The Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program, usually called LIHEAP, helps eligible households with home energy costs. Depending on where you live, that can mean help with heating bills, cooling bills, shutoff prevention, crisis assistance, or related energy services.
LIHEAP is federally funded, but it is run by states, territories, and tribal agencies. That is why the details are different from one place to another. Income rules, benefit amounts, operating seasons, and emergency assistance windows all vary by location.
If you are trying to figure out whether you should apply, the two most important questions are usually simple: how much help does my state publish and is my local program currently open. The selector below condenses both of those answers into one place using the official LIHEAP Clearinghouse benefits and program-duration tables.
Program windows should still be treated as planning guidance, not guarantees. Local agencies can shorten, extend, or adjust operations when funding, demand, or emergency conditions change, so it is always smart to confirm your exact status with the local office before you wait to apply.
State LIHEAP contact information
The table below lists each state and territory's LIHEAP program name, contact phone number, and official website as published by the ACF LIHEAP Clearinghouse.
This table follows the official ACF contact listing. When ACF publishes a public inquiry number, that is the phone shown here. If ACF only publishes the coordinator line, the table falls back to that number.
| State or territory | Program / office | Contact phone number | LIHEAP website |
|---|---|---|---|
| Alabama | LIHEAP Program Supervisors Alabama Department of Economic and Community Affairs Energy Division | 1-800-392-8098 | adeca.alabama.gov |
| Alaska | LIHEAP Coordinator Alaska Department of Health and Social Services Division of Public Assistance | 1-800-470-3058 | dhss.alaska.gov |
| American Samoa | Manager Territorial Energy Office Samoa Energy House - Tafuna | (684) 699-1101 or 1102 | Not listed |
| Arizona | LIHEAP Coordinator Department of Economic Security Division of Community Assistance and Development | 1-866-494-1981 | des.az.gov |
| Arkansas | Home Utilities Assistance Manager Arkansas Department of Environmental Quality | 800-482-8988 | adeq.state.ar.us |
| California | Utility Assistance Manager Department of Community Services and Development | 1-866-675-6623 | csd.ca.gov |
| Colorado | LIHEAP Manager Energy Assistance Division Colorado Department of Human Services | 1-866-432-8435 or 303-861-0269 | colorado.gov |
| Connecticut | Program Administration Manager Community, Energy & Refugee Services Department of Social Services | 1-800-842-1132 | ct.gov |
| Delaware | LIHEAP Program Manager Department of Health and Social Services Herman Holloway Campus | 1-800-464-HELP (4357) | dhss.delaware.gov |
| District of Columbia | Associate Director Utility Affordability Division (UAD) Department of Energy & Environment Government of the District of Columbia | 202-535-2600 | doee.dc.gov |
| Florida | Community Program Manager Bureau of Economic Self-Sufficiency Florida Department of Commerce | 850-717-8450 | floridajobs.org |
| Georgia | Program Manager - LIHEAP/CSBG Office of Family Independence Georgia Department of Human Services | 1-877-423-4746 | dfcs.georgia.gov |
| Guam | Program Coordinator Bureau of Social Services Administration Division of Public Welfare Guam Department of Public Health and Social Services | (671) 475-2653/2672 | Not listed |
| Hawaii | LIHEAP Coordinator BESSD/FAP/LIHEAP Benefit, Employment, and Support Services Division Financial Assistance Office | 1-808-586-5740 | humanservices.hawaii.gov |
| Idaho | Program Manager Division of Welfare Idaho Department of Health and Welfare | 2-1-1 (Idaho Careline) | Not listed |
| Illinois | LIHEAP Program Manager Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity Office of Community Assistance | 1-877-411-WARM (9276) | liheapillinois.com |
| Indiana | Community Programs Manager - EAP Indiana Housing and Community Development Authority | 1-800-872-0371 | ihcda.in.gov |
| Iowa | Energy Assistance Bureau Chief LIHEAP/LIHWAP - Energy and Water Assistance Department of Human Rights Division of Community Action Agencies | 515-281-3861 | Not listed |
