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Glossary

LIHEAP crisis assistance

Help from LIHEAP to prevent or fix an energy emergency, like a utility shut-off notice.

LIHEAP (the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program) usually helps pay heating and cooling bills. But LIHEAP also offers crisis assistance when you face an energy emergency.

Crisis assistance might help if:

  • You got a shut-off notice from your utility company
  • Your heating or cooling system broke down
  • You're in immediate danger from extreme temperatures

Each state runs its own LIHEAP program and decides how much crisis help it offers. Income limits, deadlines and application processes vary by state.

Applying is free. Your state's LIHEAP agency decides if you qualify based on income, household size and the nature of your emergency.

Programs where this matters

LIHEAPHHS Administration for Children and FamiliesLIHEAP helps households with low income pay heating and cooling bills, and may help in an energy crisis such as a shut-off notice.SNAPUSDA Food and Nutrition ServiceSNAP gives monthly benefits on an EBT card to help households with low income buy food.TANFHHS Administration for Children and FamiliesTANF gives cash help and support services to families with children who have low income. Each state runs its own program.WeatherizationUS Department of EnergyThe Weatherization Assistance Program makes free energy-saving home improvements, like insulation and heating repairs, for households with low income.