If you can't afford to pay your home heating or cooling bill, you may be able to get help from the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) program.
Eligibility requirements are set by your local LIHEAP office and will varies by state, city, or region. If you are receiving other benefits, such as Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), Supplemental Security Income (SSI), Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF or welfare), or certain needs-tested veterans benefits, you may be automatically eligible. Whether or not you receive help depends on how much LIHEAP funding is available for the year. Unfortunately, on average, about 20% of households that are qualified for LIHEAP receive benefits. Check the average LIHEAP eligibility requirements.
Because each state has different rules about when you can apply, how you apply, and the criteria you have to meet to get help, you must contact your local LIHEAP office for application details. Find a list of local intake agencies for your county at LIHEAP Local Providers.
If you applied for LIHEAP but were told that there wasn't any LIHEAP money left or if your income is too high to qualify for LIHEAP but you need help paying for your energy bills, there are other options.
LIHEAP funding varies from year to year and funds also run out, so know that being qualified for LIHEAP does not guarantee that you will receive help. Quite often, states, tribes, and territories run out of LIHEAP money before they have served everyone that is eligible. You should contact your local LIEHEAP office to find out if LIHEAP benefits may be available later. For example, sometimes an energy crisis program opens up after the regular heating or cooling assistance program is closed.
You should also ask your local LIHEAP office, your local community action agency, or your local social services agency if there is help available from other sources, such as other federal programs, state programs, local organizations, or private "fuel funds." You can also contact your gas, oil, or electric company and ask about budget billing programs or new payment options especially for customers with disabilities who are on Supplemental Security Income (SSI).