South Carolina's Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) helps low-income households pay energy bills, cover heating and cooling costs, and respond to energy emergencies. The program is federally funded and administered by the South Carolina Governor's Office of Economic Opportunity (OEO), with local delivery through Community Action Agencies in all 46 counties. For fiscal year 2026, South Carolina received $49,367,067 in LIHEAP funding, one of the program's larger state allocations.
This guide covers what LIHEAP covers in South Carolina, who qualifies, how much assistance you can receive, and the steps to apply.
What Does South Carolina LIHEAP Cover?
South Carolina LIHEAP provides four types of assistance:
Heating Assistance helps pay electric or natural gas bills during the cooler months. This is the core component of the program and provides a one-time or limited annual payment directly to your utility provider.
Cooling Assistance helps offset electric costs during summer months when air conditioning use drives bills higher. South Carolina includes a cooling component because summer heat can be just as dangerous for vulnerable households as winter cold.
Crisis Assistance is available year-round for households facing an immediate energy emergency. Examples include a shutoff notice, a broken heating or cooling system, or a household that has run out of fuel. Crisis benefits are expedited, with eligible households receiving assistance within 18 to 48 hours of submitting all required documentation.
Weatherization covers basic home energy efficiency improvements, such as insulation, weather stripping, and sealing air leaks. This component is available to households at or below 200% of the Federal Poverty Level (FPL) and can lower long-term energy costs. Applications for weatherization assistance are accepted year-round.
South Carolina LIHEAP Benefit Amounts
Benefit amounts vary depending on the type of assistance and available county funding. The program does not provide monthly payments. Instead, benefits are issued as lump-sum payments sent directly to your utility provider.
| Assistance Type | Minimum Benefit | Maximum Benefit |
|---|
| Heating Assistance | $200 | $850 |
| Cooling Assistance | $200 | $775 |
| Crisis Assistance | N/A | $1,000 |
Most households receive assistance once per year, though some counties may allow up to two or three payments per program year depending on remaining funds. Because LIHEAP is funded annually and funds can run out before the season ends, applying early in each benefit period improves your chances of receiving assistance.
Income Limits for South Carolina LIHEAP 2026
South Carolina uses 60% of the State Median Income (SMI) as the income threshold for LIHEAP eligibility. The limits below apply for fiscal year 2025 (October 1, 2025 through September 30, 2026).
| Household Size | Monthly Income Limit |
|---|
| 1 | $2,666 |
| 2 | $3,486 |
| 3 | $4,307 |
| 4 | $5,127 |
| 5 | $5,947 |
| 6 | $6,768 |
| 7 | $6,922 |
| 8 | $7,075 |
For households larger than 8 people, contact your local Community Action Agency for the applicable limit.
There is no asset test for South Carolina LIHEAP. The program looks only at gross household income, not savings accounts, vehicle values, or other assets.
Who Qualifies for South Carolina LIHEAP?
To qualify, your household must meet all of the following:
- Household gross income at or below 60% of State Median Income (see table above)
- Responsible for paying a home energy bill, either directly or as part of rent
- Residing in South Carolina
Priority Groups
South Carolina gives priority to households with at least one of the following:
- An elderly member (age 60 or older)
- A person with a disability
- Children under age 18
- High home energy costs relative to household income
Seniors receiving Supplemental Security Income (SSI) may also qualify for an additional 20% reduction on utility bills through a utility company discount program related to LIHEAP enrollment. Ask your local agency about this when you apply.
Renters
Renters qualify for LIHEAP as long as the household pays energy costs directly, or can show that energy costs are factored into rent. If your landlord pays the utility bills and does not charge you separately, you generally do not qualify for the heating and cooling components.
When to Apply
Application periods in South Carolina follow the type of assistance you need:
| Assistance Type | Application Period |
|---|
| Heating Assistance | October 1 through April 30 |
| Cooling Assistance | April 1 through September 30 |
| Crisis Assistance | Year-round |
| Weatherization | Year-round |
Heating and cooling funds are available on a first-come, first-served basis in most counties. Applying early in the season reduces the risk of applying after funds are exhausted.
What Documents Do You Need?
Gather the following before contacting your local agency. Missing documents are the most common reason applications are delayed.
- Government-issued photo ID for the applicant (driver's license, state ID, or passport)
- Social Security cards or numbers for all household members
- Proof of income for the past 30 days for all household members (pay stubs, award letters for Social Security or disability, pension statements, or a zero-income declaration if applicable)
- Most recent utility bill showing your account number and current balance
- Proof of address (the utility bill often counts)
If any household member is undocumented, contact your local agency. LIHEAP eligibility is determined at the household level, and some agencies serve mixed-status households based on the needs of eligible members.
How to Apply for South Carolina LIHEAP: Step-by-Step
Step 1: Find Your Local Community Action Agency
South Carolina LIHEAP applications are handled locally. There is no single statewide application portal. Go to the OEO's county locator at oeo.sc.gov or call 211 to find the agency serving your county.
