How to apply for LIHEAP in your state

LIHEAP is money from the federal government that helps with home energy bills and energy emergencies.^⁠[1] Some states call it HEAP, or give it another name, so don’t worry if your state’s program looks different.^⁠[5,6]

Renters can apply, not just homeowners. In Pennsylvania, for example, both can apply, and you don’t need to get other benefits first.^⁠[7] Your local office decides whether you qualify.^⁠[2]

• If your heat is included in your rent, tell the office. New Jersey, for example, still lets some of these households apply.^⁠[8]
• If a tribal program might serve you, ask your tribal and local offices which one to use.^⁠[9]

If losing power puts anyone in medical danger, call 911 right away.

Then call your utility and your local office today. Tell them whether your power is still on, and whether anyone uses powered medical equipment.^⁠[10] Ask which program can help right now.

Sending a form doesn’t promise a pause in a shut-off. Ask your utility what you still owe and whether anything has been set up. If LIHEAP can’t help, see other help paying an electric bill.

There’s no single national income limit. Each program has its own chart, based on how many people live in your home.^⁠[2,11] Ask your local office which people and which kinds of income to count.^⁠[9]

Check the time period too. Illinois looks at your income from the last 30 days. Massachusetts looks at a year of income, before taxes.^⁠[11,5]

Meeting the income limit doesn’t guarantee help. In South Carolina, people who qualify may get nothing once the money runs out.^⁠[12]

Pick your state below and follow its link. Some states send you to a local agency to apply, like Alabama’s county agencies.^⁠[13]

Every state has its own dates, and heating, cooling and emergency help can each open at different times.^⁠[14] An end date doesn’t promise the money will last that long. New Jersey, for example, can stop early when funds run out.^⁠[15]

Ask your local office for its list first. In Washington, for example, offices usually ask for proof of who you are, where you live, your heating costs and your income.^⁠[56]

• ID and address

  Have your ID and proof of address ready. Ask how to show who lives with you.^⁠[56,11]

• Proof of income

  Cover the time they ask about. Illinois asks for the last 30 days. If you have no income, Pennsylvania’s form asks how you cover basic needs.^⁠[11,59]

• Your energy bill

  Have a recent heating or electric bill, and any shut-off notice.^⁠[11]

• Your lease, if heat is in your rent

  Illinois asks for your lease, how much rent you pay and your landlord’s contact details.^⁠[11]

Missing something? Ask your office what else it accepts. In Illinois, you can still apply without a Social Security number.^⁠[11] If you need help with the form or another language, ask your local office.

Follow your local office’s steps, including any appointment.^⁠[2,36] Tick off each step as you go. The boxes save on this device, so keep your own copies of your papers too.

Read the last screen before you close it. In Illinois, the online form starts a request, and the local agency contacts you next. It doesn’t mean you qualify yet.^⁠[11]

Ask the office how long it takes and how to check on it. DC lets you log back in online, and Pennsylvania has a tracker.^⁠[4,7] Keep your confirmation handy when you call.

If they ask for more papers, send them the way they say. In Wyoming, missing papers slow things down, and you’ll get a letter asking for them.^⁠[3]

Read the reason and what the letter says to do next. In Wyoming, for example, you can apply again if you were turned down for missing papers or your income dropped.^⁠[3] Your own office’s letter has its rules.

Once you’re approved, keep an eye on your bill. You may be approved before the credit shows up.^⁠[3] Our guide covers other ways to manage your electric bill.

Public Grid’s accessible energy support helps you find programs that help pay energy bills.^⁠[60] We also track your electricity bills, so you can keep an eye on your account. It’s free to sign up, with no contracts.

Electricity accountvia Utility Co.

Sample account

Bills tracked