Last updated: June 5, 2026
Your heat is off, the air inside is getting unsafe, the utility shutoff notice has a date on it, or the furnace repair quote is more than you can pay. LIHEAP may be one of the fastest places to start, but the right door depends on your state, tribe, county, utility, and the kind of crisis you are facing.
If there is danger right now
Do not wait for a benefit appointment if someone is in danger. Call 911 if there is a fire risk, a medical emergency, a suspected gas leak, carbon monoxide symptoms, or a person who cannot safely stay in the home because of heat or cold.
- If you smell gas, leave the home and call the gas company emergency line from outside.
- Do not use an oven, grill, charcoal burner, or camp stove to heat the home.
- Do not run a generator inside. CDC says generators should be outside, more than 20 feet from windows, doors, and vents. Read carbon monoxide guidance.
- During extreme heat, use air conditioning or a cooling place. CDC heat guidance lists cooling locations and 211 as starting points. See heat safety.
Quick facts about LIHEAP
- LIHEAP means Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program.
- It is a federal program, but you apply through your state, territory, tribe, or local agency.
- It may help with heating bills, cooling bills, energy crisis help, fuel, reconnection, and in some places heating or cooling equipment repair.
- It is not a general home repair grant. Roofs, plumbing, mold, foundation work, and major remodeling usually need other help.
- Benefit amounts, opening dates, crisis rules, income limits, and repair rules vary by place.
- LIHEAP does not charge an application fee. The federal LIHEAP page warns that LIHEAP does not provide direct grants to individuals and does not charge a fee for receiving a benefit. Check ACF LIHEAP before trusting a message that asks for money.
What LIHEAP can help with
LIHEAP helps households with low income meet immediate home energy needs. The federal LIHEAP fact sheet says the program targets heating and cooling costs, but applications, rules, types of help, and benefit levels vary. For a broken furnace, shutoff notice, empty fuel tank, or unsafe hot home, LIHEAP may help, but each place runs it differently.
| Problem | LIHEAP may help with | What to ask for |
|---|---|---|
| High heating bill | A regular heating benefit, often paid to the utility or fuel vendor | Ask for regular heating assistance and current benefit dates. |
| Shutoff notice | Crisis help, reconnect help, or a pledge to stop shutoff while the case is reviewed | Ask for crisis assistance and the fastest way to submit the notice. |
| Empty or nearly empty oil, propane, wood, or other fuel | Fuel delivery help, crisis help, or vendor payment | Ask what fuel level counts as a crisis in your area. |
| Broken furnace or boiler | Some states offer heating equipment repair or replacement, often with inspection and vendor rules | Ask if your county has furnace repair, replacement, HEARTWAP, HERR, or emergency services. |
| Extreme heat and no working cooling | Some states offer cooling bill help, air conditioner help, fan help, or referrals to cooling centers | Ask if cooling assistance is open and if medical proof is needed. |
| Drafts, unsafe heat loss, or high energy use | Weatherization help in some places, or referral to the DOE Weatherization Assistance Program | Ask for LIHEAP weatherization and WAP referral options. |
LIHEAP may be part of your repair path, but it is not the whole home repair system. If the repair is not tied to heating, cooling, or energy safety, start with home repair help or search for local repair programs.
Fastest starting points
The best first step depends on what is wrong today. Do not spend days filling out the wrong form if your service is about to be shut off or your furnace is unsafe.
If you have a shutoff notice
- Call the utility first. Ask for a payment plan, medical hold, senior or disability protection, and whether they can note that you are applying for LIHEAP.
- Call your local LIHEAP office and say you have a shutoff notice with a deadline.
- Send the notice the way the agency asks. Do not assume a voicemail stops shutoff.
- Ask for a confirmation number, case number, or worker name.
If your furnace, boiler, or main heat is broken
- Call LIHEAP and ask whether heating equipment repair or replacement is offered where you live.
- Ask if you must use an approved contractor or agency inspector.
- Do not start non-emergency work unless the agency says it can still be covered.
- If the home is unsafe, ask 211, the fire department, emergency management, or your county for warming center or temporary shelter options.
If the home is too hot
- Check if your state has cooling assistance open.
- Ask if a medical statement is needed for an air conditioner or cooling benefit.
- Call 211 for cooling centers, transportation help, utility help, or local nonprofit programs.
- Check on older adults, infants, people with disabilities, and people with chronic medical conditions.
USAGov gives a simple national starting point for energy bill help, including LIHEAP and WAP. It also explains that eligibility and application steps vary by state and territory. See energy bill help.
Who may qualify
LIHEAP is income based, but the exact limit is local. Federal LIHEAP rules allow states, territories, and tribes to set their own income rules within federal limits. The federal income guidance for FY 2026 is based on the federal poverty guidelines and state median income estimates. See the ACF guidance for FY 2026 income.
In plain English: do not guess based on a national number you saw online. Check your state, territory, or tribal LIHEAP office. Some programs use a poverty-guideline limit. Some use a state median income limit. Some set different rules for regular heating, crisis help, cooling, or equipment repair.
You may have a stronger case if one or more of these are true:
- Your household income is under your local LIHEAP limit.
- You are responsible for heating, cooling, electricity, gas, oil, propane, wood, coal, or another home energy cost.
- You have a shutoff notice, are disconnected, or have little fuel left.
- Your heating or cooling equipment is unsafe, not working, or cannot be repaired safely without help.
- Someone in the home is older, disabled, medically fragile, a young child, or at risk from heat or cold.
