a shutoff notice to apply for crisis assistance?
A shutoff notice is the most common qualifying document, but not the only one. Critically low fuel supply (typically less than a 15-day reserve), a broken heating or cooling system, or service that is already disconnected can all qualify. Bring whatever documentation shows your energy emergency when you apply.
