Plain-English overview
The Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program, or LIHEAP, provides federal funding to states, territories, and tribes that operate local energy-assistance programs. Applications are processed locally, and the type and amount of help varies.
General eligibility considerations
These are common factors, not a personal eligibility decision:
- Local programs generally consider income, household size, energy burden, and residence.
- Priority or crisis procedures may apply to households facing disconnection, unsafe temperatures, or fuel emergencies.
- Rules can differ between state and tribal programs.
Documents that may be requested
Requirements depend on the responsible agency. Common preparation items include:
- Current heating or electric bill
- Shutoff or disconnection notice when requesting crisis help
- Identification and address verification
- Income or benefit records for household members
- Landlord statement or lease when utilities are included or billed indirectly
How to get started
- Find the LIHEAP office assigned to your county, state, territory, or tribe.
- Ask whether applications are open and whether crisis appointments use a separate process.
- Submit the complete application and requested bills or notices.
- Confirm whether payment is made to the utility, fuel vendor, or household.
- Continue communicating with the utility while the application is pending.
State and local variation
Program seasons, benefit levels, fuel types, crisis definitions, and application channels vary by grantee.
Limitations and cautions
Applying does not automatically stop disconnection. Ask the utility and LIHEAP office what protections, if any, apply while a case is pending.
Official starting resource
Continue with the responsible agency for current rules, applications, deadlines, and contact information.
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