| Kansas | LIHEAP Program Manager Kansas Social & Rehabilitation Services | 1-888-369-4777 | dcf.ks.gov |
| Kentucky | Public Assistance Program Specialist Cabinet for Health and Family Services Division of Family Support | 1-800-456-3452 | chfs.ky.gov |
| Louisiana | Housing Finance Deputy Administrator Louisiana Housing Corporation Energy Assistance Department | 1-888-454-2001 | lhc.la.gov |
| Maine | Senior Director of Operations Maine State Housing Authority | 1-800-452-4668 | mainehousing.org |
| Maryland | Interim LIHEAP Director Office of Home Energy Programs Family Investment Administration Maryland Department of Human Services | (301) 784-7099 | dhr.maryland.gov |
| Massachusetts | LIHEAP Director Community Services Programs Division of Community Services Executive Office of Housing and Livable Communities | 1-800-632-8175 | mass.gov |
| Michigan | LIHEAP Departmental Manager Economic Stability Administration | 2-1-1 | michigan.gov |
| Minnesota | Director, Office of Energy Assistance Programs Minnesota Department of Commerce | 1-800-657-3710 | mn.gov |
| Mississippi | LIHEAP Director Division of Community Services Mississippi Dept. of Human Services | 1-800-421-0762 | mdhs.ms.gov |
| Missouri | Program Coordinator Department of Social Services | (816) 318-9154 | mydss.mo.gov |
| Montana | Bureau Chief Intergovernmental Human Services Bureau Department of Public Health and Human Services | 1-800-332-2272 | dphhs.mt.gov |
| Nebraska | LIHEAP Program Manager Office of Economic Assistance Department of Health and Human Services | (402) 471-3121 | dhhs.ne.gov |
| Nevada | Chief of Employment and Supportive Services Division of Welfare and Supportive Services | 1-800-992-0900 (EXT. 4420] | dwss.nv.gov |
| New Hampshire | Fuel Assistance Program Administrator NH Department of Energy | (603) 271-8317 | Not listed |
| New Jersey | Director Department of Community Affairs Division of Community Resources Office of Low-Income Energy Conservation | 1-800-510-3102 | nj.gov |
| New Mexico | LIHEAP Staff Manager New Mexico Health Care Authority Income Support Division | 1800-283-4465 | hsd.state.nm.us |
| New York | Home Energy Assistance Program Director Division of Employment and Transitional Supports New York State Office of Temporary and Disability Assistance | 1-800-342-3009 | otda.ny.gov |
| North Carolina | Energy Program Consultant N.C. Department of Health and Human Services Division of Social Services, Economic & Family Services | (919) 527-7253 | ncdhhs.gov |
| North Dakota | LIHEAP Administrator North Dakota Department of Human Services | 1-800-755-2716 | nd.gov |
| Northern Mariana Islands | Federal Program Coordinator Department of Community and Cultural Affairs Commonwealth of Northern Mariana Islands | (670) 989-2577 | Not listed |
| Ohio | Deputy Chief Ohio Department of Development Office of Community Assistance | 1-800-282-0880 (TDD: 1-800-686-1557) | development.ohio.gov |
| Oklahoma | Program Manager Oklahoma Department of Human Services Family Support Services Division-LIHEAP Section | 1-866-411-1877 or 405-522-5050 | oklahoma.gov |
| Oregon | LIHEAP Program Coordinator Oregon Housing & Community Services | 1-800-453-5511 | oregon.gov |
| Pennsylvania | Director Division of Federal Programs and Program Management Department of Human Services/Bureau of Policy | 1-866-857-7095 | dhs.pa.gov |
| Puerto Rico | TANF/LIHEAP Director Department of the Family Administration for the Socioeconomic Development of the Family | (787) 289-7600 Ext. 2381 | Not listed |
| Rhode Island | Chief, Program Development Department of Human Services Division of External Affairs | (401) 462-6419 | dhs.ri.gov |
| South Carolina | Senior LIHEAP Manager Department of Administration Office of Economic Opportunity | (803) 734-0662 | oeo.sc.gov |
| South Dakota | Program Administrator Office of Energy Assistance Department of Social Services | 1-800-233-8503 | dss.sd.gov |
| Tennessee | Chief Program Officer Tennessee Housing Development Agency | (615) 815-2197 | thda.org |
| Texas | Community Affairs Director Texas Department of Housing & Community Affairs | 1-877-399-8939 | tdhca.state.tx.us |
