LIHEAP Crisis Assistance: How to Get Help With Shutoff Notices and Energy Emergencies

When you get a shutoff notice or your utilities are already disconnected, you usually cannot wait for normal assistance timelines. Many states offer LIHEAP crisis assistance to help low‑income households deal with heat, electricity, or fuel emergencies.

This guide explains how LIHEAP crisis assistance typically works, who may qualify, what to do if your service is at risk, and how to move forward through official agencies and portals.

HowToGetAssistance.org is an informational site. It does not process applications, make eligibility decisions, or provide direct financial help. To apply or get a decision, you must use your state or local LIHEAP office or other official channels.

What Is LIHEAP Crisis Assistance?

The Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) is a federal program that helps eligible households with home energy costs. States, tribes, and territories run their own versions of LIHEAP, including regular (non‑emergency) help and, in many places, crisis or emergency assistance.

LIHEAP crisis assistance usually means:

• Extra or faster help when your heat or power is about to be shut off
• Emergency support if you have already been disconnected
• Help when you are out of fuel (like heating oil, propane, or wood)
• Sometimes, temporary help when your heating or cooling equipment fails

Each state defines “crisis” or “emergency” in its own way, but it typically involves an immediate threat to your health or safety due to energy issues.

When Does a Shutoff Notice Count as a Crisis?

Most states treat the following as an energy crisis for LIHEAP:

• You received a disconnection or shutoff notice with a deadline
• Your service has already been shut off
• You have less than a certain amount of fuel (for example, less than a week of heating oil or propane)
• Your main heating or cooling system is broken and you cannot afford to fix it, especially in extreme weather
• You received a final notice or “red tag” indicating immediate risk of shutoff

To find out what counts in your area, contact:

• Your local LIHEAP office
• The state energy assistance agency
• Your county social services or human services department

Ask specifically whether your situation meets the state’s definition of a LIHEAP crisis or emergency case.

Who Typically Qualifies for LIHEAP Crisis Assistance?

Eligibility rules vary by state, but common factors include:

1. Income

Most states require your household income to be at or below a certain percentage of the Federal Poverty Level or state median income. Some states set slightly higher income limits for crisis cases, especially when vulnerable household members are involved.

You will usually need to show recent income (for example, last 30, 60, or 90 days).

2. Residence and Utility Account

You typically must:

• Live in the state where you are applying
• Be responsible for the energy bill (your name or another adult household member’s name is on the account), or
• Show you pay energy costs indirectly through rent (such as heat included in rent)

3. Crisis Situation

You usually must prove an immediate energy emergency, such as:

• A shutoff notice with a due date
• A disconnection notice or proof your service is already off
• A fuel delivery slip showing you are nearly out
• A repair estimate or notice showing a broken furnace or unsafe equipment

4. Citizenship or Immigration Status

Some states have specific rules about who in the household must have eligible status. Staff at your local office can explain how this works where you live.

What Can LIHEAP Crisis Assistance Help With?

Crisis assistance usually focuses on stopping a shutoff or restoring safe service, including:

• Paying an overdue amount to prevent a shutoff
• Paying a reconnection fee or deposit required to restore service
• Paying for an emergency fuel delivery (oil, propane, kerosene, wood, pellets)
• In some states, helping cover temporary heating or cooling solutions
• In limited cases, repairing or replacing unsafe or non‑working heating systems

Programs often pay the utility or fuel vendor directly, not the household.

Not all states cover all types of emergencies, and there are maximum benefit limits, especially for crisis aid. Ask your local LIHEAP office what types of bills or emergencies they can help with.

What Documents Should You Gather for LIHEAP Crisis Help?

Having documents ready can speed up your crisis request. Offices may ask for:

Proof of identity and household

• Photo ID for the primary applicant (driver’s license, state ID, etc.)
• Social Security numbers (or documentation used in your state) for household members, when required
• Birthdates for each household member

Proof of residence

• Current lease or rental agreement
• Recent mail showing your name and address (bill, letter from agency, etc.)

