Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP)

The Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) provides resources to assist families with energy costs. This federally funded assistance helps in managing costs associated with:

• Home energy bills
  
• Energy crises
• Weatherization and energy-related minor home repairs

The program is available in all 50 U.S. states, Indian Tribe or Tribal organization and U.S. territories that include: American Samoa, Guam, the Northern Mariana Islands, Puerto Rico and the Virgin Islands.

The LIHEAP statutes establish 150 percent of the poverty level as the maximum income level allowed in determining LIHEAP income eligibility, except where 60 percent of the state median income is higher. Income eligibility criteria for LIHEAP may not be set lower than 110 percent of the poverty level.

Applicants will need to provide certain documentation to qualify for benefits, including:

• Recent copies of utility bills. 
• A recent payroll stub or other proof that shows their current gross income. 
• Documentation showing income from Social Security, Unemployment Insurance, Pension Funds, disability, etc.
• Final Utility Termination Notice (if they've received a shut-off notice from their energy company).
• Proof of present address (e.g., rent receipt, lease or deed, property tax bill).
• Proof of total members living in the household (e.g., birth certificates, school records, etc.).
• Social Security cards (or numbers) for all persons living in the household.
• Proof of U.S. citizenship or permanent residence.

Potential applicants can call the National Energy Assistance Referral (NEAR) project for more information on how to apply, or contact their state/territory/tribal LIHEAP office. 

The availability of LIHEAP assistance is not guaranteed. Often most of the Federal LIHEAP funds are spent during the winter.