Key Takeaways

• LIHEAP (Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program) helps 6.7 million households per year pay heating and cooling bills
• Income limit: Most states set the limit at 60% of State Median Income — you may earn more than you think and still qualify
• Benefits are paid directly to your utility company — you receive a credit on your bill, not cash
• Apply early — funding is limited and distributed first-come, first-served in most states
• If you have a shutoff notice or are already disconnected, apply for crisis assistance immediately — it’s processed faster
• Electricity prices rose 5.7% in 2025 — nearly twice the rate of overall inflation — making LIHEAP more important than ever

Table of Contents

1. What Is LIHEAP?
2. What LIHEAP Covers
3. Income Limits: Who Qualifies
4. How Much Can You Receive?
5. How to Apply for LIHEAP
6. Application Periods by State
7. Crisis Assistance: If You’re About to Lose Heat or Power
8. LIHEAP and Other Benefits: What Works Together
9. State-by-State Program Overview
10. FAQ

What Is LIHEAP?

The Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) is a federally funded program administered by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) through its Office of Community Services. Congress appropriates funds annually; in recent years, LIHEAP has received between $4.5 and $9 billion per year depending on Congressional action.

LIHEAP was established in 1981 in direct response to the energy price spikes that were placing severe financial strain on low-income families. Its purpose is simple: ensure that low-income households don’t have to choose between paying their energy bill and paying for food, rent, or medication.

The program is federally funded but state-administered. Each state, territory, and tribal nation manages its own LIHEAP program, sets specific income limits within federal guidelines, determines benefit amounts, and runs its own application process. This is why eligibility, application deadlines, and benefit amounts vary significantly by state.

Related: Many LIHEAP recipients also qualify for SNAP food benefits and Medicaid. If you qualify for one, check your eligibility for the others.

What LIHEAP Covers

LIHEAP assistance can be used for four main purposes:

1. Heating Assistance (Primary Component)

The most common use — helps pay heating bills during winter months. Covers:

• Natural gas bills
• Electric bills (for electric heat)
• Propane and fuel oil
• Wood pellets and cord wood
• Other primary heating fuels

2. Cooling Assistance

In states with extreme summer heat, LIHEAP provides cooling assistance to cover electricity costs for air conditioning. Most common in southern states and states with very hot summers. Not all states offer cooling assistance — check your state’s program.

3. Crisis Assistance

Emergency funds for households facing immediate shutoff or already disconnected. Crisis grants are processed much faster than standard applications because of the urgent nature. If you have received a disconnect notice, apply for crisis assistance immediately rather than standard LIHEAP.

4. Energy-Related Home Repairs (Some States)

Some states use a portion of LIHEAP funds for minor energy-related repairs — fixing or replacing a broken furnace, sealing drafts, or improving insulation. More comprehensive weatherization is handled through the separate Weatherization Assistance Program (WAP), but some LIHEAP funds contribute to minor repairs.

Income Limits: Who Qualifies

LIHEAP income limits are set by each state within federal guidelines. The federal rules allow states to set limits at the greater of: 150% of the Federal Poverty Level OR 60% of the State Median Income.

In practice, most states use 60% of State Median Income, which is typically higher than 150% FPL — meaning more households qualify.

Federal Minimum Limits (150% FPL) — 2026

Most states set limits higher than this — up to 60% of State Median Income, which varies by state.

Example: Illinois LIHEAP Income Limits (2026 Program Year)

Illinois uses 60% of State Median Income. The 2026 program year guidelines (October 1, 2025 – September 30, 2026):

Source: Illinois DCEO LIHEAP Program, FY 2026 guidelines.

Pennsylvania LIHEAP 2025–2026

Pennsylvania’s LIHEAP application period runs December 3, 2025 to April 10, 2026. Income limits are based on 150% FPL. You can receive from $200 to $1,000 based on your household size, income, and fuel type.

Other Automatic Eligibility

In many states, you automatically qualify for LIHEAP if you are already receiving:

• SNAP (food stamps)
• SSI (Supplemental Security Income)
• TANF (Temporary Assistance for Needy Families)
• Certain veterans’ benefits

Ask your state LIHEAP office whether receipt of these programs triggers automatic eligibility.

How Much Can You Receive?

LIHEAP benefit amounts vary significantly by state and household circumstances. Key factors affecting your benefit amount:

• Household income — lower income typically means higher benefit
• Household size — larger households generally receive more
• Type of heating fuel — households using more expensive fuels (propane, fuel oil) may receive higher benefits
• Climate — states with more extreme winters (Alaska, North Dakota, Maine) typically have higher average benefits
• State funding level — states receiving more federal LIHEAP funding can offer higher benefits

Typical Benefit Ranges (FY 2026)

Pennsylvania example: From $200 to $1,000 based on household size, income, and fuel type — paid as a one-time cash grant to your utility or fuel provider.

New Jersey example: Benefit amount determined by income, household size, and fuel type; paid as a direct credit to your utility account.

How benefits are paid: In most cases, no — you won’t receive payment directly. LIHEAP almost always pays grants directly to the energy utility, which appears as a credit on your bill. For deliverable fuels like oil or propane, a voucher or direct vendor payment is issued. In some states, if heat is included in your rent, payment may go to your landlord or directly to you.

