Learn About LIHEAP Heating Assistance Programs

What LIHEAP Is and How It Works

The Low Income Home Energy Program, or LIHEAP, is a federal initiative created in 1981 that provides resources to help households pay heating and cooling bills. Unlike a direct payment program, LIHEAP operates through state and local agencies that distribute funds to households based on factors like income, family size, and energy costs. The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services oversees the program nationally, but each state runs its own version with slightly different rules and processes.

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LIHEAP funds come from the federal government, but the actual work happens at state and local levels. When you contact your state's LIHEAP office, you interact with caseworkers employed by that state agency, not a federal office. This decentralized structure means that what's available in one state may differ from another state. For example, Connecticut's LIHEAP might offer different benefit amounts or have different income thresholds than Texas's program.

The program has two main types of support: crisis assistance and regular heating/cooling support. Crisis assistance helps households facing immediate energy emergencies—such as a broken furnace in winter or a disconnection notice from the utility company. Regular support helps households pay their monthly heating and cooling bills throughout the year. Some states also offer weatherization services, which include insulation improvements, window repairs, and heating system upgrades that reduce energy consumption.

Nationally, LIHEAP serves millions of households. In the 2022 heating season, the program distributed approximately $4.2 billion across all states and territories. The average benefit per household is around $700 to $900 annually, though this varies significantly by state and individual circumstances. Some households in cold climates receive higher amounts because heating costs are higher there.

Practical Takeaway: LIHEAP is a real federal program with actual funding, but it operates through your state. The first step in learning about what might be available is finding your state's LIHEAP office, since rules and benefit amounts differ by location.

Income Limits and How They're Calculated

LIHEAP has income thresholds that determine whether a household can participate. These limits are set by the federal government but applied by individual states. As of 2024, the federal guideline allows households with income up to 60% of the state's median income to be considered. However, states can choose to set their own limits anywhere from 50% to 60% of the state median income, or even higher in some cases.

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To understand what this means in dollars, consider a concrete example. In Massachusetts in 2024, the income limit for a family of four is approximately $54,180 per year. In Oklahoma, the same family size has a limit around $40,920. These differences reflect the different costs of living and median incomes across states. The federal government publishes these income limits annually, and they typically change each year.

Income is calculated in a specific way for LIHEAP. The program counts gross income, which means income before taxes are taken out. For a working household, this includes wages from all jobs. For households receiving benefits, it includes Social Security, unemployment payments, disability payments, and child support. Some types of income are excluded from the calculation, such as tax refunds, student loan disbursements, and certain types of home repair assistance.

Household size matters significantly in income calculations. A single person has a different income limit than a family of five. For example, if a state's limit for one person is $20,000, it might be $45,000 for a family of four. States publish charts showing the exact income limits for each household size. These charts are updated each year, usually in the fall, to reflect inflation and changes in state median income.

Documentation of income is required when seeking LIHEAP support. Common documents include recent pay stubs, tax returns, Social Security benefit statements, or unemployment award letters. If a household's income situation has recently changed, statements explaining the change may be needed. Self-employed individuals typically need to provide tax returns and may need to provide additional documentation.

Practical Takeaway: Before exploring further, find your state's current income limits for your household size. This information is published on your state's LIHEAP website and can tell you whether your household income falls within the program's parameters.

The Types of Energy Costs LIHEAP Covers

LIHEAP primarily covers heating in winter and cooling in summer. The program recognizes that both extreme cold and extreme heat pose serious health risks, particularly for elderly people, young children, and those with medical conditions. Heating costs typically dominate LIHEAP spending because heating bills in winter months are usually much higher than cooling bills in summer months, especially in northern states.

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Heating fuel sources vary by region and geography. In some parts of the country, natural gas is the primary heating fuel. In other regions, heating oil or propane is more common. In some areas, electric heating systems are standard. LIHEAP covers payments to utilities for natural gas and electricity, and also covers payments for heating oil and propane delivered to homes. The program reimburses the fuel company or utility directly, not the household.

LIHEAP also covers some related costs beyond the fuel itself. For example, if a household needs to replace a broken furnace or heating system, some state LIHEAP programs offer assistance for that repair or replacement through crisis funds. Similarly, if a water heater breaks, some states will help replace it. These repairs are considered crisis assistance because they directly affect a household's ability to heat water or maintain home temperature.

Cooling assistance is available through LIHEAP in all states, though the emphasis and funding vary. In southern states where summer heat is intense, cooling support can be substantial. In northern states, cooling assistance is typically smaller because cooling costs are lower. LIHEAP covers air conditioning utility costs, and in some cases, covers room air conditioning unit purchases for vulnerable individuals such as those with medical conditions made worse by heat.

Some state programs cover utility assistance more broadly. A few states include water bills, sewer bills, or trash collection in their LIHEAP programs. However, the majority of states focus specifically on heating and cooling fuel. Weatherization improvements—such as insulation, air sealing, and window replacement—are often offered as a companion service to LIHEAP in many states, reducing the need for heating and cooling fuel overall.

Practical Takeaway: Check what fuel types your home uses and confirm that your state's LIHEAP program covers that specific fuel type. If you heat with propane, for instance, verify that propane assistance is included in your state's program.

How to Find Information About Your State's Program

The first resource is your state's official LIHEAP website. Each state maintains a page with program information, income limits, benefit amounts, and contact details. You can find your state's LIHEAP office by visiting the National Energy Assistance Directors Association (NEADA) website, which maintains links to every state and territory's LIHEAP office. The Department of Health and Human Services also maintains a directory on its website at ors.od.nih.gov/energy-assistance.

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Another direct approach is to contact 211, a free referral service available in all 50 states. You can call 2-1-1 from any phone or search for "211" and your state name online. The 211 service connects people with local social services, including LIHEAP programs. Representatives can explain what's available in your area and provide contact information for your local office. This service is free and is funded by foundations and local organizations.

Many state LIHEAP programs have regional or local offices throughout the state. If you live in a large state, the central office may refer you to a closer location. Some programs operate through community action agencies, which are nonprofit organizations that handle multiple assistance programs in their region. Finding your local office can make the process more convenient, as some offer in-person meetings or have local phone numbers.

When you contact your state's LIHEAP office, have basic information ready: your household size, approximate annual household income, primary heating fuel type, and any recent utility bills showing your account number. Staff can explain what information you'll need to provide and what documents are needed. Many offices also provide this information on their websites in downloadable fact sheets or brochures.

Online resources like the Community Action Partnership and local utility companies also maintain lists of energy assistance programs. Some utility companies have their own assistance programs in addition to LIHEAP, and company representatives can explain both options. These resources are