How to Apply for LIHEAP Energy Assistance in 2026

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Quick Summary

• Apply through your state or local LIHEAP office.
• Helps pay heating and cooling energy bills.
• Have a recent utility bill and proof of income ready.
• Crisis help may be available for shutoffs.
• Use official government sites only.

What are you trying to do?

The Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) helps families pay heating and cooling costs and handle energy emergencies. It is federally funded but run locally, so you apply through your state or local agency. Here is how to apply in 2026.

What LIHEAP covers

• Help paying your heating or cooling bills.
• Crisis assistance if you have a shutoff notice or have run out of fuel.
• In some areas, weatherization or minor energy-related home repairs.

Funds are limited and often run out later in the season, so apply early.

Who can get LIHEAP

Eligibility is based mainly on household income, size, and energy costs, and each state sets its own limit (often around 150 percent of the federal poverty level, though it varies). You are usually eligible automatically if you already receive SNAP, TANF, or SSI. Many states give priority to households with a young child, an older adult, or a person with a disability, and to those facing a shutoff.

LIHEAP income limits (2026): the official rule

Federal law sets the LIHEAP maximum income limit at the greater of 150% of the federal poverty guidelines or 60% of your state’s median income. Within that ceiling, each state or tribe picks its own cutoff (anywhere from 110% of the poverty guidelines up to the federal maximum), so the exact limit depends on where you live. You may be automatically income-eligible (“categorically eligible”) if someone in your household already receives SNAP, TANF, or SSI. Confirm your state’s exact limit with your local LIHEAP office.

To find your state program, use the official LIHEAP state and territory contact map, visit energyhelp.us, or call the federal National Energy Assistance Referral (NEAR) line at 1-866-674-6327 (Monday–Friday).

Source: HHS/ACF — LIHEAP Income Eligibility Guidelines. Last verified: July 2026.

How to apply

1. Find your local LIHEAP agency by calling 2-1-1 or checking your state’s human-services website.
2. Complete the application online, by mail, or in person.
3. Submit your documents and wait for a decision; benefits are often paid straight to your utility company.

Documents you need

• Photo ID for the applicant.
• Social Security numbers for household members.
• Proof of income for the last 30 days (pay stubs, benefit letters).
• A recent heating or electric bill.
• Proof of address, such as a lease or utility bill.

If you have a shutoff notice

Tell the agency immediately that you have a disconnection notice or an empty tank – crisis cases are handled faster, sometimes within 48 hours. See utility assistance options for other programs that can help at the same time.

Stack other help

Many households that qualify for LIHEAP also qualify for SNAP food benefits and emergency rental assistance. If you need cash fast for an emergency, see emergency cash assistance.

Official source

Learn program details and find your state agency through the federal Office of Community Services at acf.hhs.gov/liheap. Applying is always free.

Frequently asked questions

How much does LIHEAP pay?

The amount depends on your income, household size, energy costs, and your state’s funding. Crisis benefits are separate and meant to prevent a shutoff.

Can I get LIHEAP if I rent?

Yes. Renters whose heating or cooling costs are included in rent may still qualify – ask your local agency how your state handles it.

How fast is help if my power is being cut off?

Crisis applications are prioritized and can be decided within a couple of days. Contact your local agency the moment you get a notice.

Before you apply, gather the documents you need for LIHEAP.

Behind on water too? See help paying your water bill.

What to Do Next

Ready to move forward? Applying is free through the official agency – you never pay a third party. Gather what you need, apply or respond as early as you can, and if you are denied you have the right to appeal.

See also: the Weatherization Assistance Program.

Related help and next steps

Applying and getting help are free through the official agency. For related help, see cooling assistance for summer electric bills, help with a past-due electric bill.

See also: Texas LIHEAP (CEAP) energy assistance.

See also: how to check your LIHEAP application status.

Having a problem? See LIHEAP application denied? What to do.

Free tool: try our LIHEAP document checklist – no login, no personal data.

Find LIHEAP in your state

LIHEAP is run at the state level. Jump to your state guide: California · Texas · Florida · New York · Pennsylvania · Illinois · Ohio · Georgia · North Carolina · Michigan · Virginia · Washington · Arizona · Tennessee · New Jersey · Massachusetts · Maryland · Missouri · Indiana · Wisconsin.

Official links to apply & check status

These are official government sites. Links open in a new tab. GlobalBenefits.org is not a government agency and does not process applications.

Related guides

• Check what you qualify for
• Documents you need to apply
• SNAP food benefits guide
• Medicaid application guide
• Housing & Section 8 guide

See also: Timing: How Long Does LIHEAP Take to Get Approved? Processing Time in 2026

Related: Check your LIHEAP status · Utility bill assistance · Benefits Finder · Apply & manage benefits

Reviewed for accuracy · Updated July 14, 2026 · Based on official ACF and state LIHEAP sources.

Written by Jin Daewoo, founder and editor at GlobalBenefits.org. First published July 3, 2026. Last reviewed August 9, 2026. Guides on GlobalBenefits.org prioritize official U.S. federal and state government sources and are reviewed regularly for accuracy.