Are you struggling to pay your energy bills due to rising costs? There’s good news for you. LIHEAP, the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program, is a government assistance program that can help with your energy bills.
LIHEAP provides support in managing your home’s heating and cooling expenses, ensuring you stay comfortable in your home, regardless of the season. The program can help make your home more energy-efficient through weatherization upgrades and small, energy-related repairs for your home.
How to Apply for the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP)
The LIHEAP application is your first step to getting help with your energy bills. This form asks for basic info about you, like your name, address, and household income. You’ll need to fill it out accurately to apply for assistance.
There are 3 ways to apply for LIHEAP:
- Phone
- Local LIHEAP Office (Mail, fax, or visit in person)
Apply for LIHEAP by Phone: 1-866-674-6327
For assistance by phone, call the National Energy Assistance Referral (NEAR) office. NEAR is a free service that can help you apply for LIHEAP.
Call toll-free: 1-866-674-6327. You can speak to someone at NEAR Monday through Friday, from 7 am to 5 pm Mountain Time.
Apply for LIHEAP by Email: energy@ncat.org
You can also get help applying for LIHEAP by emailing energy@ncat.org. Staff can answer your questions and help you apply for the LIHEAP program in your state.
Apply for LIHEAP at your Local Energy Assistance Office
The fastest way to apply for LIHEAP benefits is through your state’s public assistance office. You can find the LIHEAP application at your local LIHEAP office or on your state’s website. Each state has its own agency for LIHEAP, so make sure you’re getting the correct form from your state’s agency.
Most states these days also offer website portals where you can apply online quickly and easily.
To download your LIHEAP application, use the LIHEAP Office Search Tool. Use the drop-down menu to select your state and county. You will be provided with information for applying.
Sample LIHEAP Application
Here is a sample LIHEAP application for the state of Pennsylvania. You will be asked to provide your personal details, including your Social Security number, financial statements, household information, and rental agreement.
When preparing your LIHEAP application, remember to do the following!
- Fill out all information clearly and completely.
- Provide Social Security numbers for all household members, or complete the Energy Assistance Affidavit.
- Include proof of immigration status if you’re a non-U.S. citizen.
- If you rent and your heat is included, send a copy of your lease or a statement from your landlord about how you pay for heat.
- If you pay for heat, send a bill for your main heating source.
- Attach proof of all household income, like pay stubs or award letters.
- Explain how your household pays for basic living needs, especially if you have no income or if your income is less than your monthly basic living needs.
- If using a secondary heating provider, include bills for both main and secondary heating sources.
- Sign and date your application.
- Mail your completed application with all documents to your local county assistance office.
Remember, missing or incomplete information can delay the processing of your application.
How Does the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) Work?
LIHEAP offers a range of benefits to assist households with energy needs. The program helps pay for home energy bills, covering various energy sources to lessen the financial strain. It also provides weatherization support to make homes more energy-efficient, reducing costs over time.
If you are approved for LIHEAP, the money is paid directly to your utility company or approved weatherization contractor.
Benefits of LIHEAP:
- Energy Bill Assistance
- Weatherization Support
- Crisis Assistance
- Equipment Repair & Replacement
- Energy Education
- Disaster Assistance
⚡ Energy Bill Assistance
LIHEAP provides help with home energy bills, ensuring that heating and cooling needs are met. This includes assistance with various energy sources like electricity, natural gas, propane, and others, alleviating the financial burden of these essential utilities.
🌧️ Weatherization Support
The program also offers weatherization support to make homes more energy-efficient. This leads to reduced energy costs over time, making it easier to manage bills and maintain a comfortable living environment.
🚨 Crisis Assistance
For households facing immediate risks of losing heating or cooling, LIHEAP offers crisis assistance. This urgent support ensures that affected families maintain essential heating or cooling, especially during extreme weather conditions.
🛠️ Equipment Repair & Replacement
LIHEAP can help with the costs of fixing or replacing heating and cooling equipment. This ensures that home energy systems work efficiently and safely, contributing to lower energy costs and improved home comfort.
🎓 Energy Education
The program provides resources and strategies to assist households in managing their energy usage. This education helps in making informed decisions about energy consumption, leading to potential savings and more efficient use of resources.
💥 Disaster Assistance
In the event of a natural disaster, LIHEAP offers support to affected households. This assistance is crucial for recovery, ensuring families have access to heating and cooling during and after such events.
Is your gas or electricity about to be turned off? For immediate risks of losing heating or cooling, crisis assistance is available. LIHEAP will aid in repairing or replacing heating and cooling equipment, improving energy efficiency and safety. The program offers energy education to help manage consumption and disaster assistance for recovery during natural disasters.
Who Qualifies for LIHEAP?
The Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) helps Americans in need of assistance. However, several eligibility requirements must be met before you can be approved for benefits. These strict qualifications help ensure that government funds go toward those truly in need of assistance.
The following criteria can affect your eligibility for LIHEAP:
- Income
- Residency and citizenship
- Household composition
- Energy cost and usage
- Application deadlines
- Documentation establishing proof
- Special circumstances
Income Eligibility
Your income is the main factor for LIHEAP eligibility. Each state sets its own income limits, usually based on a percentage of the Federal Poverty Level. The size of your household affects these limits: larger households can have higher incomes and still qualify.
| Household Size* | Maximum Income Level (Per Year) |
| 1 | $21,870 |
| 2 | $29,580 |
| 3 | $37,290 |
| 4 | $45,000 |
| 5 | $52,710 |
| 6 | $60,420 |
| 7 | $68,130 |
| 8 | $75,840 |
*For households with more than eight people, add $7,710 per additional person.
Residency and Citizenship
To qualify for LIHEAP, you need to be a resident in the state where you’re applying. You must also be a U.S. citizen or have legal residency status. These requirements ensure that assistance is provided to those who are legally residing in the area.
Household Composition
The makeup of your household can affect your eligibility. Priority is often given to households that have members who are elderly, disabled, or have young children. These groups are considered more vulnerable to extreme temperatures.
Energy Cost and Usage
Your household’s energy cost and usage can also influence eligibility. If your energy expenses are a significant portion of your income, you might have a better chance of qualifying for LIHEAP.
Application Timing and Deadlines
It’s important to apply for LIHEAP at the right time. Each state has specific periods when applications are accepted. Missing these deadlines can mean waiting until the next cycle to apply.
Documentation Establishing Proof
To prove eligibility, you’ll need to provide documents like proof of income, residency, and energy bills. Having all your documents ready can make the application process smoother.
Special Circumstances
LIHEAP also considers special circumstances like emergency assistance for those in immediate danger of losing their heat or cooling source, or for those facing temporary financial hardships.
If you need help applying, local LIHEAP offices and community agencies can assist you. Staff can guide you through the application process and help you understand the requirements.
👉 Get Started with LIHEAP
If you’re facing tough financial times and worrying about how to pay your bills, know that you’re not alone. Millions of Americans like you are in the same situation, trying to find ways to keep their homes warm in the winter and cool in the summer without breaking the bank. Thankfully, support is available. Apply for LIHEAP to get help with energy costs, so you can spend your money on other important items like food, childcare, and medicine.
Start by locating your state’s LIHEAP program. You can find this information and begin the application process by using the LIHEAP State Search Tool. This tool will guide you to the LIHEAP application for your state so you can start collecting this valuable benefit.