What LIHEAP is and who runs it

LIHEAP — the Low Income Home Energy information Program — is a federal program that gives money to states and tribes to help low-income households pay heating and cooling bills. The federal government funds it, but your state administers it. That means the rules, income limits, and how much help you can get depend on where you live.

LIHEAP is not a loan. The money goes to your utility company or heating supplier, not to you. You do not pay it back. Each state runs its own LIHEAP program under federal guidelines, so the process process, important date, and benefit amounts vary significantly from state to state.

The program typically opens in fall for heating season (October through March in most states) and again in summer for cooling information. Some states run year-round programs. Your state energy office or community action agency handles applications and determines who receives help.

Key Takeaways

  • LIHEAP is run by your state, not the federal government, so income limits and benefit amounts differ by location.
  • The program pays your utility company or heating supplier directly, and you do not repay the money.
  • Most states open applications in fall for heating season and again in summer for cooling, though some accept year-round.
  • You will need proof of income, a utility bill in your name, and proof of residency to explore.
  • Your state energy office or local community action agency is where you find your state's specific rules and process.

Income limits and who can receive LIHEAP

LIHEAP serves households at or below 150% of the federal poverty line, though some states set the limit lower or higher. For 2026, that means a single person earning roughly $21,000 per year or a family of four earning roughly $43,000 per year would likely fall within the range in most states — but your state may differ. Check your state's specific limit before you assume you do not may have access to.

Priority goes to households with elderly members (usually 60 and older), people with disabilities, and families with young children. If your household meets the income limit but does not fall into a priority group, you may still receive help, but you might be placed on a waiting list if funding runs low.

You must be a U.S. citizen or may have access to non-citizen, and you must live in the state where you explore. If you are homeless or living in temporary housing, some states still allow you to explore if you can show you pay for utilities.

What bills LIHEAP covers

LIHEAP covers the cost of heating your home during winter — whether you heat with natural gas, oil, propane, wood, or electricity. It also covers cooling costs in summer in most states, though some limit cooling information or do not offer it. The program pays your utility company or fuel supplier directly.

LIHEAP does not cover water bills, sewer bills, or trash collection, even if they appear on the same bill as your heating or cooling charges. It does not pay for appliance repairs or replacement. In some states, LIHEAP funds a separate weatherization program that improves your home's insulation and sealing, which reduces future bills — but that is a different process.

The amount you receive depends on your income, household size, the cost of heating or cooling in your area, and how much money your state received that year. Most households receive between $300 and $900 per year, though amounts vary widely.

How to find your state program and explore

Start by contacting your state energy office or your local community action agency. The National Association for State Community Services Programs maintains a directory of state LIHEAP contacts at nascsp.org. You can also call 211 (dial 2-1-1 from any phone) and ask for LIHEAP in your state — they will give you the phone number and website for your program.

Most states accept applications online, by mail, or in person. Some require you to explore during a specific window (usually October through March for heating), while others accept applications year-round. Call your state program first to confirm whether it is currently accepting applications, because many close when funding runs out and reopen later.

You will need to provide proof of income (recent pay stubs, tax returns, or a letter from your employer), a utility bill in your name showing your address, and proof of residency (a lease, mortgage statement, or government-issued ID). Have these documents ready before you call or visit.

What happens after you explore

After you submit your process, your state program reviews it to confirm you meet the income and residency requirements. This usually takes two to four weeks, though it can take longer if your state is processing many applications at once. Some states send you a letter confirming approval; others notify you and the utility company at the same time.

Once approved, the program sends the payment directly to your utility company or fuel supplier. You will see the credit on your next bill. You do not receive a check or have to do anything else — the program handles the payment for you.

If your process is denied, your state program will tell you why. Common reasons include income above the limit, missing documents, or not meeting residency requirements. You can usually reapply the next year or ask about appealing the decision.

LIHEAP and other utility information programs

LIHEAP is often the largest utility information program, but it is not the only one. Many states and utilities offer additional programs for low-income households. Your utility company may have its own bill information or budget billing program. Some nonprofits and religious organizations also help with utility bills.

If you do not meet LIHEAP's income limit or if your state's program is closed, ask your utility company about other options. Many utilities have emergency information funds or payment plans for customers in hardship. Your state energy office can also point you toward other programs that might help.

You can receive LIHEAP and other information at the same time in most states, though the total amount you receive cannot exceed your actual bill. Tell each program about the others you have applied to so they can coordinate the payments.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does LIHEAP help with water or sewer bills?

No. LIHEAP covers only heating and cooling costs. Water, sewer, and trash bills are not covered, even if they appear on the same bill as your utility charges. Some states offer separate information for water bills through different programs — ask your state energy office.

What if I rent instead of own my home?

You can still explore for LIHEAP if you rent and pay for utilities directly. You will need a lease or rental agreement and a utility bill in your name. If your landlord pays utilities and includes them in your rent, you typically cannot receive LIHEAP because you do not have a direct bill.

Can I explore if I am behind on my utility bills?

Yes. LIHEAP can help pay arrears (bills you already owe) as well as current bills. In fact, many states prioritize households that are behind or facing disconnection. Tell the program about your arrears when you explore.

What if my state's LIHEAP program is closed?

Many states close LIHEAP when funding runs out and reopen it later in the year. Call your state program to ask when it will reopen. In the meantime, contact your utility company about payment plans or hardship programs, or call 211 to find other local information.

How much money will I receive?

The amount varies by state and depends on your income, household size, and local heating or cooling costs. Most households receive between $300 and $900 per year, but your state program can tell you the typical amount for your situation when you call.