LIHEAP Program: How Home Energy Assistance Usually Works and How to Get Started

The Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) is a government-funded program that helps many households with heating and cooling costs, especially during extreme weather. This guide explains how LIHEAP typically works, who often qualifies, what to gather before you apply, and how to move forward through official agencies and portals.

HowToGetAssistance.org is not a government office, not an application site, and cannot check benefits or process forms. This article is meant to help you understand the process so you can contact the correct official office in your area.

What Is the LIHEAP Program?

LIHEAP is a federal program that gives money to states, territories, and tribes so they can help eligible households with:

• Home heating or cooling bills
• Crisis situations (like a shutoff notice or out-of-fuel emergency)
• Energy-related minor home repairs (weatherization or equipment-related help in some areas)

You do not receive LIHEAP directly from the federal government. Instead, each state, tribal nation, or territory runs its own LIHEAP program and sets its own:

• Application process
• Income limits (within federal guidelines)
• Deadlines and benefit amounts

Because of this, exact rules and procedures vary depending on where you live.

What Types of Help Can LIHEAP Provide?

The details differ by location, but LIHEAP programs typically focus on a few main types of assistance:

1. Regular (Seasonal) Energy Assistance

This is the most common LIHEAP benefit. It usually helps with ongoing heating or cooling bills.

Typical features:

• Paid once per season or once per program year
• Often paid directly to your utility or fuel company
• May appear as a credit on your bill, not as cash to you
• Amount can be based on:
  • Household income
  • Household size
  • Fuel type (gas, oil, electric, propane, etc.)
  • Local climate

2. Crisis or Emergency Assistance

Crisis help is for urgent energy problems, such as:

• Shutoff notice from your gas or electric company
• Utility service already disconnected
• Nearly empty fuel tank (oil, propane, kerosene, wood, pellets)
• Dangerous weather with no working heat or cooling

In many areas, crisis LIHEAP can:

• Speed up processing
• Cover reconnection fees or a minimum payment
• Pay for an emergency fuel delivery
• Help prevent a planned shutoff

3. Weatherization and Energy-Related Repairs

Some LIHEAP agencies work with weatherization programs to help make homes more energy efficient, such as:

• Insulation improvements
• Furnace/boiler tune-ups or minor repairs
• Sealing drafts around windows and doors

Not every LIHEAP office provides this directly, but they may refer you to a partner program if available.

Who Typically Qualifies for LIHEAP?

LIHEAP is designed for low-income households, but the exact rules differ by state, county, or tribal program.

Common Eligibility Factors

Most LIHEAP programs look at:

• Household income
  • Usually based on monthly or annual gross income for everyone in the home.
  • Limits are often tied to a percentage of the Federal Poverty Level or state median income.
• Household size
  • Larger households may qualify with higher total income than smaller households.
• Responsibility for home energy costs
  • You often need to show that you pay for heating or cooling, either directly to a utility or through rent.
• Residence status
  • You typically must be a resident of the state or tribal area where you apply.
• Citizenship or eligible noncitizen status
  • Rules can vary; your local office can explain how this is handled.

Groups That May Receive Priority

Programs often give priority to households considered especially vulnerable, such as:

• Older adults (for example, age 60 or older)
• People with disabilities
• Families with young children
• Households in extreme weather zones

Priority does not guarantee approval, but it may affect how soon your application is reviewed or how benefits are calculated.

Documents to Gather Before You Apply

Having documents ready can reduce delays. Exact requirements vary, but LIHEAP offices often ask for:

Proof of identity:

• Government-issued photo ID (driver’s license, state ID, tribal ID, passport)
• For other household members: birth certificates, Social Security cards, or other official IDs (requirements differ)

Proof of residence:

• Recent utility bill with your name and address
• Lease agreement or mortgage statement
• Official mail with your name and current address

Proof of income for everyone in the household:

• Recent pay stubs (usually for the past 30–60 days)
• Award letters for Social Security, SSI, SSDI, VA benefits, pensions, unemployment
• Proof of child support, alimony, or other regular income
• If no income: a self-declaration form or statement, as required by your local office

Energy and housing information:

• Most recent heating or cooling bill (electric, gas, oil, propane, etc.)
• Shutoff notice or disconnection notice, if you have one
• Fuel merchant account number for oil/propane/kerosene/wood
• Lease showing utilities included in rent, if applicable

Other possible documents:

• Social Security numbers or other identification numbers (if required locally)
• Disability verification or medical documents (only when specifically requested)
• Proof of household members (birth certificates or other official documentation)

If you’re not sure what counts as valid proof, your local LIHEAP office or state agency can explain what they accept.

