Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP)

What is Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) ?


The Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) helps families meet their household energy needs. LIHEAP helps low-income families pay their heating bills in the form of a cash grant. This cash grant is a one-time payment and is sent directly to the utility company/fuel provider for crediting your bill. It is a grant and does not need to be repaid. These grant incomes range from $500 to $1,500 depending on household size and fuel type.

LIHWAP helps eligible households pay sewer bills and water to restore or maintain access to wastewater and drinking water services. It aims to restore service in the federal fiscal year 2022 (October 1, 2021 to September 30, 2022) and pay water and wastewater services dues. This program is administered by the Department of Housing and Community Development (DHCD) in the Commonwealth. Local service delivery is provided by 20 Local Administrative Agencies (LAAs).

The Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program is a federal program, area blocks and states apply for grants and allocate available funds to approved households using locally specified formulas.

Objectives of Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program


LIHEAP provides assistance to eligible households (low-income earners) with the goal of meeting their immediate household cooling or heating needs. Commonly referred to as fuel assistance, LIHEAP provides assistance paying a portion of winter heating bills.

What Services Are Available Under LIHEAP ?


LIHEAP is funded by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Children's and Families Administration, Office of Community Services. There are several parts of the program that help accomplish this goal, such as :
  • Energy budget consulting.
  • Instruction on the proper use and maintenance of established weatherization measures and education on basic energy efficiency practices.
  • Home Energy Assistance Program (HEAP) provides one-time financial assistance to an eligible family which helps in balancing the utility bill of the family.
  • The Energy Crisis Intervention Program (ECIP) provides support to low-income families who are in crisis. (An example of this would be a 24-48 hour disconnect notice to a family)
  • LIHEAP Weatherization provides free energy efficiency upgrades to households (low income earners) to reduce their monthly utility bills.

Eligibility of Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP)


The Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program will serve those income-eligible customers who are billed directly for their services and families whose service is in arrears or has been terminated for non-payment.

Eligibility is based on age 18 or older, size of household and gross annual income of each household member. Household income cannot exceed 60% of the estimated state median income. Renters and homeowners whose heat costs are included in the rent can apply to the agency in their area.

The eligibility for LIHEAP is determined based on income, household size, and other factors. Here’s a breakdown of the key requirements for 2025:

1. Income Guidelines:
To qualify for LIHEAP, your household income typically must be at or below 150% of the federal poverty level (FPL), though this can vary depending on your state or region. Each state sets its own income limits, which can change annually. For example, the income limit for a household of four in 2025 could be around $43,920 annually (150% of the 2025 FPL for a family of four). However, check with your state or local program, as some states offer different thresholds.

2. Household Size:
Eligibility is also dependent on the number of people in your household. Larger households may have higher income limits, and some states provide different allowances based on the size of the household or other factors like medical expenses, disability, or child care costs.

3. Residency:
You must be a U.S. citizen or a legal resident, and you must reside in the state where you are applying for assistance. Eligibility is also based on the type of residence (e.g., homeowners, renters) and whether or not your energy bill is included in your rent.

4. Energy Costs:
Your household must demonstrate that it requires assistance to pay for energy costs, including heating and cooling bills, and may also qualify for help with water and other utility services in some areas.

Eligible Activities and Funding Requirements


LIHEAP provides support for the cost of the primary heat source through a fixed benefit amount, which includes (but is not limited to) the following sources:
  • Propane
  • Oil
  • Electricity
  • Natural gas
  • Coal
  • Kerosene
  • Wood
Waivers are granted automatically if eligible :
  • Electric bills (Investor owned electric utilities)
  • Gas bills (Investor-owned gas utilities)
  • Telephone bills
Payment for fuel delivery or actual use is made directly to the heating vendor (for primary energy needs) from 1 November to 30 April.

LIHEAP Income Linits​ 2025


​Eligibility for services may vary depending on other factors and sources of income. Please contact your local energy agency to determine your eligibility under the program.