How to Apply for LIHEAP

Step 1: Find Your State or Local LIHEAP Office

LIHEAP is administered locally by state agencies, Community Action Agencies (CAAs), and other local organizations. To find your local office:

• Visit the LIHEAP Clearinghouse at liheapch.acf.hhs.gov
• Call 211 — the United Way’s helpline will connect you to local energy assistance resources
• Search ”[your state] LIHEAP apply” to find your state’s official program page

Step 2: Gather Your Documents

Most states require:

• Proof of identity for the applicant (driver’s license, state ID, passport)
• Social Security cards for all household members (or ITIN — residents without SSN can still apply in many states)
• Proof of income for all household members: pay stubs for the past 30 days, Social Security award letters, unemployment benefit letters, TANF letters, any other income documentation
• Most recent utility bill (natural gas, propane, or electric — whichever is your primary heating fuel)
• Proof of address (utility bill in your name, lease agreement, or recent mail)
• Rental agreement if heat is included in rent, showing the monthly rental amount and landlord contact information

Step 3: Submit Your Application

Application methods vary by state but typically include:

• Online portals: Many states now offer online applications. Illinois: dceo.illinois.gov. New Jersey: energyassistance.nj.gov. Pennsylvania: compass.state.pa.us.
• In person: Visit your local Community Action Agency or county assistance office. Walk-in and appointment-based options vary by location.
• By mail: Some states accept paper applications mailed to local offices.
• Home visits: For persons aged 60 or over, or who are disabled, many states allow applications to be received by mail or a home visit may be requested.

Step 4: Wait for Determination

After submitting, a caseworker reviews your application and confirms your eligibility. The state estimates that a response could range from days to weeks based on the date of submittal and availability of funds.

Keep paying your utility bills while your LIHEAP application is being reviewed. If you have overdue bills or are low on fuel, call your utility company right away. Let them know you’ve applied for heating assistance and ask about:

• Budget billing to spread costs
• Low-income discount programs
• Deferred payment arrangements

Application Periods by State (2025–2026 Season)

The LIHEAP program year runs from October 1 to September 30. Most states open heating assistance applications in October or November.

Critical: Because funding is limited and distributed first-come, first-served in many states, applying early is strongly recommended. Do not wait until you get a shutoff notice.

Crisis Assistance: If You’re About to Lose Heat or Power

If you have a disconnect notice with a disconnect date, or if you are already disconnected from your heat-related gas or electric service, contact your county agency directly rather than using the standard online application. Crisis assistance is processed much faster.

What to Do If You Receive a Shutoff Notice

1. Call your utility company immediately and tell them you are applying for LIHEAP crisis assistance. Most states require utilities to give a minimum notice period before disconnection — use that time.
2. Contact your local LIHEAP office directly by phone and explain it is an emergency. Ask specifically for crisis assistance funds.
3. Apply for LIHEAP immediately if you haven’t already. Even if you applied for standard LIHEAP earlier and are waiting, call and report your crisis situation.
4. Contact your state’s Public Utility Commission if the utility proceeds with shutoff during a crisis assistance application period — this may be against state regulations.

In many states, utility companies have moratorium policies that restrict disconnection during extreme weather or for households with elderly, disabled, or young children. Ask your utility provider about their disconnection policies.

LIHEAP and Other Benefits: What Works Together

LIHEAP works well alongside other assistance programs:

State-by-State Program Overview

FAQ

What if I rent and my heat is included in the rent?

You may still be eligible for a LIHEAP benefit. If your heat is included in the rent, some states will send payment directly to your landlord or to you. You’ll need a copy of your rental agreement showing that heating utilities are included and the monthly rental amount and landlord contact information.

Can I apply for LIHEAP if I have no income?

Yes. Having zero or very little income generally means you have a stronger claim for LIHEAP, not a weaker one. You may need to document your lack of income, but zero-income households are eligible.

How often can I receive LIHEAP?

You can apply once per heating season and once per cooling season (where available). The program year runs October 1 through September 30.

Does LIHEAP count as income for SNAP or Medicaid?

No. LIHEAP benefits are specifically excluded from income calculations for SNAP and Medicaid purposes. Receiving LIHEAP will not reduce your benefits from those programs.

What if funding runs out before I apply?

If your state exhausts its LIHEAP funds before you apply, you may have to wait until the next program year. This is why applying early is so important. Additionally, contact your utility company about its own low-income assistance programs and ask about the Weatherization Assistance Program for longer-term energy cost reduction.

I applied but haven’t heard anything for 3 weeks. What should I do?

Make direct contact with your county agency. If you need assistance with completing and submitting your application, contact your state’s call center. Bring your application confirmation number if you have one.

Sources

1. HHS Office of Community Services. LIHEAP Program. HHS.gov.
2. LIHEAP Clearinghouse. LIHEAP Eligibility Tool. liheapch.acf.hhs.gov.
3. Illinois DCEO. LIHEAP How to Apply. FY 2026.
4. Pennsylvania DHS. Apply for LIHEAP. 2025–2026.
5. New Jersey DCA. LIHEAP / USF Fact Sheet FY 2026.
6. Propel. LIHEAP Winter Application 2025–2026. December 2025.
7. NCOA. What Is the Income Limit for LIHEAP?. 2026.
8. Washington State Commerce. LIHEAP Program. 2026.

Related Articles:

• SNAP Benefits 2026 — Complete Guide
• Housing Assistance Programs 2026 — Section 8 & More
• SSI vs. SSDI — Eligibility & How to Apply
• Government Benefits Complete List 2026
• Benefits for Seniors 2026

Last verified: March 2026. LIHEAP income guidelines updated October 2025 for FY 2026 program year.