Proof of income

• Recent pay stubs for all working adults (usually 30–90 days)
• Benefit letters for Social Security, SSI, TANF, unemployment, pensions
• Proof of child support or alimony received
• If no income: a zero-income statement or explanation form (often provided by the office)

Energy crisis documents

• The shutoff or disconnection notice (do not throw it away)
• The latest utility bill showing the past-due amount
• For fuel: recent delivery slip or a note from the vendor about your remaining fuel
• For broken systems: repair estimate, inspection report, or a note from a licensed technician if required

Other helpful papers

• Proof of disability, pregnancy, or medical vulnerabilities if your state prioritizes these cases
• Proof of rent or mortgage if requested

If you are missing some documents, the local office may still start your case and give you a short time to submit the rest.

How LIHEAP Crisis Processing Usually Works

The steps and timelines differ by state, but crisis cases generally move faster than regular LIHEAP applications.

1. Identify the Right Office or Hotline

You may be able to start a crisis request through:

• Your state LIHEAP website or benefits portal
• A local community action agency
• Your county social services / human services office
• A state or local energy assistance hotline

Look up “[your state] LIHEAP” or “energy assistance [your county]” and ensure you are on an official .gov or recognized agency site. You can also call 211 in many areas and ask for “LIHEAP” or “energy crisis assistance.”

2. Request Crisis/Emergency Help

When you contact the office, clearly state:

• You have a shutoff notice or your service is already off
• The shutoff or disconnection date
• If anyone in the home is elderly, very young, or has serious health issues that could be affected by loss of heat or cooling (without giving medical details)

Ask specifically how to request LIHEAP crisis assistance and whether there is a separate form from the regular LIHEAP application.

3. Submit an Application (Sometimes With Extra Crisis Forms)

Expect to:

• Fill out a LIHEAP application (paper, online, or by phone depending on your state)
• Sometimes complete an additional crisis request form
• Provide documents described earlier, especially the shutoff notice or disconnection letter

Some offices may allow you to start the process by phone and then drop off or upload documents.

4. Verification and Timelines

For crisis cases, many states try to decide within a short timeframe such as:

• 24–48 hours for life‑threatening emergencies, or
• A few business days for other urgent situations

Timeframes vary, and busy periods (extreme cold or heat) can slow things down. Staff may:

• Verify your situation with the utility or fuel vendor
• Confirm your income and household size
• Check whether you have received other LIHEAP help this season

If your situation is very urgent, tell them. Some offices have internal priority levels.

5. Payment to the Utility or Vendor

If you are approved:

• The payment is usually sent directly to the utility company or fuel vendor
• The office may notify the utility that a payment is promised so they can delay or stop a shutoff
• You may get a notice or letter telling you the benefit amount and what bill it was applied to

You are usually responsible for watching your account and confirming the utility has posted the payment and restored service if it was off.

Typical Timelines: Crisis vs. Regular LIHEAP

Below is a simple comparison. Actual times differ by state and season.

*These are general patterns, not guarantees. Check with your local LIHEAP office for specific timelines in your area.

What If the Shutoff Date Is Very Soon?

If your shutoff date is in a day or two, act quickly:

1. Call the utility company

   • Explain you are applying for LIHEAP crisis assistance
   • Ask if they can hold off on disconnection while the agency processes your case
   • Ask if they work directly with LIHEAP and how they handle promised payments

2. Contact your local LIHEAP or energy assistance office immediately

   • Tell them your shutoff date and whether you already submitted an application
   • Ask about any same‑day or next‑day emergency procedures

3. Ask about other local emergency options

   • Some communities have charity funds, church programs, or emergency grants to fill gaps that LIHEAP cannot cover.

If you can safely pay part of the bill, it may help you negotiate a temporary payment arrangement with the utility while LIHEAP processes your case.

