How to Apply for LIHEAP Energy Assistance

LIHEAP (the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program) helps pay your heating and cooling bills. To apply, contact your state's LIHEAP office during the application period it sets. You'll need to prove your income and show that you pay heating or cooling bills.

Who LIHEAP is for

LIHEAP helps households with low income pay heating and cooling costs. It can also help if you're in an energy crisis, such as facing a shut-off notice or living without heat in cold weather.

Each state sets its own income limit. Federal law lets states serve households up to the greater of 150% of the poverty guidelines or 60% of the state median income. This means your state's limit may be different from neighboring states.

You may qualify automatically if you already receive SNAP (the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program), SSI (Supplemental Security Income), or TANF (Temporary Assistance for Needy Families) in many states. Check with your state program to confirm.

Keep in mind that funding is limited each year. Application periods vary by state—some open in fall for winter heating help, others in spring for summer cooling help. It helps to apply as soon as your state's application period opens.

How much help you might get

LIHEAP assistance varies by state based on your income, household size, heating and cooling costs, and available funding. Your state's LIHEAP office can tell you the typical assistance amount and your state's specific income limit.

How to apply

Step 1: Find your state LIHEAP office

LIHEAP is run by each state, not the federal government. Search online for "[your state] LIHEAP" or "[your state] energy assistance" to find the right office. You can also contact your local community action agency, which often runs the LIHEAP program locally. Use our LIHEAP directory to find your state office.

Step 2: Learn your state's requirements

Contact your state LIHEAP office to find out:

• When the application period opens and closes
• Your state's exact income limit
• What documents you need to bring or send
• Whether you can apply online, by mail, or in person
• If you qualify automatically because you get SNAP, SSI, or TANF

Step 3: Gather your documents

You'll typically need to prove your income and show that you pay heating or cooling bills. Common documents include:

• Recent pay stubs or tax returns
• Proof of benefits (if you get SNAP, SSI, TANF, or unemployment)
• Utility bills showing your name and address
• A lease or mortgage statement (to prove you live there)
• Proof of citizenship or legal residency

Your state may ask for different documents. Ask your LIHEAP office what they specifically need.

Step 4: Apply

Submit your application by the deadline your state sets. You can usually apply online, by mail, or in person. Include all required documents with your application. Applying is free. Only your state's LIHEAP office decides whether you qualify.

Step 5: Follow up

Keep a copy of everything you send. Ask your LIHEAP office how long decisions take and how you'll be notified. If you're approved, ask how and when the assistance will be paid to you or your utility company.

If you're in an energy crisis

If you have a shut-off notice or another urgent energy problem, tell your LIHEAP office when you apply. Many states have crisis programs that prioritize emergency situations.

If you're denied

Ask your state LIHEAP office why you were denied and whether you can appeal. Some people become eligible later in the year if circumstances change.

Common mistakes to avoid

Don't miss your state's application deadline. Mark it on your calendar and apply as soon as the period opens, since funding runs out quickly. Make sure you submit all the documents your state asks for—incomplete applications can cause delays or denials. Don't throw away documentation after you apply; keep copies of everything you send in case the office asks questions later. If you get SNAP, SSI, or TANF, mention it when you apply, since you may qualify automatically without needing to provide additional income proof.

Related help

If you think you may qualify for other benefits, use our benefits screener to see what programs you might be eligible for. If you have questions about SNAP, SSI, or TANF, visit our pages for those programs at our programs directory.

Summary

Contact your state's LIHEAP office during its application period to apply for help with heating and cooling bills. Bring proof of income and your utility bills. Apply early, since funding is limited and deadlines vary by state.