Where and How to Apply for LIHEAP

You cannot apply for LIHEAP through HowToGetAssistance.org. To get real assistance, you must go through official program channels.

Because LIHEAP is run locally, application options differ by area, but they usually include one or more of the following:

1. Official Online Benefits Portal

Many states offer LIHEAP through their online benefits portal, where you may also apply for programs like SNAP or TANF.

Typical steps:

1. Create an account on your state’s official benefits website.
2. Start a new LIHEAP or energy assistance application.
3. Enter information about your household, income, and utility accounts.
4. Upload or later submit supporting documents.
5. Submit the application and save any confirmation number.

To find the correct site, search for your state name + “LIHEAP energy assistance” and verify that the website:

• Ends in “.gov” or clearly belongs to a state agency
• Lists official government contact information

2. Local LIHEAP or Community Action Agency Office

In many areas, local Community Action Agencies (CAAs) or county social service offices accept LIHEAP applications.

Common options:

• In-person applications
• Drop-off of completed paper forms
• Applications over the phone or by mail, depending on the county

You can usually find your local office by:

• Calling your state energy assistance hotline, if available
• Contacting your county department of social services
• Dialing 211 and asking for “LIHEAP” or “energy assistance” information

3. Tribal LIHEAP Programs

If you are a member of a federally recognized tribe, your tribe may operate its own LIHEAP.

You might apply through:

• The tribal housing authority
• The tribe’s social services or human services department
• A designated energy assistance office

Contact your tribal government office and ask for LIHEAP or energy assistance information.

Typical LIHEAP Application Steps

While the process varies, many LIHEAP applications follow a similar pattern:

1. Find the correct office or portal

   • Identify whether you apply through your state, county, community action agency, or tribe.

2. Check current application dates

   • Many states have specific heating and cooling seasons or close applications when funds run out.
   • Crisis assistance may have year-round or separate timelines.

3. Gather your documents

   • Use the list above as a guide and confirm with your local office what’s required.

4. Complete the application form

   • Provide accurate information for all household members.
   • Answer questions about income, rent, utilities, and energy usage truthfully.

5. Submit documents

   • Upload online, mail copies, or bring them in person, depending on local rules.
   • Make sure copies are clear and readable.

6. Respond to follow-up requests

   • Watch for letters, emails, or phone calls requesting more information.
   • Respond by the deadline to avoid denial or closure.

7. Receive a decision notice

   • You should receive a written notice explaining approval or denial, benefit amount, and where the payment was sent if approved.

How Long Does LIHEAP Take?

Processing times vary by state, season, and workload. In general:

• Regular seasonal applications can take several weeks.
• Crisis applications are often handled faster, sometimes within a few days, especially when there is a shutoff or no-heat situation.

Your approval notice or local office can give a better sense of current timeframes in your area.

What Happens After You’re Approved?

If your application is approved, typically:

• Payment is sent directly to your utility or fuel vendor.
• You may see a credit on your bill rather than a check.
• In some rental situations, assistance might be coordinated with your landlord if they pay the utility.

You should receive:

• A notice of approval showing:
  • Benefit amount
  • How the benefit was calculated
  • Which utility or fuel company will receive the payment
• Instructions on what to do if you disagree with the decision

If your power is off or you have a shutoff notice, the LIHEAP office may also:

• Contact your utility company directly
• Provide documentation you can show the utility while the payment is processed

Common Reasons for Delays or Denials

Understanding common issues can help you avoid problems. Typical reasons include:

1. Missing or incomplete documents

• No proof of income for all household members
• No utility bill or shutoff notice when requested
• Unclear or unreadable copies

2. Income too high for local limits

• Household income exceeds the maximum level allowed for your household size in your state or tribal program.