Common Reasons Crisis Requests Are Delayed or Denied

Even in emergencies, applications can run into problems. Some common issues include:

• Missing documents: No shutoff notice, no ID, or incomplete income proof
• Income too high for the state’s LIHEAP eligibility rules
• Already received the maximum benefit for the season
• The situation does not meet the state’s definition of “crisis”
• The bill is for a non‑eligible utility (such as a phone, cable, or non‑primary residence)
• Applying after the program season is closed (some states have limited crisis seasons)

If you are denied, the notice usually explains:

• Why you were denied
• Whether you can appeal or request a hearing
• How long you have to file the appeal

How Appeals and Reviews Usually Work

If you believe the decision was incorrect:

1. Read the denial notice carefully

   • Look for the section about appeals or fair hearings
   • Note deadlines (for example, you may have 10–30 days)

2. Submit an appeal in writing when possible

   • Include your name, case number, and contact information
   • State that you are appealing the LIHEAP decision
   • Briefly explain why you think it is wrong or incomplete (for example, “income was counted incorrectly” or “shutoff notice was not considered”)

3. Prepare for the review or hearing

   • Gather bills, notices, incomes proofs, and any updated documents
   • Be ready to explain your crisis situation step by step

Appeal procedures vary by state; some use state hearings, while others handle disputes through a local review process. The instructions on your notice are the best guide for your area.

What If You Don’t Qualify or LIHEAP Isn’t Enough?

LIHEAP crisis assistance may not cover everything you owe, or you may not qualify at all. In that case, you can consider:

1. Payment Arrangements With the Utility

Ask your utility company about:

• Payment plans to spread the balance over time
• Budget billing to even out costs
• Forgiveness or hardship programs they may operate directly

Explain your situation honestly and mention that you tried LIHEAP or other aid.

2. Other Local or Charitable Programs

You may be able to find:

• Emergency funds run by local charities or community groups
• Faith‑based organizations offering small grants or one‑time help
• Salvation Army, Catholic Charities, or similar agencies in your area

Call 211 where available and ask for energy assistance, utility help, or emergency financial help.

3. Other Government and Community Resources

In some areas, the following may provide additional support:

• Community action agencies
• Housing or homeless prevention programs
• General assistance from county social services
• Weatherization programs to reduce your energy use over the long term

Ask your local LIHEAP office or county social services what else might be available locally.

Staying Safe From Scams When Seeking Crisis Help

When you’re under pressure from a shutoff notice, it can be easier to fall for scams. To protect yourself:

• Verify you are on an official site. Look for .gov for state sites, or well‑known community agencies. Avoid sites that ask for large upfront fees.
• Be cautious with anyone guaranteeing approval. No legitimate LIHEAP office can promise you will be approved or tell you they can “speed it up for a fee.”
• Do not pay to apply. LIHEAP applications are free. There may be no charge to talk with an official caseworker about your situation.
• Guard your personal information. Only share Social Security numbers, IDs, or account numbers with verified agencies and utilities.
• If you are unsure, call your local LIHEAP office directly using a number listed on a state or county government page, or dial 211 and ask for help locating the correct agency.

Quick Checklist: Steps to Take After a Shutoff Notice

1. Keep the notice – do not throw it away.
2. Contact the utility – explain you are seeking assistance and ask for more time if possible.
3. Find your local LIHEAP office – through your state benefits portal, county social services, or by calling 211.
4. Ask for LIHEAP crisis or emergency assistance – explain your shutoff deadline or disconnection.
5. Gather key documents – ID, income proof, utility bills, and the shutoff notice.
6. Submit your application and any crisis forms – follow your state’s official process (online, phone, mail, or in person).
7. Follow up – confirm your application was received and ask about expected timelines.
8. Explore backup options – local charities, payment plans, and other community resources if LIHEAP is not enough.

Using the official LIHEAP channels and acting quickly after a shutoff notice can give you the best chance of preventing or ending an energy crisis in your home.