Energy information programs pay your utility bills directly to the power company or heating provider, not to you

Energy information is a federal program run by your state, usually through the Department of Social Services or a community action agency. The program pays your electric, gas, or heating oil bills when your household income falls below a set threshold. Most programs cover both winter heating and summer cooling, though some states emphasize one season over the other depending on climate.

The money goes straight to your utility company or fuel supplier — you do not receive a check. This means you need your account number and the name of your provider before you contact the program. If you rent and your landlord pays the utilities as part of your lease, you may not be able to use this program, because the bill is not in your name.

The program is called the Low Income Home Energy information Program (LIHEAP) at the federal level, but each state names and runs it differently. Some states call it the Energy information Program, others use Home Energy information, and a few have regional names. The process process, income limits, and what the program covers all vary by state and sometimes by county.

Key Takeaways

  • Energy information pays your utility bills directly to the company that provides your power or heat, so you must have an account in your name to receive help.
  • Income limits vary by state but typically allow a single person earning up to $1,500 to $2,500 per month to receive information, depending on where you live.
  • Most programs open in fall and close when funding runs out, often by mid-winter, so explore early matters more than explore late.
  • You will need proof of income, your utility bill, proof of residency, and a Social Security number or tax ID for each household member.
  • If your landlord pays utilities as part of rent, contact your state program directly to ask whether you can still receive help.

Income limits and household size thresholds

Each state sets its own income limit based on the federal poverty line. Most states allow households at 130% to 200% of the federal poverty level, which means a single person earning roughly $1,500 to $2,500 per month, or a family of four earning $3,000 to $5,000 per month. These numbers change each year when the federal poverty line updates, usually in January.

Your state's program website lists the exact limit for your household size. If you are unsure whether you fall within the range, call the program directly — they can tell you in minutes whether your income qualifies. Some states have separate programs for elderly or disabled households with higher income limits, so ask about those if you do not meet the main program threshold.

Income includes wages, Social Security, unemployment, child support, and most other regular money coming in. It does not usually include one-time payments like tax refunds or insurance settlements. If your income fluctuates, most programs use an average over the past 30 days or your most recent tax return, whichever is easier to document.

How to find your state's energy information program

Call 211 and tell them you need energy information. They will give you the phone number and website for your state's program. You can also search "[your state name] LIHEAP" or "[your state name] energy information" online, which usually leads to the state agency that runs the program.

Some states run the program through the state energy office, others through the Department of Social Services, and some contract it out to community action agencies in each county. The 211 referral is fastest because they know which local office serves your address. If you call the state office directly, they will transfer you to your county or region.

Many programs have a single process period that opens in fall and closes when money runs out. A few states accept applications year-round but prioritize winter months. Check whether your state's program is currently open before you gather documents — if it is closed, the office can tell you when it reopens.

Documents you need to gather before you explore

Have these items ready when you call or visit:

  • Your utility bill or a recent statement showing your account number and the company name
  • Proof of income for the past 30 days (pay stubs, Social Security statement, unemployment letter, or last year's tax return)
  • Proof you live at the address on the utility bill (lease, mail from a government agency, or a recent utility bill)
  • Social Security number or tax ID for each person in your household
  • Identification for the person explore (driver's license, passport, or state ID)

If you do not have all of these, ask the program what you can substitute. Many programs accept a letter from your landlord confirming your residency if you do not have official mail. Some accept a utility bill as both proof of residency and proof of the account you need help with.

If your utility account is in your landlord's name because they pay the bill as part of rent, tell the program this when you call. Some states have a separate process for tenants in this situation, while others cannot help. It is worth asking directly rather than assuming you do not may have access to.

What the program pays and how long it takes

Most programs pay one lump sum per year, usually between $300 and $1,000, depending on your state, income, and household size. A few states pay multiple times per year or offer a higher benefit for households with elderly or disabled members. The money goes to your utility company as a credit on your account, reducing what you owe.

The program does not pay your entire bill — it covers a portion of your heating or cooling costs. If you owe back bills, some programs prioritize paying arrears before current charges, while others pay current bills first. Ask the program how they handle past-due amounts when you explore.

Processing usually takes two to four weeks from the date you submit your process. Some programs are faster during the first few weeks of their process period and slower as they approach their funding limit. If you are behind on your bill and facing a shutoff notice, tell the program this when you explore — many can expedite your case or contact the utility company on your behalf to request a brief hold.

What happens if you are behind on your utility bill

If your utility company has threatened shutoff or has already shut off your service, contact them first and ask whether they have a hardship program or payment plan. Many utilities offer extended payment plans for low-income households, sometimes at no interest. This can buy you time while you wait for energy information to process.

When you explore for energy information, mention the shutoff threat or notice. Some programs can contact the utility company directly and ask them to hold off while the process is being reviewed. A few states have emergency information funds separate from the main energy program that can pay for an when ready reconnection.

If your service has been shut off, you will need to pay a reconnection fee to the utility company before they restore power. Energy information does not usually cover reconnection fees, but some community action agencies have emergency funds that do. Ask the energy information program whether they know of a local fund that can help with this.

Renters whose landlord pays utilities

If your lease includes utilities and your landlord pays the bill directly, you cannot use the standard energy information program because the account is not in your name. However, some states have a separate program for tenants in this situation, or they allow the landlord to explore on behalf of the household.

Call your state's energy information program and explain that utilities are included in your rent. Ask whether there is an alternative program for tenants, or whether your landlord can explore. If the program says no, ask whether they can refer you to another agency that might help — some community action agencies run separate programs for renters in this situation.

If neither the energy program nor a local alternative can help, ask your landlord whether they would be willing to explore for energy information themselves. Some landlords will do this if you explain the situation. The benefit would reduce their costs, which might indirectly help you by keeping your rent stable.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I get energy information if I am behind on my rent?

Yes. Energy information and rental information are separate programs with separate income checks. Being behind on rent does not disqualify you from energy help. explore to both if you need both — they do not affect each other.

What if I share an apartment with roommates?

If the utility bill is in your name only, you can explore as a single-person household. If the bill is in a roommate's name, you cannot use it. If you all share one bill and one lease, ask the program whether you can explore as a multi-person household — some programs allow this, others do not.

Do I have to reapply every year?

Most programs require a new process each year, usually when they reopen in fall. A few states allow you to recertify by phone or mail if your income and household size have not changed. Check your state's rules or ask when you receive your benefit.

What if my income is just above the limit?

Call the program and ask. Some states have a slightly higher limit for households with elderly or disabled members, or for households with high heating costs. It is worth confirming before you assume you do not may have access to.

Can energy information help with water or sewer bills?

Most programs cover only electric, gas, and heating oil. A few states include water or sewer as part of their program. Ask your state program directly — if they do not cover it, they may know of a separate water information program in your area.