What we verified in “LIHEAP: help paying for power, gas and heat”

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The statements with rules, figures or dates, with the exact place in the source and the date we checked them.

1. USAGov explains that LIHEAP can help you pay heating or cooling bills or get emergency services during an energy crisis, and that depending on where you live you may also qualify for help with electric bills; that eligibility is based on income, but every state and territory has its own requirements; that you should find your state or territory's LIHEAP office; and that in some cases you can apply online while other offices require you to apply in person.

   Sources 1 · Get help with energy bills: 'can help you pay your heating or cooling bills or get emergency services during an energy crisis'; 'Depending on where you live, you may also qualify for help with electric bills'; 'Eligibility for LIHEAP is based on your income. However, every state and territory has its own requirements'; 'Find your state or territory’s LIHEAP office'; 'In some cases, you may be able to submit your LIHEAP application online. Other LIHEAP offices may require you to apply in person' · Checked October 17, 2026

2. USAGov explains that for home improvements that save energy you may qualify for the Weatherization Assistance Program (WAP); that eligibility depends on income or on already receiving benefits such as TANF or SSI; and that you should contact your state's WAP office.

   Sources 1 · Get help with energy bills: 'For home improvements that save money on energy, you may qualify for help through the Weatherization Assistance Program (WAP)'; 'Your eligibility for weatherization assistance depends on your income'; 'Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF)'; 'Supplemental Security Income (SSI)'; 'contact your state's WAP office' · Checked October 17, 2026

3. USAGov explains that each state has a different policy on when utility companies can and cannot disconnect electricity or natural gas for non-payment, and that those policies may depend on the current weather in your area and on which utility provider you have.

   Sources 1 · Get help with energy bills, 'Find out who to contact if your utilities are disconnected': 'Each state has a different policy about when utility companies can and cannot disconnect your electricity or natural gas for non-payment'; 'The current weather in your area'; 'Which utility provider you have' · Checked October 17, 2026

4. Under the federal LIHEAP law, each state uses the funds to help low-income households with home energy costs, particularly those with the lowest incomes that pay a high share of income for energy; to intervene in energy crisis situations; and for low-cost weatherization and other energy-related home repair.

   Sources 2 · 42 U.S.C. §8624(b)(1)(A)–(C): 'provide assistance to low income households in meeting their home energy costs, particularly those with the lowest incomes that pay a high proportion of household income for home energy'; 'intervene in energy crisis situations'; 'provide low-cost residential weatherization and other cost-effective energy-related home repair' · Checked October 17, 2026

5. Under federal law, states pay LIHEAP only to households in which someone receives TANF (the state program under Part A of Title IV of the Social Security Act), SSI, SNAP or certain veterans' payments, or to households with incomes no higher than the greater of 150% of the state's poverty level or 60% of state median income; and a state may not exclude a household solely on the basis of income if it earns less than 110% of the poverty level.

   Sources 2 · 42 U.S.C. §8624(b)(2): 'households in which 1 or more individuals are receiving'; 'supplemental security income payments'; 'supplemental nutrition assistance program benefits'; 'households with incomes which do not exceed the greater of'; 'an amount equal to 150 percent of the poverty level for such State'; 'an amount equal to 60 percent of the State median income'; 'a State may not exclude a household from eligibility in a fiscal year solely on the basis of household income if such income is less than 110 percent of the poverty level' · Checked October 17, 2026

6. Under federal law, the state must reach out especially to households with elderly or disabled members and households with high energy burdens; furnish the highest level of assistance to households with the lowest incomes and highest energy costs relative to income, taking family size into account; and treat owners and renters equitably.

   Sources 2 · 42 U.S.C. §8624(b)(3), (5) and (8): 'especially households with elderly individuals or disabled individuals, or both, and households with high home energy burdens'; 'the highest level of assistance will be furnished to those households which have the lowest incomes and the highest energy costs or needs in relation to income, taking into account family size'; 'the State will treat owners and renters equitably' · Checked October 17, 2026

7. Under federal law, if the state pays energy suppliers directly, it must tell each household how much was paid on its behalf, the supplier bills the household only for the difference, and no household may be treated adversely because it receives this help.

   Sources 2 · 42 U.S.C. §8624(b)(7): 'if the State chooses to pay home energy suppliers directly'; 'notify each participating household of the amount of assistance paid on its behalf'; 'the difference between the actual cost of the home energy and the amount of the payment made by the State'; 'no household receiving assistance under this subchapter will be treated adversely because of such assistance' · Checked October 17, 2026

8. Under federal law, the state must provide an opportunity for a fair administrative hearing to people whose claims for assistance are denied or not acted on with reasonable promptness.

