LIHEAP: Eligibility, Benefits, How to Apply

What Is LIHEAP?

LIHEAP stands for the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program. It is a federal program that helps households pay for heating in winter and cooling in summer. The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) funds the program through the Administration for Children and Families. States, territories, tribes, and tribal organizations receive block grants and run the program locally.

About 6 million households received LIHEAP assistance in fiscal year 2024. Congress allocated roughly $3.7 billion in LIHEAP block grant funding for fiscal year 2025. The program does not pay energy bills in full. Instead, it provides a one-time or seasonal payment that reduces what you owe your utility company.

LIHEAP covers four types of help: bill payment assistance, crisis assistance (like preventing a shutoff or restoring disconnected service), weatherization (insulation, sealing, and efficiency upgrades), and minor home energy repairs. Bill payment assistance is the most common type. Crisis assistance is available year-round in most states for emergencies like a broken furnace or an imminent shutoff notice.

Each state runs its own version of the program. New York calls it HEAP. Texas calls it the Comprehensive Energy Assistance Program (CEAP). California uses the name LIHEAP. No matter what your state calls it, the federal eligibility rules set the same baseline. Check your state benefits page for local details and application dates.

Who Qualifies for LIHEAP?

LIHEAP eligibility depends on your household income, household size, and whether you are responsible for home energy costs. Federal law sets the maximum income limit at 150% of the federal poverty guidelines (FPG) or 60% of your state's median income (SMI), whichever is higher. States choose which standard to use. Some states set their limit at 150% FPG, while others use 60% SMI, which can be significantly higher in states with above-average incomes.

Federal Income Limits at 150% FPG (2025)

Source: HHS Poverty Guidelines, 2025. For the 48 contiguous states and DC.

These are the baseline limits for states that use the FPG standard. States using 60% SMI often have higher limits. For example, Connecticut uses 60% SMI, which allowed a family of four to earn up to about $87,511 in 2024. Texas uses 150% FPG, keeping limits at the federal baseline. Check your state benefits page to see which standard your state applies.

Who Can Apply

You must be responsible for your home energy costs, either directly or as part of your rent. Both homeowners and renters qualify. If your utilities are included in your rent, you may still be eligible in many states. Contact your local Community Action Agency to confirm.

You may qualify automatically if anyone in your household receives SNAP, SSI, or TANF benefits. These programs share similar income thresholds, so enrollment in one often means you meet LIHEAP requirements without additional income verification.

Priority Groups

States must give priority to households with the highest energy costs relative to income. Federal law also requires priority for households that include:

• Elderly members (age 60 or older)
• People with disabilities
• Young children (under age 6)

These households often face greater health risks from extreme temperatures. Many states process their applications first or reserve a portion of funding for them.

Citizenship Requirements

LIHEAP does not have a single federal citizenship rule. States set their own policies, but most require at least one household member to be a U.S. citizen or qualified non-citizen (such as a lawful permanent resident, refugee, or asylee). Children who are citizens can receive benefits regardless of their parents' immigration status in many states.

You can use our free screener to check if your household meets your state's requirements in about five minutes.

How Much Can You Get?

LIHEAP benefit amounts vary widely by state, household income, energy costs, and household size. There is no single federal benefit amount. States decide how to distribute their block grant funding.

Typical Benefit Ranges by State Type

Ranges based on state-reported data. Actual amounts depend on available funding and individual household circumstances.

The national average heating benefit was roughly $500 to $600 per household in recent years. In Pennsylvania, the average season benefit was about $291 in the 2024-25 season. States with harsh winters and high heating costs tend to provide larger benefits because the block grant formula accounts for climate and energy prices.

How States Calculate Your Benefit

Most states use a formula that weighs your income, household size, energy burden (the share of income spent on energy), and the type of fuel you use. Households with the lowest incomes and highest energy costs receive the most. Some states pay benefits as a lump sum at the start of heating season. Others spread payments across several months or pay vendors directly on your behalf.

LIHEAP payments usually go straight to your utility company or fuel vendor. You do not receive cash. The payment shows as a credit on your account. If you use delivered fuel like oil or propane, the state may issue a voucher or direct payment to your supplier.

Only about 17% of eligible households actually receive LIHEAP benefits in a given year, according to the National Energy Assistance Directors Association. Funding runs out before everyone who qualifies can be served. This is why applying early in the season is so important.

Crisis Assistance

If you face a utility shutoff, have already been disconnected, or have a broken heating or cooling system, crisis assistance may be available outside the regular program season. Crisis benefits are often higher than standard benefits and can be processed in 48 hours or less. Contact your local Community Action Agency or call 211 for emergency help.

How to Apply for LIHEAP

LIHEAP applications open on a seasonal schedule in most states. Heating assistance applications typically open between October and January. Cooling assistance opens in the spring or summer where available. Funding is limited, so applying early matters.

