Who is entitled to the LIHEAP benefit?
General eligibility criteria
Eligibility is generally based on family income (percentage of the federal poverty level — FPL), household size, and, in some cases, the presence of elderly people, people with disabilities, or young children.
Many states also consider whether the responsible party receives federal benefits, such as SSI or TANF, as an automatic criterion.
Variation by state
Each state sets its own income limits, required documents, and priorities (for example, prioritizing families with elderly members or those facing imminent job loss).
Therefore, it is mandatory to consult your state's LIHEAP office for specific rules. (See helpful links at the end of this section.)
Types of Assistance Offered
Payment of energy bills
The most common type is partial payment of gas, electricity, or heating oil bills — typically a one-time seasonal subsidy that reduces the amount owed to the supplier.
Emergency assistance
In emergency situations (imminent service interruption, extreme weather conditions, or lack of heating fuel), LIHEAP can offer quick and direct assistance to prevent service outages.
Assistance with heating and cooling (access to appliances)
Some state programs assist with the purchase or replacement of equipment (for example, air conditioning units for people with heat-sensitive medical conditions) when this is a local priority.
Weatherization (WAP)
Although WAP is a separate program, it complements LIHEAP by funding improvements that reduce energy consumption (insulation, gap sealing, system maintenance), thereby lowering future expenses.