| Utah | Program Manager Division of Housing & Community Development | 1-866-205-4357 | jobs.utah.gov |
| Vermont | Fuel and Utility Assistance Program Director Agency of Human Services Department of Children and Families HC 1 South | 1-800-479-6151 or 1-802-828-6896 | dcf.vermont.gov |
| Virgin Islands | Assistant Commissioner Department of Human Services | (340) 774-1166 | Not listed |
| Virginia | Interim EAP Manager Virginia Department of Social Services Energy Assistance Program | 1-800-230-6977 | dss.virginia.gov |
| Washington | LIHEAP Program Manager Community Services & Housing Division Department of Commerce | (360) 725-2862 | commerce.wa.gov |
| West Virginia | Health & Human Resource Specialist Senior, WV LIHEAP Coordinator Bureau Family Assistance Office of Children and Family West Virginia Department of Human Services | 1-800-642-8589 | dhhr.wv.gov |
| Wisconsin | Bureau Director Wisconsin Department of Administration Division of Energy, Housing and Community Resources | 1-866-432-8947 | energyandhousing.wi.gov |
| Wyoming | LIEAP Manager Department of Family Services | (307) 473-3984 | dfsweb.wyo.gov |
Source: ACF LIHEAP Map State and Territory Contact Listing. Contact data refreshed from that page on 2026-06-23.
State benefit levels and program dates
Select your state or territory to see the published LIHEAP benefit ranges and planned FY 2026 program windows from the official LIHEAP Clearinghouse tables.
| Component | Minimum | Maximum |
|---|---|---|
| Heating | $280 | $580 |
| Cooling | $320 | $520 |
| Winter crisis | — | $1,100 |
| Summer crisis | — | $990 |
| Year-round crisis | — | $0 |
Source last updated 11/24/2025. Published values are the state-level minimums and maximums shown by the LIHEAP Clearinghouse.
| Component | Window |
|---|---|
| Heating | 10/01 - 04/30 |
| Cooling | 05/01 - 09/30 |
| Winter crisis | 10/01 - 04/30 |
| Summer crisis | 05/01 - 09/30 |
| Year-round crisis | — |
Source last updated 11/25/2025. These are planned program windows and can still change if funding or local operating conditions change.
Official sources: benefit levels and program durations. Tribal programs are published separately by the LIHEAP Clearinghouse.
LIHEAP Eligibility
Basic LIHEAP Eligibility
All 50 states, the District of Columbia, more than 150 tribes and tribal organizations, and U.S. territories can operate LIHEAP with federal funding. Applicants are generally evaluated on a mix of:
- household income
- residency
- citizenship or qualified noncitizen status
- responsibility for home energy costs
- assets, in the limited locations that still use an assets test
Some households that already receive another form of government assistance may also qualify through categorical eligibility.
Eligibility for LIHEAP is primarily based on household income. The income requirements vary by location based on the cost of living in the area, household size, and the specific LIHEAP component you are applying for.
LIHEAP does not use one universal national income cutoff. Federal law sets a framework, and then each state, territory, or tribe applies its own approved standard inside that framework.
In general:
- LIHEAP income rules usually cannot be set lower than 110% of the federal poverty guidelines
- many programs use 150% of the federal poverty guidelines
- some programs use up to 60% of state median income when that figure is higher
- crisis, cooling, weatherization, or repair components can have different rules from regular seasonal assistance
For the 48 contiguous states and the District of Columbia, these are useful FFY 2026 federal poverty reference points:
| Household size | 110% poverty | 150% poverty | 200% poverty |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | $17,215 | $23,475 | $31,300 |
| 2 | $23,265 | $31,725 | $42,300 |
| 3 | $29,315 | $39,975 | $53,300 |
| 4 | $35,365 | $48,225 | $64,300 |
| 5 | $41,415 | $56,475 | $75,300 |
| 6 | $47,465 | $64,725 | $86,300 |
| 7 | $53,515 | $72,975 | $97,300 |
| 8 | $59,565 | $81,225 | $108,300 |
Alaska and Hawaii use separate, higher federal poverty tables. Tribal LIHEAP agencies may also apply their own published limits within federal rules. If you live in Alaska, Hawaii, or on tribal lands, rely on the official local chart for your area instead of a generic national estimate.