Step 1: Check your eligibility

Use our free eligibility screener or review the income limits above. The screener takes about five minutes and checks LIHEAP along with other programs like SNAP and Medicaid.

Step 2: Find your local office

LIHEAP is administered by local agencies, usually Community Action Agencies. You can find yours through the LIHEAP search tool on the federal energyhelp.us website, or call the National Energy Assistance Referral (NEAR) hotline at 1-866-674-6327.

Step 3: Gather your documents

You will need:

• Proof of identity (driver's license, state ID, or passport)
• Proof of income for all household members (pay stubs, tax return, Social Security award letter, or unemployment documentation)
• Most recent utility bill or fuel delivery receipt
• Proof of address (lease, mortgage statement, or utility bill)
• Social Security numbers for all household members

Step 4: Submit your application

Online: Some states accept online applications. In New York, apply at mybenefits.ny.gov. In California, apply at caliheapapply.com. In Texas, contact your local subrecipient through TDHCA.

Phone: Call your local Community Action Agency or dial 211 for a referral.

In person: Visit your local Community Action Agency, Department of Social Services, or equivalent office. Many agencies set up intake events at senior centers, churches, and community centers during heating season.

Step 5: Receive your benefit

Processing times range from a few days (for crisis assistance) to several weeks (for regular seasonal assistance). Once approved, payment goes directly to your utility company or fuel vendor. You will receive a notice confirming your benefit amount and how it was applied.

If you are denied, the notice will explain why and how to appeal. Common reasons for denial include income above the limit, missing documents, or applying after funding runs out. If funding is exhausted, ask to be placed on a waiting list. Some states receive additional funding later in the season.

LIHEAP and Other Programs

Many LIHEAP recipients qualify for other federal and state programs. Receiving LIHEAP does not reduce your eligibility for other benefits. Here are programs worth checking:

• SNAP (Food Stamps) helps pay for groceries. If you qualify for LIHEAP, you likely meet SNAP income requirements too. Receiving LIHEAP can also increase your SNAP benefit through the Standard Utility Allowance deduction.
• Medicaid provides free or low-cost health coverage. Income limits overlap with LIHEAP in most states.
• SSI (Supplemental Security Income) provides monthly cash payments to seniors and people with disabilities who have limited income. SSI recipients often qualify for LIHEAP automatically.
• TANF (Temporary Assistance for Needy Families) provides cash assistance to families with children. TANF recipients often qualify for LIHEAP automatically.
• Weatherization Assistance Program (WAP): This separate federal program pays for permanent energy efficiency improvements to your home, like insulation and new windows. WAP and LIHEAP work together but have separate applications.

Our free screener checks LIHEAP and all of these programs at once.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I have to pay LIHEAP back?

No. LIHEAP is a grant, not a loan. You do not repay any benefits you receive. There are no fees to apply and no strings attached to the payment.

Can renters apply for LIHEAP?

Yes. Both homeowners and renters can apply. If you pay your utility bills directly, you qualify just like a homeowner. If your utilities are included in your rent, many states still allow you to apply. The benefit may be paid to your landlord or credited to your account depending on state rules.

When does LIHEAP open in my state?

Most states open heating assistance between October and January. Some accept applications as early as September. Cooling assistance, where offered, typically opens in late spring. Application periods and deadlines vary by state. Visit your state benefits page or call 211 to find your state's dates.

What if I already got a shutoff notice?

Apply for crisis assistance immediately. Most states process crisis applications within 48 hours. Call your local Community Action Agency, dial 211, or use the LIHEAP search tool to find emergency help. Many states prohibit utility shutoffs during extreme weather, but rules vary.

Can I get LIHEAP if I use oil, propane, or wood for heat?

Yes. LIHEAP covers all fuel types, including natural gas, electricity, oil, propane, kerosene, wood, and coal. If you use delivered fuel, the benefit may come as a voucher or direct payment to your fuel supplier instead of a utility credit.

Does LIHEAP count as income for other programs?

No. Federal law (42 U.S.C. 8624(f)) states that LIHEAP benefits are not counted as income or resources when determining eligibility for any other federal or state program. Your LIHEAP payment will not reduce your SNAP, SSI, Medicaid, or other benefits.

What happens if LIHEAP funding runs out?

LIHEAP funding is limited. Once a state's allocation is spent, no more regular benefits are issued that season. Some states maintain waiting lists and distribute additional funds if Congress provides supplemental funding. Apply as early as possible in your state's application window to avoid missing out.

How is LIHEAP different from utility company assistance programs?

LIHEAP is a federal program funded by Congress. Utility companies also offer their own assistance programs, budget billing plans, and hardship funds. You can receive both LIHEAP and utility company assistance in most cases. Ask your utility provider about additional programs when you apply for LIHEAP. Many states coordinate both types of help through the same local agencies.