What’s LIHEAP? And how can it help me pay my bills?

Here’s how you could get money to help pay your utilities this winter.

This article is updated as of December 22, 2022.

How to apply

1. Use this calculator to see if you’re eligible
2. Locate your state on this map and call your state’s LIHEAP office

Eligibility Calculator

LIHEAP Map Contact Listing

More Resources

• Call the toll-free phone number at 1-866-674-6327
  • Available Monday through Friday, from 7 a.m.- 5 p.m. (Mountain Time)
• Send an e-mail to: energy@ncat.org
• The Emergency Rental Assistance Program may be able to help pay for energy bills and utilities, too. Learn more at: Find Rental Assistance Programs in Your Area | Consumer Financial Protection Bureau. 

What’s LIHEAP?

• LIHEAP, otherwise known as the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program, was established in 1981. For over 40 years, this federally funded program has helped households pay for their utility bills, including heating and cooling
• Depending on where you live, you could also get help to deal with climate disasters, fix heating and cooling equipment, and more
• Additionally, some individual states offer additional financial assistance to help people cover their utilities

Background: How Additional Funding for LIHEAP Came About

• The CARES Act, which was signed into law on March 27, 2020, dedicated an additional $900 million toward LIHEAP
• The American Rescue Plan, which was signed into law on March 11, 2021, set aside $4.5 billion for LIHEAP
• The Inflation Reduction Act, which was signed into law on August 16, 2022, budgeted $8.5 billion for LIHEAP
• There may be additional increases in funding for this program through recent measures passed by Congress at the end of 2022