What income limit does my state use?
States do not all use the same standard. Use the selector below to see the specific income threshold each state applies to each LIHEAP component in FY 2026.
Select your state or territory to see what income reference point it uses for each LIHEAP component in FY 2026. FPG = federal poverty guidelines. SMI = state median income.
| Program component | Income limit used |
|---|---|
| Heating assistance | 150 FPG |
| Cooling assistance | 150 FPG |
| Crisis assistance | 150 FPG |
| Weatherization (Wx) | 200 FPG |
Source: LIHEAP Clearinghouse — Income Eligibility for States and Territories, last updated 12/15/2025.
Most LIHEAP components are also funded on a limited basis, so households should not wait until a bill is deeply overdue or service is already disconnected before checking eligibility and applying.
Tribal LIHEAP Contact Information
Currently, more than 150 tribes and tribal organizations participate in LIHEAP throughout the United States. If you live on tribal lands or receive services through a tribal organization, use the official tribal listing here: LIHEAP Map Tribal Contact Listing
LIHEAP vs. Weatherization Assistance Program (WAP)
Both LIHEAP and the Weatherization Assistance Program (WAP) help renters and homeowners save money on energy costs, but they do different jobs.
LIHEAP helps eligible households pay for heating bills, cooling bills, shutoff prevention, crisis assistance, or related home energy costs. WAP helps improve the home itself through repairs and efficiency upgrades, such as insulation, air sealing, and other weatherization measures. Some households may qualify for both programs.
Residency Guidelines
To receive assistance through LIHEAP, you must apply in your current state, territory, or tribal service area. During the application process, you may need to prove your residency in order to be considered for the program. A list of commonly accepted residency documents appears later in this guide under Documents Needed to Apply for LIHEAP.
Citizenship Guidelines
LIHEAP is open to U.S. citizens and qualified noncitizens. The following groups are commonly treated as qualified noncitizens:
- lawful permanent residents
- refugees
- asylees
- individuals paroled into the United States for at least one year
- individuals whose deportation has been withheld
- individuals granted conditional entry
- battered noncitizens, their spouses, children, or parents
If you fall into one of those groups, you may need to submit documents that prove your qualified status. A household may still qualify even if not every member is eligible, as long as the program can be established through at least one citizen or qualified noncitizen household member and the other eligibility rules are met.
Asset Guidelines
Some LIHEAP agencies consider assets or resources when determining eligibility. Assets can include things of monetary value such as cash, checking and savings accounts, stocks, bonds, retirement accounts, and additional property.
Many programs that do use an assets screen also exclude a primary residence, one vehicle, household furnishings, certain jointly owned resources, some student aid, or burial accounts.
The current LIHEAP Clearinghouse state-and-territory assets chart lists general assets tests for:
- Missouri: Each household's resources may not exceed $3,000.
- Montana: Business equity may not exceed $25,000, and non-business resource limits for the 2025-2026 program year vary by household size, starting at $14,358 for a 1-person household and reaching a $29,290 maximum for households of 7 or more.
- Puerto Rico: An assets test is required under program regulations.
Because asset rules can be program-specific, confirm the current standard with your LIHEAP agency if savings, property, or business resources could affect your application.
Categorical Eligibility
You may automatically qualify for LIHEAP assistance if you currently receive benefits from one or more of the following programs:
- Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP)
- Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF)
- Supplemental Security Income (SSI)
- some needs-tested veterans benefits
Not every location uses categorical eligibility in exactly the same way, so it is still smart to ask how your state, territory, or tribal agency handles automatic or simplified eligibility.
