See details for your state

HHS

Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program

BenefitEnergy AssistanceRecurringRolling

What it may cover

$1K

Enrollment

Open enrollment

Where available

All 50 states, DC, 5 US territories

What you get

Helps low-income households pay for heating and cooling energy costs, energy crises, and weatherization and energy-related home repairs.

Help paying heating, cooling, or past-due utility bills, often paid directly to the utility company.

If you have a shutoff notice, mention it when you apply. Crisis applications are often handled faster.

Do you qualify?

Check what applies to you. Your answers are saved on this device so you can come back later.

0/5 confirmed

Household income must be at or below 150% of the Federal Poverty Level (priority for below 60% FPL)
This program requires income at or below 150% of the Federal Poverty Level. Select your household size to see your exact dollar limit.
How many people are in your household?
Count everyone who lives and eats with you — yourself, partner, children, and dependents.
Are you responsible for home energy bills?
Are you a US citizen, qualified alien, or eligible non-citizen?
Priority given to households with elderly (60+), young children (under 6), disabled members, or highest energy burden — but you can still apply even if you don't fall into those groups.
Do you apply through your state or tribal LIHEAP grantee — benefits are distributed as funds are available and run out seasonally?

What to bring

If you do not have one of these, apply anyway and ask what substitutes are accepted.

1LIHEAP application at your state or local LIHEAP office (find at liheapch.acf.hhs.gov/profiles/states or call 211)
2Government-issued photo ID for the applicant
3Social Security cards or numbers for all household members
4Proof of all household income: pay stubs, Social Security award letters, unemployment statements (last 30 days)
5Most recent energy bill (electric, gas, or heating fuel) showing your account number and service address
6Proof of residency: lease, utility bill, or other official mail with your current address

How to apply

Processing time varies by location and program funding.

1Find the right local officeUse your ZIP code to confirm the community action agency that handles Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program.
2Apply online, by phone, or in personUse the official application path and keep a copy of anything you submit.
3Complete the interview or verificationMany benefits require a short call, appointment, or document check.
4Watch for a decisionKeep mail, email, and phone open so you do not miss follow-up requests.

Find local help

Your ZIP helps you confirm the right local office and state-specific rules.

Program impact

LIHEAP covers heating AND cooling costs — it can prevent utility shut-offs in both winter and summer.

People helped

5.5 million households

helped annually

Annual federal budget

$4.1 billion

Average benefit

~$500–$1,000 per household per year

Established

1981

You may also qualify for

Other programs in the same category that often go hand-in-hand.

U.S. Department of Energy

DOE Weatherization Assistance Program (WAP)

U.S. Department of Energy / State Energy Offices

Energy Audits for Low-Income Households

U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development

HUD Green and Resilient Retrofit Program

See details for your state

HHS

Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program

BenefitEnergy AssistanceRecurringRolling

What it may cover

$1K

Enrollment

Open enrollment

Where available

All 50 states, DC, 5 US territories

What you get

Helps low-income households pay for heating and cooling energy costs, energy crises, and weatherization and energy-related home repairs.

Help paying heating, cooling, or past-due utility bills, often paid directly to the utility company.

If you have a shutoff notice, mention it when you apply. Crisis applications are often handled faster.

Do you qualify?

Check what applies to you. Your answers are saved on this device so you can come back later.

0/5 confirmed

Household income must be at or below 150% of the Federal Poverty Level (priority for below 60% FPL)
This program requires income at or below 150% of the Federal Poverty Level. Select your household size to see your exact dollar limit.
How many people are in your household?
Count everyone who lives and eats with you — yourself, partner, children, and dependents.
Are you responsible for home energy bills?
Are you a US citizen, qualified alien, or eligible non-citizen?
Priority given to households with elderly (60+), young children (under 6), disabled members, or highest energy burden — but you can still apply even if you don't fall into those groups.
Do you apply through your state or tribal LIHEAP grantee — benefits are distributed as funds are available and run out seasonally?

What to bring

If you do not have one of these, apply anyway and ask what substitutes are accepted.

1LIHEAP application at your state or local LIHEAP office (find at liheapch.acf.hhs.gov/profiles/states or call 211)
2Government-issued photo ID for the applicant
3Social Security cards or numbers for all household members
4Proof of all household income: pay stubs, Social Security award letters, unemployment statements (last 30 days)
5Most recent energy bill (electric, gas, or heating fuel) showing your account number and service address
6Proof of residency: lease, utility bill, or other official mail with your current address

How to apply

Processing time varies by location and program funding.

1Find the right local officeUse your ZIP code to confirm the community action agency that handles Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program.
2Apply online, by phone, or in personUse the official application path and keep a copy of anything you submit.
3Complete the interview or verificationMany benefits require a short call, appointment, or document check.
4Watch for a decisionKeep mail, email, and phone open so you do not miss follow-up requests.

Find local help

Your ZIP helps you confirm the right local office and state-specific rules.

Program impact

LIHEAP covers heating AND cooling costs — it can prevent utility shut-offs in both winter and summer.

People helped

5.5 million households

helped annually

Annual federal budget

$4.1 billion

Average benefit

~$500–$1,000 per household per year

Established

1981

You may also qualify for

Other programs in the same category that often go hand-in-hand.

U.S. Department of Energy

DOE Weatherization Assistance Program (WAP)

U.S. Department of Energy / State Energy Offices

Energy Audits for Low-Income Households

U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development

HUD Green and Resilient Retrofit Program