LIHEAP Energy Help
$300-1,500 toward utility bills.
What LIHEAP is
- Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program.
- Federal funding, state-run.
- Helps pay heat + electric bills.
- Especially seniors + disabled (priority).
- Crisis assistance for shutoffs.
- Once a year benefit usually.
Eligibility
- Income up to 150% of poverty (~$23,500/year individual 2026).
- Some states 200% (~$31K/yr).
- Renters AND owners eligible.
- Even if utilities included in rent.
- Senior priority — apply first.
- Apply early — funds run out.
How much you get
- $300-1,500/year typical.
- Higher in cold-winter states.
- Crisis grant: $400-800 emergency for shutoff.
- Paid directly to utility company.
- One-time per year (some states 2x).
Apply
- Find state office at acl.gov/programs/older-adults/LIHEAP-and-related.
- Or 1-866-674-6327.
- Bring: ID, SS#, recent utility bill, income proof.
- Apply by phone, online, or in person.
- Apply NOVEMBER — open enrollment.
- Funds run out — apply early in season.
Weatherization Assistance
- FREE home weatherization (insulation, heating, etc.).
- Same income limits as LIHEAP.
- $8,000+ home improvements free.
- Reduces bills 25%+.
- Apply with LIHEAP — usually same office.
- Water heater + furnace replacement included.
Utility company programs
- Most utilities have senior + low-income discounts.
- "CARE program" in California.
- "LiHEAP" in many other states (state-funded supplement).
- Budget billing — same amount each month, easier budgeting.
- Senior discount programs — call utility company.
- Energy audit — free from utility, finds savings.
Save more on bills
Smart thermostat — $150 saves $200/yr. LED bulbs — pay back in months. Insulate water heater — $30 wrap saves $50/yr. Caulk windows + doors — $20 saves $100/yr. Energy Star appliances when replacing. Combine LIHEAP + savings = lower bills.