Free Heating Assistance (LIHEAP): What It Is, Eligibility, Benefits & How to Apply Online

No one likes to be in a spot where they have to choose between groceries and warmth. But millions of families in the United States face this situation in the winter. Energy prices are climbing fast. Families who use electricity to heat their homes are paying 12.2% more than last year, while those who rely on gas are spending 8.4% more just to stay warm. And it’s not just a few people feeling the pressure. 

Today, nearly 1 out of every 6 U.S. households, which is about 21.5 million families, are already behind on their energy bills. National Energy Assistance Directors Association executive director Mark Wolf shared in a January 2026 report:

“These increases may be an inconvenience for higher-income households but for low- and middle-income families they are devastating.” 

This is the reason the government offers LIHEAP benefits. This cash and crisis benefits help low-income families manage their heating and cooling costs. In this guide, we will discuss what LIHEAP really is and who qualifies for free heating electricity assistance in 2026. We will also help about how to apply so you or your loved ones can stay warm in winters and cool in summers.

What is the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP)?

The LIHEAP as its name shows is an energy assistance program. This is a federal program that is available in 50 states, DC, tribal territories, and U.S. territories. LIHEAP covers bill costs, provides crisis benefits and also offers home improvements. Plus, they offer budget counseling and energy education to conserve resources. 

LIHEAP Applications for 2026 are OPEN

LIHEAP Applications for 2026 are open in many states till April 30, 2026. So make sure to apply at your county office or at the portal.

• California: Open 10/1/2025 – 9/30/2026.
• Pennsylvania: Open 12/3/2025 – 4/30/2026.
• Arizona/DC: Accepted year-round.
• Other States: Most began in Oct/Nov 2025 and run through April 2026

LHEAP applications end in March or April for most states. But ECIP applications are open till May and even September to provide immediate assistance. Missouri crisis applications are open till May 31, 2026. And California and Maryland have an ECIP deadline of 30 September 2026. People can get crisis benefits within 48 hours or a maximum of one week.

Who Qualifies for LIHEAP in 2026?

People who meet the basic eligibility requirements qualify for LIHEAP benefits in 2026:

• Low income within 150% to 200% on FPL
• Renters who pay heating costs
• Unemployed homeowners with high energy bills
• People with SNAP/ Medicaid/ SSI/ TANF benefits

LIHEAP does not have specific age requirements, but they give priority to:

• Seniors above 60
• People with disabilities
• Families with young children (under 6)
• Households facing shutoff notices
• People with medical needs that require electricity (oxygen machines)
• Have no oil or gas at home
• People with broken heating systems

What are the Income Guidelines for the Energy Assistance program?

Income guidelines for LIHEAP change every year. Some states rely on FPL while others go for State Median Income (SMI) to check eligibility. FPL is the standard income limit throughout the US. But SMI limits are designed for every state’s cost of living. FPL income ranges between 150% to 200% and SMI is at 60%. Here is what they count to calculate your gross income:

• Job income

• Social Security

• SSI / SSDI

• Unemployment

• Pension

Comparison of FPL vs SMI

Maximum Income Limits for LIHEAP 2026

LIHEAP Income limits vary for every state. This annual limit is $39,980 for 1 person and $76,886 for a family of 4. Whereas Massachusetts has an annual limit of $51,777 for a single person. LIHEAP annual income limits are $33,690 in AZ and $23,475 much lower for 1 person in PA.

Arizona uses 60% SMI till 9 or fewer members and then applies 150% FPL. The state of Florida has $32,155 annually ($2,680 monthly) for 1 person and $4,329 per month for a family of 3.

Here are the maximum monthly income limits so compare to see if you qualify:

What are the Benefits of LIHEAP?

LIHEAP not only provides cash benefits but also offers other services and assistance such as:

1. Home Energy Assistance Program (HEAP): HEAP covers your basic energy bills. It includes electricity, oil and wood costs that are meant for heating the home. Plus, it also covers bills for oxygen running machines which are important for survival.
2. Energy Crisis Intervention Program (ECIP): These crisis benefits are for those in emergencies. You can qualify faster if you have:

• A shutoff notice
• No heat or no fuel
• Broken heating equipment
• Less than 15 days of fuel
• A life-threatening heating situation

1. LIHEAP Weatherization: LIHEAP weatherization is the long term help to lower your bills. So they basically do insulation, seal air leaks, check ventilation and safety.
2. Education & Energy Budget Counselling: LIHEAP educates people on lowering energy consumption and manages future shutoffs.

How Much Cash Do You Get WIth LIHEAP Program?

LIHEAP provides one-time payments (per year) between $200 and $1,500. The cash benefits depend on your state, household, income and type of benefits. You don’t get cash in your hand but they directly clear your energy bills.

The LIHEAP cash grant for Pennsylvania is $200 to $1,000 but the crisis grant is between $25 to $1,000. Whereas Florida has heating & cooling grants of $400 to a $1,350 maximum. LIHEAP cash benefits for Oklahoma are $40 to $500 and crisis grants are $750.

How Can You Calculate Your LIHEAP Cash Benefits?

LIHEAP counts your gross income, type of fuel, number of family members and heating region to decide the amount. Calculating LIHEAP cash benefits gets confusing with different requirements in every state. You have to apply first to check how much you get or use the LIHEAP eligibility tool. Here are the LIHEAP average cash benefits for 2026:

How Can I Apply for the LIHEAP Program?

Every state has its own eligibility criteria and application process. So contact your county office or call at 1-866-674-6327 from 7 am-7 pm Eastern to get support. Some states require you to submit an application via mail. While you can apply online for many others. Make sure to gather all the required documents before starting to apply:

• Most recent electric/gas utility bills.

• Proof of income for the last 30 days  

• Photo ID for the applicant.

• Social Security cards for household members.

• Shut-off notices (if applicable)

LIHEAP takes 30 days to review and approve applications. You’ll get a letter via mail or email so keep track.

What Happened During the LIHEAP Assistance Program Layoffs?

The Trump administration laid off all federal staff who manage LIHEAP in April 2025. About two dozen people lost their jobs. And the initial 2026 budget even tried to cut LIHEAP funding to zero, which caused more worry. People raised multiple questions about what is going to happen next. But some state programs kept running, but with a lot of delays and challenges. 

So President Trump signed a spending bill with $4.05 billion for LIHEAP in February 2026. Most of the money ($3.7 billion) was sent to states in late November 2025 for the winter heating season. As of March 2026, federal staff have not been rehired and states are still facing delays.

Conclusion

LIHEAP is a free heating assistance program to help low income families stay warm in winter. They also provide cooling assistance in summer. So the government covers their energy bills and also offers crisis benefits. LIHEAP income limits change for every state. Some rely on SMI while others use FPL to find eligible people.

Plus, the cash benefits also differ widely. You have to apply to check how much cash you get. Find your county or state office website to apply online. Some states rely on mail so make sure to send the application via mail. 

FAQs

What is the LIHEAP assistance phone number?

The LIHEAP hotline number is 1-866-674-6327. You can contact them for assistance or your county’s office.

How do I apply for LIHEAP in New Jersey?

You can apply for LIHEAP via the NJ website. Or contact New Jersey customer support at 1-800-510-3102 for assistance. 

How long does LIHEAP Assistance last?

LIHEAP is a one-time payment in a year and its applications open every year.

What to do if you have a shut-off notice in March?

Call 211 to contact your local office and apply for LIHEAP crisis benefits. You can request a medical hold if someone is using machines for health purposes like an oxygen machine. This medical hold delay shut offs.