High electricity and heating costs can put severe stress on household budgets during extreme weather seasons. Through the federally backed and state-administered Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP), millions of households receive direct grant payments to keep power connected.
Types of LIHEAP Grants Available
State energy departments divide LIHEAP assistance into two primary grant categories designed to cover different emergency scenarios:
- Regular Energy Heating/Cooling Benefit: A direct one-time annual credit applied straight to your utility provider account to reduce overall balance totals.
- Crisis Energy Grant: Immediate emergency funding reserved for households facing an active utility shutoff notice, empty fuel oil tanks, or broken heating equipment.
Eligibility & Application Criteria
Eligibility is determined primarily by your household size and gross annual income level. Most states cap eligibility between 150% and 200% of the federal poverty guidelines. Priority is given to households with senior citizens, young children, or individuals with disabilities.
How to Apply
Applications are managed by local community action agencies or county social services offices. Contact your state’s LIHEAP hotline or visit your local Department of Social Services office to submit income documentation and utility bill statements.