Managing Agency U.S. Department of Health and Human Services

Program Description

The Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) assists eligible low-income households with their heating and cooling energy costs, bill payment assistance, energy crisis assistance, weatherization and energy-related home repairs.  

General Program Requirements

In order to qualify for this benefit program, you must need financial assistance for home energy costs.

In order to qualify, you must have an annual household income (before taxes) that is below the following amounts:

Household Size*Maximum Income Level (Per Year)
1$17,820
2$24,030
3$30,240
4$36,450
5$42,660
6$48,870
7$55,095
8$61,335
*For households with more than eight people, add  $6,240 per additional person. Always check with the appropriate managing agency to ensure the most accurate guidelines.
A person who participates or has family members who participate in certain other benefit programs, such as the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), Supplemental Security Income (SSI), Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) or certain needs-tested Veterans benefits may be automatically eligible.

Your Next Steps

The following information will lead you to the next steps to apply for this program.

Application Process

To find out whether you are eligible to receive LIHEAP benefits, contact your state or tribal LIHEAP office.

For help applying for LIHEAP benefits, you may also call this toll-free number: 1-866-674-6327

Program Contact Information

For more information about LIHEAP:
You can call the National Energy Assistance Referral (NEAR) project. NEAR is a free service providing information on where you can apply for LIHEAP. You can speak to someone at NEAR Monday through Friday, from 7 a.m.- 5 p.m. (Mountain Time).
You can:

  • Call the toll-free phone number at: 1-866-674-6327
  • send an e-mail to: energy@ncat.org
  • or you can contact your State's LIHEAP office

A list of frequently asked questions about LIHEAP is also available here.

Additional Information

Length of ProgramFiscal Year Program
Tribes Funded by this Program152 Tribal Organization in Fiscal Year 2015
Number of People Served by this Program (Approximate)Varies from year to year
Entities Eligible for Grant AssistanceFederally Recognized Tribes and Tribal Organizations
Current Method of Tribal EligibilityProgram not specific to American Indians and Alaska Natives, but they are eligible
Do Tribes compete with other entities for funding from the program?No
Type of Assistance ProvidedGrant
Recurring Base Funding for TribesYes
Funding TypeMandatory
Catalog of Federal Domestic Assistance (CFDA) Number93.568
Matching Funds RequiredNo
Can the funding from the program be renewedYes