Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP)
The Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) is a federally funded initiative administered by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services and operated through state and tribal agencies. The program helps households with limited income pay for home energy costs, including heating and cooling bills. LIHEAP assistance can also be directed toward energy emergencies such as utility shutoff notices, and certain states offer funds for minor weatherization improvements or home repairs that reduce energy expenses.
Assistance provided through LIHEAP is deposited directly into the household's energy account and does not require repayment. However, the program operates with limited annual funding that often depletes during peak seasons when demand is highest. Households interested in applying should contact their state or tribal agency early in the heating or cooling season to maximize their chances of receiving support before funds are exhausted.
Eligibility requirements, benefit amounts, and application procedures vary by state and tribe, as each administers the program according to local income thresholds and operational guidelines. The application process itself is free of charge. Households should be cautious of any third-party service claiming to charge a fee for LIHEAP assistance, as such requests are a sign of potential fraud.
LIHEAP represents one approach to managing energy costs for eligible households, though competition for limited funds means approval is not assured. Interested applicants should contact their state or tribal energy assistance office directly to determine eligibility and begin the application process.
Avoid grant scams
Legitimate grants are free to apply for. Walk away from anyone who:
- guarantees you a grant, or says you were 'selected' for money you never applied for;
- charges an upfront 'processing', 'application', or 'grant kit' fee;
- asks for your bank-account or card number to 'deposit' a grant;
- pressures you to act immediately.
Verify any program directly at its official .gov site, and report fraud at reportfraud.ftc.gov. More on our grant-scam awareness page.
Official sources: HHS Administration for Children & Families — Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP). This page is educational information, not financial or legal advice; grants are competitive and never guaranteed. See our sources & how-we-work policy.
Frequently asked questions
Who qualifies for low income home energy assistance program (liheap)?
Low-income households that need help paying heating or cooling bills; income limits vary by state. Open to women and men alike..
Does low income home energy assistance program (liheap) have to be repaid?
This is benefit (not a loan, not repaid). Loans must be repaid, usually with interest.
Is there a fee to apply?
No. Applying for legitimate funding is free. Anyone charging a fee to 'get you a grant' is a scam — see our scam-awareness page.
How do I apply for low income home energy assistance program (liheap)?
Apply through your state or tribal LIHEAP office; find contacts via acf.hhs.gov.
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