Household Size

Income Limit (per year)

1

$22,590

2

$30,660

3

$38,730

4

$46,800

5

$54,870

6

$62,940

7

$71,010

8

$79,080

9

$87,150

10

$95,220

How to Apply For Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) ?


Application for the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program is free. Free assistance is available for completing applications under this program, so beware of scams by people who charge "application fees". If you need help completing an application under this program, contact your local service provider for free assistance.
One application serves as the application for both the LIHWAP and LIHEAP programs. Families can Apply for Energy Assistance Online or through appointment. First time applicants must apply in person to the fuel assistance agency in their area and families must apply each year. Families can apply under the program from November 1 to April 30 of the year. Families who have been denied assistance can appeal through the local fuel assistance agency. Applications are taken by 20 Local Administrative Agencies (LAAs).

Applying for LIHEAP can be a straightforward process, but it varies by state. Here’s step by step guide to apply for assistance:

1. Find Your State LIHEAP Office:
The first step in applying for LIHEAP is to contact your local or state LIHEAP office. Since the program is administered by individual states, application processes and eligibility criteria can vary. You can find contact information for your local office through the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services website or by searching for your state’s LIHEAP program.

2. Gather Required Documents:
When applying for LIHEAP, you’ll need to provide documentation to prove your eligibility. This may include:
  • Proof of income for all household members (e.g., pay stubs, tax returns)
  • Recent utility bills (electricity, gas, oil, etc.)
  • Proof of identity (e.g., Social Security card, driver’s license)
  • Proof of U.S. citizenship or legal residency
  • Proof of household size and residence

3. Complete the Application:
You can typically apply online, by mail, or in person, depending on the state. Many states have online portals where you can submit your application and supporting documents. You’ll need to fill out an application form that includes personal and financial information.

4. Submit Your Application:
Once your application is complete, submit it to your local LIHEAP office. After submission, the office will review your information and determine your eligibility. If approved, you’ll receive a notification about the amount of assistance you’ll receive and how it will be applied to your energy bills.

5. Wait for Approval:
The processing time for LIHEAP applications can vary, but you should hear back within a few weeks. If you’re facing a crisis situation (e.g., shut-off notice), many states offer expedited processing to provide quicker assistance.

Vendor Notification and Billing


Each vendor will be required to complete a vendor information sheet and sign a vendor agreement, both of which will be returned to the LAA for payment to their customers. Customer information will be uploaded regularly to a vendor-specific online portal when a direct-billed water or wastewater service customer is determined to be LIHWAP eligible. The seller will be informed about the initial upload. Then the seller has to enter whether the account is active or not. After the seller has entered the data, the LAA will send the payment to the seller within 30 days.

Benefits of LIHEAP


LIHEAP offers a range of benefits that can significantly ease the financial burden of energy bills, particularly during extreme weather seasons.

1. Bill Payment Assistance:
LIHEAP provides direct assistance to help pay your energy bills. This can be a one-time payment or periodic payments throughout the year, depending on your specific needs and the state program’s guidelines.

2. Energy Crisis Assistance:
If you are facing an emergency—such as a shut-off notice or a sudden loss of heat or cooling—LIHEAP can provide crisis assistance. This can include payments to prevent utility disconnections or to restore services that have been cut off.

3. Weatherization Services:
In addition to bill payment, some states offer weatherization assistance to make homes more energy-efficient. This includes services like insulation, weather-stripping, and repairs to reduce heating and cooling costs in the future.

4. Cooling Assistance:
For households in areas with extreme heat, LIHEAP may offer assistance for cooling costs, such as air conditioning or cooling unit repairs. This benefit is especially helpful during the summer months when high temperatures can be dangerous for vulnerable individuals like the elderly or those with health issues.

LIHEAP Contact


  • Energy Assistance Program Phone Number (toll-free) : 1-866-674-6327
  • E-mail : energy@ncat.org
You can contact the LIHEAP office in your state.