Step 2: Schedule an Appointment
Most counties require an appointment rather than walk-in service. Call your local agency or check their website to schedule. Some agencies also offer phone intake for initial screening.
Step 3: Gather Your Documents
Review the document list above and collect everything before your appointment. Having all materials ready will allow the agency to process your application in a single visit.
Step 4: Submit Your Application
Bring your documents to your appointment. The agency will verify your income and household information, assess your eligibility, and determine the benefit amount based on your situation and available county funds.
Step 5: Receive Notification
If approved, the agency sends payment directly to your utility company. You will receive written notice of the benefit amount and the utility account it was applied to. You typically do not receive a check. For crisis cases, agencies aim to process payments within 18 to 48 hours of receiving complete documentation.
Step 6: Check for Additional Assistance
While you are at the agency, ask about other programs you may qualify for, including SNAP food benefits, Medicaid, or state-funded utility assistance programs. Community Action Agencies often help with multiple programs and can screen you at the same appointment.
Other Energy Assistance Programs in South Carolina
LIHEAP is not the only option for households struggling with energy costs. Other programs to consider:
SC Helps (State-Level Assistance): South Carolina's Department of Social Services sometimes administers supplemental energy assistance funds. Availability varies by year and county.
Utility Company Programs: Duke Energy, Dominion Energy, and other South Carolina utility providers have their own low-income assistance programs. These can stack with LIHEAP, meaning you can receive both. Contact your utility company's customer assistance line to ask about income-based rate programs or payment plans.
Project SHARE: Administered through the Salvation Army, Project SHARE provides emergency energy assistance funded by voluntary utility customer donations. Available year-round for urgent needs.
Weatherization Assistance Program (WAP): A separate federal program from the Department of Energy that provides deeper energy efficiency upgrades than LIHEAP weatherization. Eligibility is at or below 200% FPL. Apply through your local Community Action Agency.
Tips for Maximizing Your LIHEAP Benefits
Apply as early in the season as possible. Heating funds, in particular, tend to deplete before April 30 in counties with high demand. Some counties exhaust their annual allocation within the first few months.
Ask about crisis assistance even if you do not have an emergency today. Crisis funds are separate from regular heating and cooling allocations and are available year-round. If your balance is at risk of shutoff, you may qualify even outside the standard application windows.
Keep your utility account current between benefit periods. LIHEAP payments go directly to your utility provider, and accounts with billing disputes or service interruptions can complicate processing. Resolve any account issues before applying.
Check if you qualify for SNAP. Households enrolled in SNAP automatically meet LIHEAP income requirements in many states, and cross-enrollment simplifies verification. Use the free Benefits Navigator eligibility screener to check SNAP and other programs you may qualify for.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who administers LIHEAP in South Carolina?
The South Carolina Governor's Office of Economic Opportunity (OEO) oversees LIHEAP statewide. Applications are handled by local Community Action Agencies in each of the 46 counties. The OEO general line is (803) 734-0662.
Does LIHEAP pay my utility bill directly?
Yes. South Carolina LIHEAP payments go directly to your utility provider, not to you. The benefit is credited to your account. You will receive written confirmation of the payment amount and application date.
Can I apply for LIHEAP if I rent my home?
Yes, renters qualify as long as they pay energy costs directly or their rent includes identifiable energy costs. If your landlord pays utilities and does not charge you separately, you likely do not qualify for the heating and cooling components, but you can still apply for weatherization.
How many times can I receive LIHEAP in one year?
Most households in South Carolina are eligible to receive assistance up to two times per program year (October 1 through September 30), subject to available funding at the county level. Some counties may allow a third payment if funds remain.
What if my income just went above the limit?
Contact your local agency. Income is typically verified for the past 30 days. If your income dropped recently due to job loss, reduced hours, or retirement, you may qualify even if prior income was higher. Agencies review current income at the time of application.
Does LIHEAP affect other benefits like SNAP or Medicaid?
No. LIHEAP benefits are not counted as income for other federal assistance programs. Receiving LIHEAP will not reduce or eliminate your SNAP, Medicaid, or Social Security benefits.
What is the crisis assistance maximum?
Crisis assistance in South Carolina can provide up to $1,000 per eligible household. Crisis benefits are processed more quickly than standard heating or cooling benefits, with a target of 18 to 48 hours from the time you submit all required documentation.
Is there an asset limit for South Carolina LIHEAP?
No. South Carolina does not require an asset test. Eligibility is based on household income only.
Can I apply for LIHEAP and the Duke Energy assistance program at the same time?
Yes. Utility company programs and LIHEAP are separate funding sources. You can apply to both. Stacking these benefits allows you to reduce your bill further than either program alone.
Where do I find my county's Community Action Agency?
Visit oeo.sc.gov or call 211 from any phone in South Carolina. The 211 service is free and connects you to local health and human services resources, including energy assistance.
Not sure what else you qualify for? Use the free Benefits Navigator screener to check eligibility for LIHEAP, SNAP, Medicaid, and other programs in South Carolina. It takes about two minutes and shows your results instantly. You can also visit our South Carolina benefits guide for a full list of state programs.