   Sources 2 · 42 U.S.C. §8624(b)(13): 'provide an opportunity for a fair administrative hearing to individuals whose claims for assistance under the plan described in subsection (c) are denied or are not acted upon with reasonable promptness' · Checked October 17, 2026

9. Under a note to the federal law on utility allowances, tenants in certain federal housing programs who pay some or all heating or cooling costs out of pocket may not be automatically denied LIHEAP because they receive a utility allowance, although the state may consider it when setting benefit levels.

   Sources 2 · 42 U.S.C. §8624, note 'Clarification on Utility Allowances' (Pub. L. 102–550, §927): 'are responsible for making out-of-pocket payments for utility bills'; 'tenants described in subsection (a)(2) who are responsible for paying some or all heating or cooling costs shall not have their eligibility automatically denied'; 'A State may consider the amount of the heating or cooling component of utility allowances' · Checked October 17, 2026

10. Under federal law, each state's energy crisis program must provide some form of assistance that resolves the crisis no later than 48 hours after an eligible household applies, and no later than 18 hours if the household is in a life-threatening situation.

    Sources 3 · 42 U.S.C. §8623(c)(1)–(2): 'not later than 48 hours after a household applies for energy crisis benefits, provide some form of assistance that will resolve the energy crisis if such household is eligible'; 'not later than 18 hours after a household applies for crisis benefits'; 'is in a life-threatening situation' · Checked October 17, 2026

11. The CFPB says you can get year-round help with utility bills through your local LIHEAP office or by calling the National Energy Assistance Referral Hotline at (866) 674-6327; that 211 can help you find resources for rent or utility bills, by calling from a cell phone or landline; and that some HUD-approved housing counseling agencies offer low- or no-cost rental counseling, at 800-569-4287.

    Sources 4 · Get help paying rent and bills: 'Get year-round help with utility bills by contacting your local Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) office or calling the National Energy Assistance Referral Hotline at (866)-674-6327'; '211 can help you identify available resources'; 'Call 211 from a cell phone or landline to speak to a local specialist today'; 'Some HUD-approved housing counseling agencies offer low- or no-cost rental housing counseling'; '800-569-4287' · Checked October 17, 2026

12. The Department of Energy (DOE) explains that income is a primary factor: under its guidelines, households at or below 200% of the poverty income guidelines or receiving SSI are eligible for weatherization, and each state may use the LIHEAP criterion of 60% of state median income; that priority goes to the elderly, families with a member with a disability, families with children and high energy users; and that both homeowners and renters may apply.

    Sources 5 · How to Apply for Weatherization Assistance, Step 1: 'Households at or below 200% of the poverty income guidelines or that receive Supplemental Security Income are considered under DOE guidelines as eligible for weatherization services'; 'Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) eligibility criteria of 60% of state-median income'; 'Priority is given to the elderly, families with one or more members with a disability, families with children, high-energy users, or households with a high energy burden'; 'Both homeowners and renters are eligible to apply' · Checked October 17, 2026

13. According to DOE, to apply for weatherization you first identify your state administrator and local provider; the provider will require proof of income for the prior year, such as pay stubs or Social Security payments; if eligible you are placed on a waitlist; if you rent, the provider works with you and your landlord to get permission before work begins; and an energy auditor assesses the home, including a blower-door test, before recommending work.

    Sources 5 · How to Apply for Weatherization Assistance, Steps 2 to 4: 'first identify your state weatherization administrator'; 'Your local provider will require your proof of income for the prior year, such as pay stubs or social security payments'; 'your name will be placed on a waitlist'; 'If you are a renter, the weatherization provider will work with you and your landlord to receive permission before weatherization work can begin'; 'a blower-door test to determine the infiltration of outside air into your house' · Checked October 17, 2026

14. DOE explains that the Weatherization Assistance Program (WAP) reduces energy costs for low-income households by making their homes more energy efficient, while ensuring their health and safety.

    Sources 6 · Weatherization Assistance Program: 'reduces energy costs for low-income households by increasing the energy efficiency of their homes, while ensuring their health and safety' · Checked October 17, 2026

15. California's Department of Community Services and Development (CSD) explains that its LIHEAP includes HEAP, one-time help to balance a utility bill; the ECIP crisis program, for example for a household with a 24-48 hour disconnect notice; and free weatherization; that because funding is limited, some eligible households may not get a benefit so that those with the greatest need come first; and that you should contact your local provider.

