Energy Assistance

Energy assistance programs help households cover the cost of heating and cooling their homes when income is limited. Utility bills can spike with the seasons, and for many families a cold snap or heat wave turns into a choice between paying for electricity and paying for other necessities. Federal and state programs exist to close that gap, especially for seniors, people with disabilities, and families with children.

How the main program works. The Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program, or LIHEAP, is the primary federal source of help with home energy costs, and Understanding LIHEAP: Your Guide to Home Energy Assistance explains how the program is funded and administered and what kinds of costs it can offset.

Who qualifies and how to apply. Eligibility depends on household income and size, and rules vary by state, so it helps to understand both the general framework and the local application process. LIHEAP Eligibility: Your Guide to Income Limits and Program Requirements walks through the qualifying rules, while A Guide to Applying for Heating and Cooling Assistance via LIHEAP covers what the application itself involves, and Finding Your Local LIHEAP Office: A Guide to Energy Assistance helps locate the office that handles applications in a given area.

Special situations. Some households need help beyond routine bill assistance, whether that means facing an active shutoff notice or navigating the program as an older adult or a person with a disability. Facing a Utility Shutoff? How LIHEAP Crisis Assistance Can Help You Now and Beat the Heat, Conquer the Cold: A Senior and Disability Guide to LIHEAP Energy Assistance address these circumstances directly.