What is LIHEAP and when do I apply?
LIHEAP is the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program, which pays part of your heating or cooling bill through your state, and you should apply the week your state's window opens, usually in the fall for heating help, because the money is a fixed yearly pot that runs out rather than an entitlement everyone can claim.
What this means
- The federal government sends LIHEAP money to each state, and the state sets the income limits, the benefit amount, and the application dates.
- Most states offer a regular seasonal benefit paid straight to your utility, plus a separate crisis benefit if you have a shut-off notice or an empty fuel tank.
- Households with someone 60 or older, someone with a disability, or a young child are usually given priority.
- Renters whose heat is included in the rent may still qualify in many states.
What to do first
- Find your state's LIHEAP office through the federal LIHEAP page and ask for this year's opening date.
- Apply in the first days of the window, not in January.
- If you already have a shut-off notice, say the words crisis assistance, because that is a separate and faster track.
- Ask to be referred to the Weatherization Assistance Program at the same time, since a LIHEAP application often qualifies you.
LIHEAP Home Energy Assistance
Helps pay heating and cooling bills, and can stop a shut-off in an emergency.
Weatherization Assistance Program
Free insulation, sealing, and heating repairs that permanently lower your energy bill.
Utility Hardship Funds and Senior Shut-Off Protections
Medical baseline rates, winter shut-off protection, hardship grants, and budget billing your utility rarely mentions.
What you'll need
- Your utility bill
- Proof of income for the last 30 days for everyone in the home
- Proof of income for hardship grants
- A medical certificate signed by your doctor for medical protections
- Most recent heating and electric bills
- Photo identification
- Proof of home ownership or a signed landlord agreement
- Shut-off notice if you have one
- Proof of income for everyone in the home
- Social Security numbers for the household
- Recent utility bills
Deadlines and timing
- Funds run out. Many states close applications months before the stated deadline.
- A crisis benefit usually must be acted on within 48 hours of your application, but you have to tell them it is a crisis.
- Getting LIHEAP does not by itself stop a shut-off. Confirm with the utility that the payment was received.
Where to go
- LIHEAP Home Energy Assistance: https://acf.gov/ocs/map/liheap-map-state-and-territory-contact-listing
- Weatherization Assistance Program: https://www.energy.gov/cmei/scep/wap/how-apply-weatherization-assistance
- Utility Hardship Funds and Senior Shut-Off Protections: https://www.naruc.org/about-naruc/our-mission/regulatory-commissions/
Reviewed by Jason Burns, Editorial Steward · Last verified August 25, 2026
Sources
- Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program · Administration for Children and Families
Need help today?
- Shut-off notice in hand: call the number on the bill and ask for a medical hold and a payment plan, then call 211.
- No food today: call 211 or the Eldercare Locator at 1-800-677-1116 for a same-week food bank or meal.
- In danger: call 911, or reach Adult Protective Services through the Eldercare Locator at 1-800-677-1116.
Every program on this site is free to apply for. Anyone who asks you to pay to apply, or to “unlock” a government benefit, is a scam — hang up and call Senior Medicare Patrol or 211.
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