How To Apply for LIHEAP: Documents You’ll Need and Where To Apply

The Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) helps eligible households with heating and cooling costs. This can include a one-time payment toward your energy bill, emergency help to avoid shutoffs, or help with weatherization in some areas.

HowToGetAssistance.org is an independent information site. It does not take applications, make eligibility decisions, or provide benefits. To actually apply, you must go through official LIHEAP offices or portals in your state or tribe.

This guide walks you through what LIHEAP is, which documents to gather, and how and where to apply through the proper channels.

What LIHEAP Is and Who Usually Qualifies

LIHEAP is a federally funded program that is run by states, territories, and tribal organizations. The exact rules and processes vary by location, but the main goal is similar everywhere: help low-income households manage home energy costs.

Types of help LIHEAP may offer

Depending on your area, LIHEAP can sometimes help with:

• Heating bills (electric, gas, oil, propane, wood, pellets)
• Cooling bills (electricity for air conditioning)
• Crisis or emergency assistance (to prevent shutoff or restore service)
• Furnace or AC repair/replacement in some programs
• Weatherization referrals (insulation, sealing leaks, etc.)

Not every state or tribal program offers every type of assistance, and funding is usually limited. Many programs open during specific heating or cooling seasons.

Common eligibility factors

Eligibility rules are set by each state or tribal organization, but they often look at:

• Household income (usually compared to a percentage of federal poverty guidelines or state median income)
• Household size
• Energy burden (how large energy bills are compared to your income)
• Vulnerable members (such as young children, older adults, or people with disabilities)
• Citizenship or immigration status requirements, which vary by state

Many programs focus on helping households with the highest energy burden or emergency situations first.

➡️ Key tip: Even if you’re not sure you qualify, you can usually ask your local LIHEAP office or visit your state’s official benefits website to check basic eligibility rules.

When To Apply for LIHEAP

LIHEAP is usually seasonal, and funding can run out before the end of the year.

Typical patterns (these vary by state):

• Heating assistance: Often opens in the fall or early winter
• Cooling assistance: Often opens in late spring or summer
• Crisis/emergency help: May be available year-round, depending on funds

Many states have application windows with specific open and close dates.

➡️ Important:Apply as early as possible in the season. Waiting until you already have a shutoff notice may make things more stressful, even if emergency help is available.

Documents You Usually Need To Apply for LIHEAP

The exact documents depend on your state or tribal program, but most offices ask for proof of:

• Identity
• Residence
• Household income
• Energy costs

Gathering these before you apply can help reduce delays.

1. Proof of identity

You may be asked to show ID for the person applying and sometimes for other adult household members.

Common examples:

• Driver’s license or state ID
• Tribal ID card
• Passport
• Military ID
• Birth certificate (sometimes requested, especially for children)
• Social Security card or official SSA document (if required in your state)

2. Proof of address / residency

Offices need to confirm you live at the address where the energy bill is charged.

Examples:

• Recent utility bill with your name and address
• Lease or rental agreement
• Mortgage statement
• Official mail (Social Security, SNAP, TANF, unemployment, etc.) with your current address

If the utility bill is not in your name, you may need:

• A statement from the person whose name is on the bill explaining you live there, and/or
• A letter from your landlord and your own mail showing the same address

3. Proof of household income

LIHEAP offices typically look at all household income for a set period, like the last 30 days, last 3 months, or last year.

Common income documents:

• Pay stubs (most recent, covering the requested period)
• Employer wage statement or letter
• Unemployment benefit statements
• Social Security or SSI award letter
• Pension or retirement benefit letter
• Child support or alimony documentation
• Self-employment records (e.g., profit and loss statement, tax forms)
• Recent tax return (some offices accept this, especially for self-employed)

If someone in your household has no income, you may be asked to complete a “zero income” form or statement.

4. Energy bill and account information

Since LIHEAP usually pays the utility company directly, they’ll need details about your energy account.

