During the winter months, keeping your home warm and your family comfortable can be a costly challenge. In this article, we will explore what the Low-Income Housing Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP), and other benefits, can do for you when energy costs are difficult to manage.
Low-Income Housing Energy Assistance Program
The Low-Income Housing Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) is funded by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. LIHEAP helps families manage the costs of home energy bills and energy emergencies, as well as home repairs related to weatherization and energy. LIHEAP is managed by your state, and applications remain open until funding runs out.
Who is Eligible for LIHEAP?
Eligible recipients must meet specific income requirements and have difficulty paying home energy costs. You can check if you meet the income requirements by reviewing your state poverty guidelines.
You might also be automatically eligible if you receive other government benefits, such as the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF), or Supplemental Security Income (SSI). If you have questions about applying for LIHEAP or need assistance, contact your local or state LIHEAP office.
To find the nearest office, visit the LIHEAP Clearinghouse site to search by state, tribe, or territory.
Weatherization Assistance Program
The Weatherization Assistance Program (WAP) is another program that can help reduce home energy costs by helping homeowners improve their energy efficiency. WAP is available in every state and is managed by the U.S. Department of Energy. States give priority to:
- People over 60 years of age
- Families with one or more members with a disability
- Families with children
If you receive Supplemental Security Income (SSI), you are automatically qualified for WAP. To learn more about how to apply in your state, visit the Department of Energy’s How to Apply website.
Find More Benefits
To find more benefits you may be eligible for, try our Benefit Finder and compare your eligibility for over 1,100 benefit programs. Once you receive your results from the Benefit Finder, you will be directed to next steps to apply for benefits on the agency website. You can also browse by agency, category, or state.
For more winter season tips and tricks, check out our article “Stay Warm and Prepared during the Winter Season”.