3. Not responsible for home energy costs

• Utilities are fully included in rent and you do not pay a separate energy bill, and your local program does not support that situation (rules vary).

4. Application outside the program season

• Applying when the heating or cooling season is closed to new applications, unless it’s a crisis that still qualifies under local rules.

5. Duplicate or multiple applications

• Filing multiple applications in the same season for the same household can cause confusion or lead to closure of one of them.

If you receive a denial letter, it should explain the specific reason and often outline how to request an appeal or review.

How Appeals and Reviews Usually Work

If you disagree with your LIHEAP decision (for example, you think your income was calculated incorrectly or you were wrongly denied), most programs provide a formal appeal or fair hearing process.

Typical steps:

1. Read the decision notice carefully

   • Look for a section labeled “Appeal Rights,” “Fair Hearing,” or similar.

2. Note the deadline

   • You usually have a limited time (often 10–30 days) to request a review.

3. Submit a written request

   • Explain why you believe the decision was wrong.
   • Include your case or application number, name, and contact information.

4. Prepare supporting documents

   • Correct income proof
   • Updated utility bills
   • Any documents that were missing or misunderstood

5. Attend a review, conference, or hearing if scheduled

   • Some areas hold hearings by phone, video, or in person.
   • You may be allowed to bring someone to help you explain your situation.

Your state or local LIHEAP office can clarify exactly how the appeal process works where you live.

If You Don’t Qualify or Need More Help

If you’re not eligible for LIHEAP, or if your LIHEAP benefit isn’t enough to fully solve your energy situation, you may still have options.

1. Utility Company Payment Plans and Assistance Programs

Most utility companies offer:

• Payment plans or budget billing
• Special arrangements for customers with medical needs or fixed incomes
• Company-funded hardship or assistance programs

Call your utility’s customer service and ask about:

• “Payment arrangements”
• “Assistance for customers in financial hardship”
• “Medical protection programs,” if relevant in your state

2. Other Local Assistance Programs

In many communities, you may find help through:

• Community Action Agencies
• Faith-based organizations
• Local charities or nonprofits
• City or county emergency assistance funds

Dialing 211 (where available) can connect you to information about local energy assistance, rental help, food support, and more.

3. Weatherization and Energy Efficiency Programs

Separate from LIHEAP, there may be:

• Weatherization Assistance Programs
• Utility-sponsored energy efficiency upgrades
• Rebates for more efficient appliances or heating systems

Ask your state energy office, utility company, or local community action agency about available programs.

How to Avoid Scams and Make Sure You’re Using Official LIHEAP Channels

Because LIHEAP is a government-funded program, it can sometimes be targeted by scammers. You can protect yourself by watching for these signs:

Red Flags

• Someone guarantees LIHEAP approval for a fee
• A website claims you can pay to get faster benefits
• A person or site asks for your bank account login or full card numbers to “apply”
• You are asked to send money through gift cards, wire transfers, or cryptocurrency
• The website doesn’t clearly show government or recognized agency contact information

How to Confirm You’re on an Official Channel

• Look for a “.gov” website for state agencies, or clearly identified tribal or local government sites.
• Call your state or county social services department, and ask where to apply for LIHEAP.
• Dial 211 and ask for the official LIHEAP or energy assistance office in your area.
• Use phone numbers listed on:
  • Your state’s official government website
  • Your utility company’s official bill or website
  • Your tribal government’s public contact directory

Remember: Application help should be free. You should not have to pay any person or website just to apply for LIHEAP.

Quick Reference: LIHEAP at a Glance

LIHEAP can be a critical support when energy costs are unmanageable or when a shutoff is looming. To move forward, your best next step is to contact your state, local, or tribal LIHEAP office or use your state’s official benefits portal, confirm current eligibility rules and deadlines, and follow their instructions for applying.