Have ready:

• Your most recent heating or cooling bill
• Account number
• Name of the utility company
• Any shutoff notices or past-due notices (if you are in crisis)
• For delivered fuels (oil, propane, wood, pellets):
  • Vendor name and contact
  • Customer account number, if you have one
  • Recent delivery invoice or statement

5. Household composition and special circumstances

You may need to show:

• Names and dates of birth for everyone in your home
• Social Security numbers if required in your state (or alternative documentation where applicable)
• Proof of disability if it affects your priority status (for example, a benefits letter or disability award letter)
• Any documentation showing pregnancy, young children, or older adults living in the home (some states prioritize these households)

Quick Reference: Common LIHEAP Documents

Always double-check with your local LIHEAP office or state benefits agency for the exact list they require.

Where and How To Apply for LIHEAP

You cannot apply through HowToGetAssistance.org. To apply, you must use an official LIHEAP office or application portal in your state, territory, or tribal organization.

The main ways people typically apply are:

• Online through an official state or tribal benefits portal
• By phone through the program’s official hotline
• In person at a local LIHEAP or community action agency office
• By mail or fax, in some areas

Step 1: Find your official LIHEAP agency

Who runs LIHEAP depends on where you live. It might be:

• The state Department of Human Services
• The state Department of Social Services
• The Department of Community or Economic Development
• A tribal government or tribal social services department
• A local Community Action Agency (CAA) contracted to run LIHEAP

Ways to identify the correct official office:

1. Call 211 (available in many areas) and ask for “the LIHEAP office” or “energy assistance.”
2. Contact your local Department of Human Services or Social Services and ask which agency handles LIHEAP.
3. Look for your state’s official “energy assistance” or “LIHEAP” page on a .gov site or your tribal government’s official site.
4. Ask your utility company’s customer service which local office administers LIHEAP.

Step 2: Choose how you will apply

Once you find the correct office, ask which application methods are available in your area:

1. Applying online

Many states offer an online benefits portal where you can:

• Create an account
• Complete the LIHEAP application
• Upload supporting documents
• Check messages from the agency

Online applications are often:

• Faster to submit
• Available 24/7 during the open season

You will need:

• Access to the internet
• Ability to scan or photograph documents and upload them

2. Applying by phone

Some LIHEAP programs:

• Take applications by phone or
• Use the phone line mainly to schedule in-person or virtual appointments

When calling the official LIHEAP or state benefits hotline, be prepared to:

• Provide basic information about your household, income, and utility bills
• Ask what documents are required
• Ask how and where to submit your documents (mail, fax, upload, or drop-off)

3. Applying in person

In some areas, especially for first-time applicants or crisis assistance, you may be asked to:

• Visit a local office in person, or
• Attend an appointment at a community action agency

If so:

• Ask whether you need an appointment or if they allow walk-ins
• Bring original documents and copies if possible
• Bring your utility bill and any shutoff or disconnection notices

4. Applying by mail or fax

Some agencies accept paper applications that you:

• Pick up from the office or request by mail
• Fill out at home
• Return by mail or fax along with copies of your documents

If you use this method:

• Make sure the address or fax number is the official LIHEAP or state agency line
• Keep copies of everything you send
• Use tracking for important mail if you can

Typical LIHEAP Application Steps

While each state or tribe has its own process, a typical sequence looks like this:

1. Find your official LIHEAP agency and check the application season.
2. Gather documents: ID, proof of income, recent utility bill, etc.
3. Submit an application through the official portal, office, or hotline.
4. Provide all required documentation (uploaded, mailed, faxed, or brought in person).
5. Complete an interview, if required (by phone, online, or in person).
6. Wait for a determination notice (approval, denial, or request for more information).
7. If approved, the payment is typically sent directly to your utility provider or fuel vendor.

What Happens After You Apply

After your application and documents are submitted, the agency will:

• Review your household size and income
• Look at your energy usage and costs
• Check whether there are vulnerable members in your household (like young children or older adults)
• Determine your benefit amount, if you qualify

How long it may take

Processing times vary, but it’s common for decisions to take:

• Several days to a few weeks, depending on:
  • Time of year (peak seasons can be slower)
  • Whether you applied for regular assistance or crisis help
  • How quickly you submit complete documents

For crisis or shutoff situations, some programs have faster response timelines. Ask your local office what to expect.