LIHEAP Benefits
LIHEAP can help eligible households with several types of home energy needs. Depending on where you live, assistance may be available for:
- heating bills
- cooling bills
- utility shutoff prevention
- low fuel or out-of-fuel situations
- furnace or cooling emergencies
- weatherization services
- limited energy-related repair or replacement work
Regular Energy Assistance
Households that need help paying their heating or cooling bills usually apply for regular energy assistance through LIHEAP. This type of benefit is commonly issued as a one-time payment toward utility or fuel costs and is typically paid directly to the utility company or fuel vendor on behalf of the household.
Emergency Energy Assistance
Also known as crisis assistance, this type of benefit is intended for households experiencing an energy emergency. Applicants may qualify if they are dealing with situations such as:
- a disconnect notice
- a recent shutoff
- low or exhausted deliverable fuel
- broken heating or cooling equipment
- another health or safety risk tied to home energy service
Crisis definitions vary by state and by program component, so the exact emergency standard depends on local rules.
How much energy assistance can I receive?
The amount of LIHEAP assistance a household receives depends on factors such as household size, income, fuel type, climate, home energy burden, and local program design. LIHEAP is not intended to cover the full cost of household energy use.
Use the state selector near the top of this guide to review the currently published benefit ranges and program dates for your state or territory.
How will I receive LIHEAP benefits?
LIHEAP benefits are usually paid directly to the utility company or fuel vendor that serves your household. If heat is included in your rent, the payment may instead be sent to your landlord or property manager.
Most regular LIHEAP assistance is not a monthly cash benefit. It is commonly issued as a single payment for the relevant heating, cooling, or crisis component, with timing handled by the local agency.
Applying for LIHEAP
To receive LIHEAP benefits, you must apply in the state, territory, or tribal service area where you live. Depending on where you live, you may be able to apply in one or more of the following ways:
- online
- by phone
- in person
- by mail
- by email
- by fax
Most locations use community action agencies, county departments, or other local partners to process applications. The state contact table below gives you the published state or territory program website and phone number, and the state selector near the top of this guide shows the currently published program windows.
If you have a shutoff notice, dangerously low fuel, broken equipment, or someone medically vulnerable in the home, say that immediately when you contact the agency. Crisis processing rules are often different from regular seasonal applications.
Information Needed to Apply for LIHEAP
During the LIHEAP application process, you will usually need to provide a variety of information, such as:
- personal information: full names, dates of birth, and Social Security numbers when requested for household members
- income information: wages, benefits, or other income for household members who must be counted
- utility information: current utility or fuel account details
- citizenship or qualified noncitizen information: for the household member used to establish eligibility
- crisis information: shutoff notices, low-fuel situations, or repair issues when relevant
Documents Needed to Apply for LIHEAP
In order to verify that information, the agency may ask for some of the following documents during the LIHEAP application process.
Documents Verifying Personal Information and Identity
- Driver's license
- State-issued ID
- Student ID
- Social Security card
- Birth certificate
Documents Verifying Income
- Recent pay stubs
- Bank statements
- Tax returns
- Employer letter
- W-2 or 1099
Documents Verifying Utility Information
- Current utility bill
- Past due statement
- Notice of disconnect or imminent shutoff
- Copy of rental agreement if utilities are included in rent and the lease lists the rent amount and landlord contact information
Documents Verifying Citizenship
- Birth certificate
- U.S. passport
- Social Security card
- Permanent resident card (green card)
- Certificate of Naturalization
Documents Verifying Residency
- Copy of lease
- Mortgage documents
- Utility bills
- Property tax documents
If you need help soon
If your energy bill is already becoming a problem, take these steps now:
- Pull your latest utility or fuel bill.
- Confirm who should be counted in the household.
- Gather your most recent proof of income.
- Call your state LIHEAP office or NEAR at
1-866-674-6327. - Ask whether regular assistance, crisis help, or both are currently available in your area.
- Ask whether your utility company also offers a separate hardship or arrears program that can be used alongside LIHEAP.
You can also go deeper with our related LIHEAP guides:
- Your Free Guide to the LIHEAP Application Process
- What To Expect After Submitting A LIHEAP Application
We are not affiliated with the government. This guide is an informational resource designed to help you get to the correct official LIHEAP office and published program information faster.
