How to apply for LIHEAP: steps, documents and the types of help

Each state runs its own LIHEAP program

The federal government sends LIHEAP money to every state, Washington, D.C., the territories and many tribes. Each one sets its own rules within federal limits. That is why dates, income limits and the amount of help change from place to place. The program may also have a local name. New York calls it HEAP, and North Carolina calls it LIEAP.

Most states hand the daily work to local agencies. These are often community action agencies, which are local nonprofits that work against poverty. In other states, a county social services office takes the forms. Applying with the office that serves your home address saves time.

Answers to the questions from the first page

Why do some households get more help than others? Help is not the same for every home. Federal law tells states to give the most help to households with the lowest incomes and the highest energy costs for their size. Many states also add more help when someone in the home is older, has a disability or is a young child. The type of fuel and the region where you live can change the amount too.

How do the papers and the payment work? You fill out one application for your household. The agency checks income, household size and your energy bills. If you are eligible, the payment usually goes to your utility or fuel company. In some states, renters whose heat is part of the rent get a payment in their own name.

Where do you apply for LIHEAP? Apply with your state program or the local agency that serves your county. A national referral line can tell you which office that is. This site does not take applications.

How to apply for LIHEAP step by step

The steps below are common to most states. Your local office will tell you its own rules.

• Find your local office. Look up your state LIHEAP office or call the National Energy Assistance Referral line at 1-866-674-6327. Ask which agency serves your county.
• Check the dates. Many states open heating help in the fall. Some let older adults, people with a disability or families with young children apply first. Help often ends when funds run out.
• Gather your papers. Most offices ask for proof of income for everyone in the home, a recent heating or electric bill and a photo ID. Many also ask for Social Security numbers, proof of citizenship or immigration status and a copy of your lease.
• Fill out the form. Some states take forms online. Others take them by mail, by phone or in person. Older adults or people with a disability can often ask for a mailed form or a home visit.

LIHEAP can pay for more than one thing. Ask your office which of these it offers:

• Heating help. A payment toward winter bills for gas, electric, oil, propane, wood or other fuel.
• Cooling help. Some states help with summer bills or give out air conditioners or fans.
• Crisis or emergency help. Help when the heat is off, a shutoff notice has come or fuel is about to run out.
• Weatherization and repairs. Low-cost work that helps a home use less energy. In some states, this includes fixing or replacing a broken furnace.

What to do right after you apply

A few habits protect your application.

• Write down the date you applied and the name of the agency. Keep a copy of everything you send.
• Answer calls and letters from the agency quickly. A missing paper can delay the decision.
• Keep paying what you can on your bill. In most states, LIHEAP is a one-time credit for the season, not a monthly payment.
• If your heat is shut off or your fuel runs low before a decision, call the agency and ask for crisis help.
• If you disagree with the decision, ask how to appeal. Each state has its own steps and deadlines.

The next page shows where to apply and what to check while you wait.