7-Minute Guide

Eligibility & Application

LIHEAP may provide eligible households with assistance for certain home energy expenses. Here’s what to know about eligibility, available support, and how to locate the program that serves your area.

FIND MY STATE’S PROGRAM →

Open the official state and territory directory

Understanding the LIHEAP Program

LIHEAP stands for the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program. It is federally funded and overseen by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services through the Administration for Children and Families (ACF). Funding is provided to states, territories, and tribal organizations that administer the program locally. Because of this, eligibility details, application periods, and procedures can differ by location, and there is no single nationwide application.

What Assistance May Be Available?

Heating expenses
Eligible households may receive help with certain costs associated with heating their homes during colder periods.
Cooling expenses
Some states also provide assistance with eligible cooling costs during warmer months, depending on local program availability.
Energy crisis assistance
Certain programs may have a separate process for urgent energy situations, including households facing a possible utility shut-off.
Weatherization and efficiency improvements
Depending on the local program, funding may also support certain improvements intended to reduce household energy use.

Who May Meet the Eligibility Requirements?

Household income is generally an important eligibility factor. In some locations, participation in certain assistance programs may also be considered. The agency administering LIHEAP in each area determines the specific requirements.

$
Household Income
Income limits are generally set at no more than 150% of the Federal Poverty Guidelines or 60% of the state’s median income, depending on which applicable threshold is higher.
Participation in Certain Programs
✓ SNAP — Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program
✓ SSI — Supplemental Security Income
✓ TANF — Temporary Assistance for Needy Families

In some states, participation in one of these programs may satisfy certain eligibility requirements. Local rules should always be checked before applying.

Factors That May Affect Eligibility

Factor What It Means
Household income Income is compared with the applicable limit based on household size and location.
Program participation Participation in SNAP, SSI, or TANF may affect eligibility under certain state rules.
Household size The number of people in the household can affect the income threshold used for eligibility.
Location States, territories, and tribal organizations establish local procedures, application periods, and funding rules.

Assistance, Not a Loan
LIHEAP provides assistance rather than a loan, so approved assistance does not need to be repaid. Depending on local procedures, support is generally applied toward eligible energy expenses or paid to the energy provider on the household’s behalf rather than provided as unrestricted cash.

How Does the Application Process Work?

Because LIHEAP is administered locally, application procedures vary. The process generally includes the following steps.

1
Locate your state’s program
Use the official directory to identify the agency responsible for LIHEAP where you live.
2
Review the current requirements
Check the applicable income limits, eligibility criteria, deadlines, and other requirements in your state.
3
Submit your application
Depending on the local agency, applications may be accepted online, by mail, by phone, or in person.
4
Provide requested documentation
You may be asked for documents confirming income, household information, or participation in certain assistance programs.

What Documents Might Be Requested?

Requirements vary by location, but examples of documents that may be requested include:

Income or benefit records
Examples may include pay stubs, benefit documentation, or other records accepted by the local agency.
A recent energy bill
This may be used to verify your energy provider and account information.
Identification and household information
The agency may request documentation related to identity, residence, or the number of people in the household.

Check Current Availability
Application periods and available funding vary by location. Many states open regular heating assistance during the fall, while crisis or cooling assistance may operate on different schedules. Check your local program for current information before applying.

Find the Program That Serves Your Area

The official ACF directory provides contact information and websites for LIHEAP programs administered by states, territories, and tribal organizations.

Need Help Finding Your Local Program?

The National Energy Assistance Referral line can help direct callers to energy assistance resources in their area. It is available weekdays from 9:00 AM to 7:00 PM ET.

Common Questions

Does LIHEAP assistance have to be repaid?

No. LIHEAP provides assistance rather than a loan, so approved assistance does not have to be repaid.

Are the rules the same in every state?

No. Income limits, application periods, procedures, and other requirements can differ by state, territory, or tribal program.

What if I’m facing a utility shut-off?

Some states have crisis assistance procedures for urgent situations. Contact the agency serving your area to check what options are currently available.

Can I check even if I’m unsure whether I qualify?

Yes. Reviewing your state’s current requirements can help you understand whether your household may meet the criteria before submitting an application.

Is there an application deadline?

Deadlines and funding availability vary by location and type of assistance. Check with the program serving your area for current information.

VISIT THE OFFICIAL LIHEAP PAGE →

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

This page independently provides general informational content. It is not operated by, affiliated with, or endorsed by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, the Administration for Children and Families, or any other government agency.