How payments are usually made

In most cases:

• LIHEAP pays directly to the utility company or fuel vendor
• You receive a notice by mail, email, or portal message showing:
  • Whether you were approved or denied
  • The amount of assistance
  • Which bill the payment was applied to

You generally won’t get cash directly from LIHEAP.

Common Reasons for Delays or Denials

Understanding common issues can help you avoid problems with your LIHEAP application.

Frequent causes of delays

• Missing documents (no proof of income, no utility bill, etc.)
• Incomplete application forms
• Unclear income records, especially for self-employed households
• Difficulty verifying residence or household members
• Applying after the seasonal program has closed or funding is nearly exhausted

➡️ To reduce delays, make sure your application is complete, legible, and consistent with your supporting documents.

Common reasons for denials

Each state or tribe sets its own policies, but typical reasons for denial can include:

• Income above the program’s limit for your household size
• Not responsible for paying energy costs (for example, utilities fully included in rent and not billed to you—though some states still help in these situations)
• Not enough documentation to confirm eligibility
• Applying outside the open season when funds are not available
• Already received the maximum benefit allowed for that program year

If you are denied, your notice should explain the reason and provide information about appeal or review options.

How Appeals and Reviews Usually Work

If you disagree with a LIHEAP decision, most agencies allow you to:

• Ask for a review or reconsideration, or
• File a formal appeal or fair hearing request

Typical steps:

1. Read your decision letter carefully
   Look for:

   • The reason you were denied or given a certain benefit amount
   • The deadline to request an appeal (often 10–30 days)

2. Contact the office promptly

   • Ask, “How do I appeal this decision?” or “How do I request a hearing?”
   • Ask if they can re-review your case informally if you have new documents

3. Submit your appeal in writing, if required

   • Explain why you disagree
   • Include any missing or new documents

4. Attend the hearing or review appointment, if scheduled

   • Be prepared to explain your situation clearly
   • Bring copies of all documents related to your income, bills, and the denial

The appeal process is handled by the official state or tribal agency, not by information websites.

If You Don’t Qualify or Need More Help

If you are not eligible for LIHEAP, or the benefit does not fully cover your bill, there may be other resources:

1. Utility company programs

Many utility providers offer:

• Budget billing or levelized payment plans
• Payment arrangements to spread out past-due amounts
• Hardship funds or charitable programs for customers facing a crisis
• Senior, disabled, or low-income discounts, in some areas

Call your utility company’s customer service and ask about:

• “Energy assistance programs”
• “Payment plans”
• “Low-income discounts”

2. Other community resources

You may find help through:

• Community Action Agencies
• Local charities, churches, or faith-based organizations
• Salvation Army or similar nonprofits
• United Way affiliates or other community funds

You can:

• Dial 211 (in many regions) and ask about energy assistance or utility help
• Contact your local social services or human services department and ask what programs are available

3. Weatherization and energy efficiency

Some states connect LIHEAP households with:

• Weatherization Assistance Programs (insulation, air sealing, minor repairs)
• Energy audits or efficiency improvements

Ask your LIHEAP office if there are weatherization or efficiency programs you can be referred to.

How To Make Sure You’re Using Official Channels (Avoiding Scams)

Because LIHEAP is a government-funded program, it is sometimes targeted by scammers. A few basic checks can help you stay safe.

Warning signs:

• Someone asks you to pay a fee to apply for LIHEAP
• A website that is not an official government or known nonprofit site claims you can “get guaranteed approval”
• Unsolicited calls, texts, or messages asking for your full Social Security number, bank details, or photos of your debit card
• High-pressure tactics like “Apply through us now or lose your benefits forever”

Safer practices:

• Use state or tribal government websites (often ending in .gov), or call known local agencies and hotlines
• Confirm phone numbers from official directories or your utility bill
• Never pay anyone to submit a LIHEAP application for you
• Ask directly, “Are you the official LIHEAP office for my county or tribe?”

Remember: HowToGetAssistance.org does not process applications or charge fees. It’s for information only.

By understanding what LIHEAP is, which documents to prepare, and where to apply, you can take the next step with your local official LIHEAP agency or state benefits office and submit a complete, timely application through the proper channels.