Unsafe heating and cooling practices can lead to a host of health and safety risks. For many households living on a tight budget, energy expenses can be a heavy burden. To help alleviate this issue, the federal government created the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) in 1981. Here, you’ll find everything you need to know about energy assistance for low-income families.

LIHEAP, short for the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program, is federally funded and designed to assist low-income households that allocate a significant portion of their income to energy expenses. This program offers support with heating and cooling costs, bill payments, energy crises, weatherization services, and home energy-related repairs.

How Does LIHEAP Operate?

LIHEAP is organized into various departments to achieve its aims. These departments include:

• The Home Energy Assistance Program (HEAP), which offers a one-time payment for energy bills to eligible households.
• The Energy Crisis Intervention Program (ECIP), which aids eligible low-income households facing crises, such as energy cutoffs or threats of such interruptions.
• The LIHEAP Weatherization initiative, which provides complimentary energy efficiency upgrades to low-income households, helping to lower their monthly energy costs while improving the living conditions for occupants.
• Education on standard energy efficiency practices and how to maintain the installed weatherization improvements properly.
• Counseling on energy budgeting.

HEAP and ECIP are offered during specific times of the year. HEAP runs from November through March, while ECIP is available in winter from November through May and in summer from June through October.

The assistance amount varies depending on the program type. For HEAP, the amount depends on the outstanding balance with your energy provider. Meanwhile, ECIP offers a maximum of $800 during the winter months and up to $600 in the summer months.

What Utility Expenses Does LIHEAP Cover?

LIHEAP support can be utilized for various home energy expenses, including:

• Heating expenses – This includes costs for gas, oil, propane, wood, and other heating fuels.
• Cooling expenses – Such as electricity for air conditioning in warmer regions.
• Water heating expenses – If these are included in your utility bill.
• Energy-related repairs – This encompasses repairs like furnace fixes, broken heaters, or ineffective cooling systems.
• Weatherization services – Upgrades aimed at boosting energy efficiency and minimizing utility costs.

However, LIHEAP does not cover:

• Phone or internet bills
• Water or sewage bills (limited exceptions apply in certain state programs)
• Non-energy-related expenses

If you need assistance with internet bills, check out the Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP):
https://www.fcc.gov/acp

Who Qualifies for LIHEAP?

Eligibility for LIHEAP hinges on income, household size, and financial need. Households that dedicate a substantial portion of their income to energy bills may be eligible. In addition to low income, other factors such as the size of the household, available resources, and who is responsible for paying these costs are also considered. Ideally, to qualify for LIHEAP, you should meet the following criteria:

• Be the one responsible for paying home energy costs.
• Be a U.S. citizen or legal immigrant.
• Have less than $3000 in bank accounts, investments, and retirement plans.
• Meet specific income thresholds that vary based on fuel type and family size. You can determine your household’s income eligibility here.

You might also automatically qualify for LIHEAP if you or a household member is enrolled in specific programs like SNAP, SSI, TANF, or certain income-tested Veterans benefits. Remember that eligibility rules can vary by state, so it’s crucial to check the specific requirements in your area before applying.

In addition to meeting LIHEAP criteria, your utility provider must also partake in this program. Be sure to reach out to your utility company to confirm their participation.

What Are the Income Limits for LIHEAP?

To qualify for LIHEAP, households must adhere to income guidelines established by the federal government, which vary by state and household size.

Below are the general income limits for LIHEAP in 2023 (for 48 states & DC):

Certain states may offer higher income thresholds or provide extra support for households that include elderly or disabled members.

To view the specific LIHEAP income thresholds in your state, visit:
https://www.acf.hhs.gov/ocs/low-income-home-energy-assistance-program-liheap

How to Apply for LIHEAP Online in My State

Applying for LIHEAP can be done in several ways: in person, via mail, or online. The most convenient and fastest method is typically through an online application. However, it’s important to note that not all states provide an online application option. Some may offer downloadable forms but do not support electronic submissions. A list of states with available online LIHEAP applications can be found here.

For those states that do support online submissions, you’ll generally need to create an account first with the state’s benefits program. For example, if you’re looking to apply for LIHEAP in Vermont, you’ll begin by setting up an account with myBenefits, which is managed by the Department for Children and Families Agency of Human Services.

After your online account has been established, you can initiate the LIHEAP application process. During this process, you may need to provide a variety of information such as:

• Your basic information including name, gender, marital status, and both physical and mailing addresses, which may also apply to other household members
• Social Security Numbers for yourself and household members, if mandated
• Your employment history
• Any disabilities, if applicable
• Sources of income, including the latest paycheck amounts, the frequency of work, and your employer’s contact information
• Details on rental and bill payments to determine financial needs

The information required can differ significantly by state. While some may ask for basic details, others might require a more detailed account of income sources.

Once you’ve completed and submitted your online application, it’s possible you’ll need to provide additional verification documents either by mail or in person, depending on your state’s regulations.

After everything has been submitted successfully, please be aware that the review process may take between 30 to 45 days. If your application is approved, you’ll be notified via online means or through the mail regarding your assistance amount.

What is the Timeline for Receiving LIHEAP Assistance?

The time required to process LIHEAP applications differs based on state guidelines and current demand levels.

• Standard processing period – Generally 30 to 45 days following application submission.
• Emergency assistance (ECIP) – In urgent circumstances (e.g., imminent power shut-off), some states offer accelerated assistance within 24 to 48 hours.
• Heating & cooling peak deadlines – Applications are expedited during peak heating and cooling seasons.

If you face an immediate risk of utility shut-off, reach out to your local LIHEAP office to explore emergency assistance options.

Check your LIHEAP application status here.

What Other Assistance is Available If I Don’t Qualify for LIHEAP?

If you find that you don’t qualify for LIHEAP, either due to income exceeding the limits or other reasons, you still have options. Programs like the U.S. Department of Energy Weatherization Assistance, Ratepayer-Funded Programs, private fuel assistance funds, and state or local funding may help with your energy bills.

Consider reaching out to nonprofits or your local social services agency for assistance, as they might have available funding. Additionally, contact your utility provider to learn about any programs or new payment arrangements that could fit your needs.

Can LIHEAP Assist Those Impacted by COVID-19?

LIHEAP is designed to provide financial support to families struggling to manage their heating and cooling costs, including those impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic. The government acknowledges that there may be a higher demand for energy assistance due to the pandemic and aims to provide adequate support for those in urgent need.

As the primary energy assistance program for low-income households in the U.S., LIHEAP continues to support individuals affected by COVID-19. Before moving forward with your application, ensure that you meet the criteria regarding income, household composition, and fuel type.

Once you confirm your eligibility, proceed to submit your application online if allowed in your state. If online submission isn’t an option, explore other application methods. Be sure to provide all required information accurately to avoid complications with your application. You will be informed about your application status either online or via mail.