The Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program — universally known as LIHEAP — is a federal program administered by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) that helps low-income households pay for home heating and cooling costs, energy crisis assistance, and in some cases weatherization to improve energy efficiency. In fiscal year 2025, LIHEAP served approximately 6.5 million households, providing an average benefit of $500 to $800 per household — though benefit amounts vary significantly by state, household type, and fuel costs.
Energy costs represent one of the most significant financial burdens on low-income American households. According to the U.S. Energy Information Administration’s 2025 Residential Energy Consumption Survey, the lowest-income households spend approximately 8.6 percent of their income on energy — more than triple the 2.3 percent burden for higher-income households. LIHEAP is designed to help close this energy affordability gap, yet millions of eligible households do not receive benefits because they are unaware of the program.
Disclaimer: LIHEAP is administered by states, tribes, and territories, which have significant flexibility in program design. Benefit amounts, eligibility criteria, covered fuel types, and application processes vary by location. Contact your state LIHEAP office or call the National Energy Assistance Referral (NEAR) hotline at 1-866-674-6327 for local program information.
LIHEAP 2026: Who Is Eligible
Federal Income Guidelines
LIHEAP eligibility is based on household income relative to the Federal Poverty Level or the State Median Income — whichever produces a higher threshold. Federal law allows states to serve households with income up to 150 percent of the Federal Poverty Level or up to 60 percent of the State Median Income.
| Household Size | 150% FPL (Federal Minimum Threshold) | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 1 person | ~$23,475/year ($1,956/month) | States may use SMI instead if higher |
| 2 people | ~$31,725/year ($2,644/month) | 60% of State Median Income often higher |
| 3 people | ~$39,975/year ($3,331/month) | Check your state for actual threshold |
| 4 people | ~$48,225/year ($4,019/month) | Prioritized households may differ |
| Each additional person | +~$8,250/year |
Priority Populations
Federal law requires that LIHEAP give priority to households with the highest home energy costs relative to income and to households with at least one member who is under age 6, age 60 or older, or disabled. In many states, these priority populations receive larger benefit amounts and may have access to expedited assistance. When LIHEAP funds are limited (common late in the heating season), priority populations are served first.
What LIHEAP Covers
Heating Assistance
LIHEAP’s primary benefit is heating assistance — help with heating bills during winter months. The program covers all primary heating fuel types: natural gas, electricity, heating oil, propane, kerosene, wood, and other alternative fuels. Benefits may be paid directly to the energy provider or as a credit on your utility account, depending on state procedures.
Cooling Assistance
Many states use LIHEAP funds to provide summer cooling assistance — help with air conditioning costs during hot months. Cooling assistance may include help with electric bills, provision of air conditioning units or fans for eligible households without cooling, or utility reconnection assistance. Not all states provide cooling assistance — availability depends on state climate, funding levels, and program design.
Crisis Assistance
Most states operate a LIHEAP crisis component that provides emergency assistance to households facing immediate energy crises: utility disconnection (when you have received a shutoff notice), lack of heating fuel with an empty or nearly empty tank, or equipment failure affecting home heating. Crisis assistance is typically processed quickly — often within 18 to 48 hours — given the urgent nature of energy emergencies. Crisis funds are separate from regular LIHEAP heating benefits and may be available even if you have already received your regular seasonal benefit.
Weatherization Assistance
Some states use a portion of LIHEAP funds for weatherization services — physical improvements to the home that reduce energy consumption, such as insulation, caulking, weather-stripping, and furnace repair or replacement. This component is closely related to the separate Weatherization Assistance Program (WAP) administered by the Department of Energy, and many states coordinate these two programs for eligible households.
How to Apply for LIHEAP
LIHEAP applications are not handled by the federal government — they are processed by state and local agencies. Application procedures and timing vary by state: some states open applications at the start of the heating season (typically October or November) on a first-come, first-served basis; some use waiting lists; and most states offer crisis assistance year-round when emergency conditions exist.
To find your state’s LIHEAP program and application portal, visit acf.hhs.gov/ocs/low-income-home-energy-assistance-program-liheap or call the National Energy Assistance Referral hotline at 1-866-674-6327 Monday through Friday, 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. Mountain Time. Many states also allow online applications through the state agency website.
Additional Energy Assistance Resources
LIHEAP is not the only source of energy assistance available to low-income households. Additional resources include: utility company low-income discount programs and payment assistance plans (required in many states); the Lifeline program (FCC) for telephone and broadband discount for low-income households; the Weatherization Assistance Program (DOE) for free home energy efficiency improvements; state-funded emergency utility assistance programs; and nonprofit community assistance organizations.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much money does LIHEAP provide?
Benefit amounts vary significantly by state, fuel type, household size, and income level. Average LIHEAP heating benefits nationally range from $300 to $800, but individual benefits can range from $100 to over $1,000 depending on state funding levels and household energy cost burden. Crisis assistance amounts are often set at the amount needed to prevent disconnection or restore service, which varies widely.
Does receiving LIHEAP affect other benefits?
LIHEAP benefits are excluded from income calculations for SNAP, SSI, Medicaid, and most other federal benefit programs. Receiving LIHEAP does not reduce your SNAP allotment, SSI payment, or Medicaid eligibility. Check specific program rules for any state benefits you receive.
Can renters apply for LIHEAP?
Yes. Both homeowners and renters are eligible for LIHEAP. Renters who pay utilities directly are straightforwardly eligible. Renters whose utilities are included in rent may also be eligible in many states. Check your state program rules for renters whose utility costs are bundled with rent.
What if my utility has already been disconnected?
Contact your state LIHEAP crisis component immediately. Most states provide emergency assistance for utility reconnection in addition to preventing disconnection. You may need to contact the utility company and your LIHEAP office simultaneously, as reconnection requires payment to the utility and many LIHEAP programs coordinate directly with utilities.
Sources
- HHS Office of Community Services — acf.hhs.gov/ocs — LIHEAP program information and state contacts. Available at: https://www.acf.hhs.gov/ocs/low-income-home-energy-assistance-program-liheap
- National Energy Assistance Referral — 1-866-674-6327 — LIHEAP application assistance hotline. Available at: https://www.acf.hhs.gov/ocs/programs/liheap/contact
- U.S. Energy Information Administration — eia.gov — Residential Energy Consumption Survey 2025. Available at: https://www.eia.gov/consumption/residential/
- National Fuel Funds Network — nffn.org — Energy assistance directory and advocacy. Available at: https://www.nffn.org/
