Help paying heating and electric bills

What LIHEAP can pay for

LIHEAP funds can help with home heating bills, preventing energy shutoffs, reconnecting service, making homes more energy efficient, and repairing or replacing heating equipment (HHS ACF ↗). It is unlikely to cover your entire bill for the year; it is not designed to (HHS ACF FAQ ↗).

How to apply

1. Find your state or local LIHEAP office through energyhelp.us, the site HHS points to (HHS ACF ↗).
2. Or call the National Energy Assistance Referral hotline at 866-674-6327 (CFPB ↗).
3. Have ready: ID, proof of income for the household and a recent utility bill.
4. If a shutoff notice has arrived, say so — many programs have crisis help.

Each state has its own rules about when and how to apply and who qualifies (HHS ACF ↗).

Call your utility

• Ask for a payment arrangement on the past-due amount.
• Ask about budget billing to spread winter costs over the year.
• Ask whether your state has winter shutoff protections and how to qualify.

Other help

211 can help you find local help with rent and utility bills (CFPB ↗). See also help paying rent.

If you still need to borrow

Compare a credit union PAL or an app advance first. Avoid payday and title loans for a bill that will come back next month.

Questions

Who can get LIHEAP?

Eligibility is set by each state within federal rules, mainly by household income. Ask your local office.

Can LIHEAP stop a shutoff?

LIHEAP funds can be used to prevent shutoffs and reconnect service, depending on your state’s program.

Is LIHEAP a loan?

No. It is assistance that you do not repay.