What LIHEAP is and who runs it

LIHEAP stands for Low Income Home Energy information Program. It is a federal program that gives money to states and tribes to help people pay heating and cooling bills. The federal government funds it through the Department of Health and Human Services, but your state or local agency is the one that actually takes applications and sends the money out.

Each state runs LIHEAP differently. Some states combine it with other utility help; some keep it separate. Some prioritize elderly people or people with disabilities; others prioritize families with children. The amount of money available changes year to year, and many states run out before the heating season ends. You need to contact your state's program directly to find out whether money is currently available and what the rules are where you live.

LIHEAP pays the utility company directly, not you. The program sends a check or electronic payment to your electric company, gas company, or heating oil supplier. You do not receive the money yourself.

Key Takeaways

  • LIHEAP is run by your state or local agency, and the amount of help available and the rules change depending on where you live.
  • The program pays your utility company directly, so you will need to provide your account number and proof that you are behind on bills or at risk of being shut off.
  • Income limits exist in every state, but they vary widely — some states allow households earning up to 60 percent of the state median income, while others use a lower threshold.
  • Many states prioritize people over 60, people with disabilities, families with young children, or households with someone who needs medical equipment that requires electricity.
  • The heating season (typically October through March) is when most states accept applications, though some accept year-round on a first-come, first-served basis.

Income limits and household size

LIHEAP has income limits, but they are not the same everywhere. Federal law allows states to set limits anywhere from 130 percent to 60 percent of the state median income. A state with a higher median income will have higher dollar limits than a state with a lower one, even if both use the same percentage.

Your household size matters. A family of four will have a higher income limit than a single person. When you contact your state program, ask for the exact income limit for your household size in your state. Do not assume you are over the limit based on what you heard about another state or another year.

Income usually means gross income — what you earn before taxes. Some states count Social Security, unemployment, child support, and disability payments. Some do not. Some count income from all household members; some only count the income of the person whose name is on the utility bill. Ask your state program what counts as income for their purposes.

What you need to bring when you explore

You will need proof of income. This can be recent pay stubs, a letter from your employer, tax returns, Social Security statements, unemployment paperwork, or proof of benefits. If you are self-employed, bring tax returns or bank statements showing income.

You will need proof of residency — a lease, mortgage statement, utility bill, or other document showing you live at the address where you are explore for help. You will need your utility account number and the name of the company that provides your heat or cooling. If you are behind on bills, bring a recent bill or a shut-off notice.

Bring a photo ID. Some states also ask for proof of citizenship or legal residency. Call your state program before you go in person or submit documents, because requirements vary and some programs are accepting applications by mail or online only.

How much money LIHEAP provides

LIHEAP does not pay your entire bill. The amount varies by state and changes year to year depending on how much federal money the state receives and how many people are waiting for help. Some states give $300 to $500 per household; others give $1,000 or more. Some states give more to households with elderly people or people with disabilities.

The program usually pays what you owe in arrears — the bills you have already fallen behind on — rather than paying future bills. If you are current on your bills but at risk of being shut off, some states will still help, but you need to ask whether your state covers that situation.

If you receive LIHEAP money, you are usually not allowed to receive the same money from another utility information program in the same year. Some states have separate programs for summer cooling help and winter heating help, and you may be able to receive from both. Ask your state program what other information exists and whether you can stack it with LIHEAP.

When to explore and how long it takes

Most states open LIHEAP applications in the fall, around September or October, and close them in the spring, around March or April. The exact dates change year to year. Some states accept applications year-round on a first-come, first-served basis until the money runs out.

Call your state program in late August or early September to find out when applications open. Do not wait until November or December, because by then the program may have already received more applications than it has money for and may have closed to new applicants.

Processing usually takes two to four weeks, though it can take longer if the program is very busy or if they need to verify information with your employer or utility company. Some states prioritize applications from elderly people or people with disabilities and process those faster. Ask how long the current wait is when you call.

How to find your state's LIHEAP program

The fastest way is to call 211. Dial 2-1-1 from any phone, and a person will tell you the phone number and address for your state's LIHEAP program and whether applications are currently open.

You can also search online for "[your state name] LIHEAP" or "[your state name] home energy information." The program is usually run by the state's department of social services, department of human services, or department of energy. Some states run it through community action agencies instead.

If you cannot find it online or by calling 211, contact your local housing authority or your city or county social services office. They can point you to the right program.

What happens if you are denied or do not receive enough

If your process is denied, the program must tell you why. Common reasons are income over the limit, not being a resident of the state, or the program running out of money. Ask whether you can reapply next year or whether there is an appeal process.

If you receive LIHEAP money but it does not cover your full bill, ask your utility company about other programs. Many utility companies have their own low-income information programs, bill discount programs, or payment plans. Some states have additional energy information programs separate from LIHEAP. Your local community action agency may also have money to help.

If you are at risk of being shut off and LIHEAP cannot help, contact your utility company when ready. Many companies are required by state law to offer a payment plan before they shut off service. Some offer discounts for low-income households. Ask what options exist before the shut-off date.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I have to pay LIHEAP money back?

No. LIHEAP is a grant, not a loan. You do not have to repay it. The money goes directly to your utility company to reduce what you owe.

Can I get LIHEAP if I rent instead of own my home?

Yes. Renters are often a large part of LIHEAP. If you pay for heat or cooling separately from your rent, you can explore. If your landlord pays for heat and it is included in your rent, you usually cannot get LIHEAP for that utility, but you may be able to get help with other utilities you pay for separately, like electricity.

What if I live in a mobile home or use heating oil?

LIHEAP covers heating oil, propane, wood, and other fuels, not just gas and electricity. If you heat with oil or propane, you can explore. Mobile home residents can explore the same way as anyone else. Bring proof of the fuel type you use.

Can I explore if I already have a shut-off notice?

Yes. In fact, having a shut-off notice often moves your process up in the queue. Bring the notice with you when you explore. Some programs can contact the utility company on your behalf to ask for extra time while your process is being processed.

What if my income is just barely over the limit?

Contact your state program anyway. Some states have a small income buffer or allow deductions for certain expenses. The person taking your process can tell you whether there is any flexibility in your situation. Do not assume you are ineligible based on a rough calculation.