If you or a loved one are struggling to pay energy bills, Benefits.gov can direct you to federal and state energy assistance programs and the next steps to power your home through this difficult time.
The Low Income Housing Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP), funded by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, assists families with energy costs and provides federally funded assistance in managing costs associated with home energy bills, energy crises, and weatherization and energy-related minor home repairs. In this article, you will learn about eligibility requirements, the application process for receiving assistance, and what other energy assistance programs may be available to you and your family.
LIHEAP has a rolling application period and is open until funds are exhausted. For more information on your state’s LIHEAP program, check the contact list here.
Who is eligible for LIHEAP?
LIHEAP is managed at a local level, where your state, territory, or tribe provides the program. To be eligible for the program, you must:
- Need help paying your home energy costs.
- Your annual household income (before taxes) must also be below the maximum income level for your state and household size, which you can determine by checking your state’s Poverty Guidelines.
You may also automatically qualify if you or a family member participates in certain other benefit programs, such as the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), Supplemental Security Income (SSI), Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) or certain needs-tested Veterans benefits.
Curious about your eligibility? Use the eligibility checker on Benefits.gov to determine your eligibility for LIHEAP. To learn more about other assistance you may be eligible for, use the Benefit Finder on Benefits.gov.
How can I apply for LIHEAP?
For questions about eligibility and the application process, contact your State or Tribal LIHEAP office. If you need help finding your local LIHEAP office, call the National Energy Assistance Referral (NEAR) toll-free at 1-866-674-6327 or TTY 1-866-367-6228 for an energy assistance referral. NEAR is a free service that provides information on where to apply for the Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program.
What other benefits could help with energy assistance?
The U.S. Department of Energy’s Weatherization Assistance Program (WAP) reduces energy costs for low-income households by increasing the energy efficiency of their homes while ensuring their health and safety. Through weatherization improvements and upgrades, these households save an average of $283 or more every year, according to a national evaluation of the program.
Visit the Weatherization Assistance page on Benefits.gov to learn more about eligibility criteria. Use the Department of Energy’s How to Apply for Weatherization Assistance page to find information on the application process.
Browse the Housing and Public Utilities category to find energy assistance resources such as housing loans, financial assistance, and more.
How can I find other assistance programs?
If you need to find energy assistance – Benefits.gov is here to help. Compare your eligibility for over 1,000 government benefits using the Benefit Finder, an online questionnaire, to discover assistance programs you and your family may be eligible for and learn how to apply.