    Sources 7 · Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP): 'provides one-time financial assistance to help balance an eligible household'; 'The Energy Crisis Intervention Program (ECIP) provides assistance to low-income households that are in a crisis situation'; 'a household receiving a 24-48 hour disconnect notice or service termination by their utility company'; 'LIHEAP Weatherization provides free energy efficiency upgrades to low-income households'; 'some households eligible for LIHEAP may not qualify for a benefit in order to prioritize assistance for households with the greatest need'; 'please contact your local service provider' · Checked October 17, 2026

16. California's CSD lists other programs it does not run: CARE, a 30-35% discount on the utility bill; FERA, for families earning slightly more than the CARE limits, with some utilities; and the Energy Savings Assistance program (ESA), with no-cost weatherization for those who meet CARE income guidelines; and it says to call your electric utility.

    Sources 7 · Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP), 'Other Income Qualified Utility Assistance Programs NOT Administered by CSD': 'Provides a 30-35% discount on your utility bill'; 'Families whose household income slightly exceeds the CARE allowances will qualify to receive FERA discounts'; 'provides no-cost weatherization services to low-income households who meet the CARE income guidelines'; 'Call your electric utility if your family qualifies' · Checked October 17, 2026

17. The Texas Department of Housing and Community Affairs (TDHCA) explains that its assistance and funds go to local provider organizations, not individuals, and it does not accept applications from individuals; that on its Help for Texans page you choose the type of help and your city or county to get a list of organizations; and that providers may be at capacity with their funds.

    Sources 8 · Help for Texans: 'TDHCA assistance and funds go to local provider organizations, NOT individuals directly'; 'TDHCA does not accept applications from individuals'; 'Providers listed may be at capacity with their funds, and may not be able to assist all who call them'; 'Select the type of help you need, enter your city or county, and get a list of organizations that may be able to help you' · Checked October 17, 2026

18. TDHCA explains that CEAP is a utility assistance program for low-income households that integrates all LIHEAP-funded programs and is run through subrecipients that together cover all 254 Texas counties.

    Sources 9 · Comprehensive Energy Assistance Program (CEAP): 'The Comprehensive Energy Assistance Program (CEAP) is a utility assistance program'; 'The CEAP involves integration of all LIHEAP-funded programs'; 'The CEAP is administered through subrecipients, which collectively cover all 254 counties of the state' · Checked October 17, 2026

19. Illinois' Department of Commerce explains that its LIHEAP helps pay for home energy, primarily winter heating; that the income limit is set each year based on funding and may not exceed 60% of state median income; that it has a list of application agencies by county; that the Help Illinois Families call center is at 1-833-711-0374; and that it publishes a LIHEAP appeal rights poster.

    Sources 10 · Utility Bill Assistance: 'helps eligible low-income households pay for home energy services (primarily heating during winter months)'; 'Annual eligibility levels are determined based on available funding and may not exceed 60% of the state median income'; 'For a complete list of LIHEAP application agencies based on county'; 'call Help Illinois Families call center at 1-833-711-0374'; 'LIHEAP Appeal Rights poster' · Checked October 17, 2026

20. North Carolina's Department of Health and Human Services explains that its LIEAP makes a one-time vendor payment for heating bills; that households with someone 60 or older or disabled people receiving services through the Division of Aging and Adult Services can sign up December 1-31, and all others January 1 through March 31 or until funds run out; that the household must have at least one U.S. citizen or non-citizen who meets the eligibility criteria; and that it asks for, among other things, ID, the lease, verification of citizenship or alien status, the Social Security number and proof of income.

    Sources 11 · Low Income Energy Assistance (LIEAP): 'provides for a one-time vendor payment to help eligible households pay their heating bills'; 'Households including a person aged 60 or older or disabled persons receiving services through the NC Division of Aging and Adult Services are eligible to sign up for assistance from Dec. 1'; 'All other households may apply from Jan. 1'; 'or until funds are exhausted'; 'Have at least one U.S. citizen or non-citizen who meets the eligibility criteria'; 'Verification of citizenship/alien status'; 'Valid social security card or number'; 'Lease, rental agreement'; 'Wage stubs, tax forms' · Checked October 17, 2026