How to Apply for LIHEAP: Application Tips for Seniors

The Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) is federal money, but every state runs its own version, often under a different name, with its own dates and forms. That is why advice about LIHEAP is so often vague. This guide sticks to what federal law requires of every state, and uses two state programs, Ohio's and Pennsylvania's, to show how much the details can differ.

Is LIHEAP funded this winter?

Yes, for now. On October 9, 2026, the federal Office of Community Services released $3.63 billion in LIHEAP block grants for fiscal year 2027 to states, territories and tribes. That money comes from a temporary spending law (a continuing resolution) signed on September 2, 2026, and is 90% of the yearly amount that law provides. A state can draw its share once its fiscal year 2027 LIHEAP plan is approved. Congress had not passed full-year funding as of October 20, 2026. The total for the year is not settled yet, which is one more reason to apply early.

Step 1: Check that you are likely to qualify

Federal law caps eligibility at 150% of the poverty guideline or 60% of your state's median income, whichever is higher. A state can set a lower limit, but not below 110% of the poverty guideline. For the program year running October 1, 2026 to September 30, 2027, 150% of the poverty guideline is $23,940 a year for one person and $32,460 for two (higher in Alaska and Hawaii). Our LIHEAP eligibility calculator checks your household against the federal limit in a few seconds.

Federal law also lets states treat a household as income-eligible if someone in it gets SSI, SNAP, TANF or a means-tested VA pension, and most states do. If you get one of these, mention it on the application.

LIHEAP gives priority to households with the lowest incomes and the highest energy costs compared with their income. Many states also give more help, or earlier access, to households with someone 60 or older. Ohio, for example, counts having a member 60 or older as a factor in the benefit amount.

Step 2: Find where to apply

LIHEAP applications go through local agencies. Depending on your state, that can be a community action agency, the county social services office, a state online portal, or your area agency on aging. Ways to find the right one:

• NEAR hotline: 1-866-674-6327, weekdays 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. Eastern. This is the federal referral line listed by HHS.
• energyhelp.us: the federal site for where and how to apply, in English, Spanish and Chinese.
• 2-1-1: local information and referral, which can also point you to charity heating funds if LIHEAP has closed.
• Your area agency on aging: some take LIHEAP applications for older adults, and many can help you fill them out.

Step 3: Know your state's dates

There is no national application season. Two neighboring states show the range:

Most states pay until the year's money runs out, and some close early. If your state is already open, apply this week. If it has not opened yet, find out the opening date now and have your documents ready.

Step 4: Gather your documents

Each state sets its own list, so ask the office. Ohio's list is typical:

• A list of everyone in the household, with birth dates and Social Security numbers
• Proof of income for the last 30 days or the last 12 months for every member over 18 (for retirees, your Social Security award letter or SSA-1099, pension statements and bank statements showing deposits)
• Your most recent gas and electric bills, whatever the account status
• Proof of U.S. citizenship or legal residency
• Proof of disability, if it applies

Ohio warns that an application that is not fully completed, signed and documented will be delayed. If you heat with oil, propane or wood, bring a recent delivery receipt or your dealer's name and account number, since the payment usually goes to the dealer. If heat is included in your rent, say so: states must treat renters and homeowners fairly, and many have a separate way to help renters.

Lost your Social Security benefit letter? You can download one from your my Social Security account. Our guide to the SSA-1099 explains how to get a replacement tax form the same way.

Step 5: Apply, even if you cannot get to the office

Apply in whatever way your state offers: online, by phone, by mail or in person. If getting to an office is hard, ask for another way. For crisis benefits, federal law requires local agencies to take applications at sites people can reach, and to let people who are physically infirm either apply without leaving home or get help traveling to the site. States must also do outreach aimed at older and disabled households, so local agencies are used to helping homebound applicants by mail, phone or a home visit.

A family member or caregiver can usually help fill out the form. Some states let an authorized representative apply for you. Ask the office how to set that up.

If your heat is about to be shut off

Most states set aside part of their LIHEAP money for energy crises: a shutoff notice, a disconnected utility, an empty fuel tank, or a broken furnace. Federal law sets the clock for eligible households:

• Within 48 hours of applying for crisis benefits, the agency must provide some form of help that resolves the crisis.
• Within 18 hours if the situation is life-threatening, such as no heat in freezing weather for someone who is frail or ill.

Say the word "crisis" or "emergency" when you call, and have the shutoff notice in hand. Many states also limit winter shutoffs or protect households with someone who is elderly or has a medical condition. See our utility shutoff protection guide for what to ask your utility.

After you apply

• The money usually goes to your utility or fuel dealer and shows up as a credit on your account. States that pay vendors directly must make sure you are not treated worse by the utility because you get help.
• It does not count as income. Federal law says LIHEAP help is not income or a resource for taxes or for any federal or state benefit, so it will not lower your SNAP, SSI or Medicaid.
• You can appeal. If you are denied, or your application is not acted on with reasonable promptness, the state must offer a fair hearing. Ask for the decision in writing and the deadline to appeal.
• Ask about the rest of the program. LIHEAP money can also pay for cooling in summer, weatherization, and repairing or replacing a heating system. Our weatherization assistance checker covers the separate Weatherization Assistance Program.
• Plan to apply again next year. Ask your office whether you need a new application each season. Pennsylvania, for example, says applying online through COMPASS makes it easier for returning applicants.

Watch for LIHEAP scams

HHS warns that LIHEAP does not give grants directly to individuals and never charges a fee. Anyone who calls, texts or posts online offering a "LIHEAP grant" or asking for a fee, a gift card or your bank login is running a scam. Report it to the HHS fraud hotline at 1-800-447-8477. For more warning signs, see Social Security and Medicare scam red flags.

Frequently Asked Questions

This article explains how to apply for LIHEAP as of October 20, 2026. Each state sets its own dates, forms, income limits and benefit amounts, and federal funding for the full 2027 fiscal year was not yet final. This is general educational information. See our disclaimer. Confirm details with your state LIHEAP office or the NEAR hotline at 1-866-674-6327.