- You may not qualify if the bill is not for your home, you are not responsible for the energy cost, your income is too high for your local program, or the program is closed or out of funds.
Some LIHEAP programs may treat a household as categorically eligible if someone already receives SNAP, SSI, TANF, or certain means-tested veterans benefits. This is not automatic everywhere. Some places require one household member to receive a listed benefit; others may use stricter rules. Ask your local office how it treats these benefits.
Where to apply
You do not apply to the federal government for a LIHEAP household benefit. The federal government funds the program, but states, territories, tribes, and local agencies run it. The agency name may be a community action agency, county assistance office, social services department, housing agency, tribal office, community services department, or energy assistance office.
To find the right intake office, use the official LIHEAP Clearinghouse search tool. If you are stuck, contact the National Energy Assistance Referral service. NEAR is a free referral service, and the listed phone number is 1-866-674-6327. See NEAR referral.
What to ask when you find your office
Ask whether regular heating, crisis, cooling, furnace repair, or cooling equipment help is open. Then ask how to apply, which documents can be sent today, how long a crisis case takes, and whether the agency can notify your utility or fuel vendor.
If you live in a tribal community, ask whether the tribe or tribal organization administers LIHEAP for your area. Some households apply through a tribal LIHEAP office rather than the state office. If you are unsure, ask both offices which one serves your address.
Documents to gather before you apply
Do not wait to apply because one document is missing, especially in a crisis. Call and ask what you can submit now and what can follow. But gather as much as you can before the appointment.
| Document or proof | Why it may be needed | Tip |
|---|---|---|
| Photo ID | Shows who is applying | Ask what other ID works if yours is expired or missing. |
| Proof of address | Shows the home is in the agency service area | A lease, mail, utility bill, or benefit letter may help. |
| Current utility or fuel bill | Shows account number, vendor, fuel type, balance, and service address | Bring all pages, not just the amount due. |
| Shutoff or disconnect notice | Proves an energy crisis | Send it right away and keep proof that you sent it. |
| Income proof | Shows household income | Ask which time period counts in your state. |
| Benefit letters | May support income or categorical eligibility | SNAP, SSI, TANF, or veterans benefit letters may help if your state accepts them. |
| Household member information | Shows household size and possible priority | Ask before sending Social Security numbers by email. |
| Repair proof | Needed for furnace, boiler, fuel line, or cooling equipment help | Use an approved vendor if the program requires one. |
| Medical statement | May be needed for cooling help, medical shutoff protection, or priority | Ask exactly what the doctor or clinic must write. |
For a broader checklist, use our documents guide. If you are applying for several programs at once, keep a folder with copies, dates, names, and case numbers.
Heating and cooling repair help: what is realistic
Some LIHEAP programs can help with energy-related minor home repairs or heating and cooling equipment. This can include a furnace, boiler, fuel line, unsafe heating system, broken heating controls, or cooling equipment in states that offer cooling repair help. It does not mean LIHEAP will pay for any home repair you want.
State examples show how different the rules can be. New York has had a Heating Equipment Repair or Replacement benefit for eligible homeowners; check New York HERR for current status and caps. Pennsylvania describes LIHEAP Emergency Services through local weatherization agencies; see Pennsylvania emergency services. Massachusetts has a heating system repair and replacement program; see Massachusetts HEARTWAP.
Repairs that may fit LIHEAP or energy programs
- Furnace or boiler repair when the main heat is not working.
- Replacement of a heating system that is unsafe or cannot be repaired.
- Repair of gas or fuel lines tied to heating safety.
- Heating system pipe thawing or related emergency heat work in some places.
- Air conditioner, fan, or cooling help in states with cooling programs.
- Weatherization measures that reduce energy use, when offered by LIHEAP or WAP.
Repairs that usually need another program
- Roof replacement that is not part of an approved energy job.
- General plumbing repairs.
- Foundation work.
- Full home remodeling.
- Cosmetic upgrades.
- Mold removal unless tied to a specific approved weatherization health and safety item.
- Work already completed without approval, if your local program requires prior approval.
Cooling help and extreme heat
Cooling assistance is not offered the same way everywhere. Some places help with electric bills during summer. Some provide or install an air conditioner or fan for eligible households. Some require a medical need. Some serve older adults, young children, or medically vulnerable people first. Some open for a short season and close when funds run out.
For example, New York’s Cooling Assistance Benefit can help eligible households buy and install an air conditioner or fan. See New York cooling. California describes LIHEAP as help for immediate heating or cooling needs; see California LIHEAP. Louisiana says heating, cooling, crisis, and equipment help may be available, but is not guaranteed. See Louisiana assistance.
Do not wait for a cooling benefit if the home is unsafe. Call 211, the local health department, an Area Agency on Aging, emergency management, or your utility. Ask about cooling centers, transportation, fans, medical baseline programs, and shutoff protections.
How crisis help works
Crisis help is for urgent energy problems, such as a shutoff notice, disconnected service, no fuel, very low fuel, broken heat, or unsafe heating equipment. The exact definition is local.
Some programs can send a pledge to the utility, arrange fuel delivery, or refer a repair. But applying for LIHEAP does not always stop a shutoff by itself. Call the utility too. State shutoff protections vary and may not cover all utilities or fuel vendors. The LIHEAP Clearinghouse tracks disconnect policies, but also check your utility and state regulator.
Tip: When you call the utility, ask for the exact deadline, the minimum payment needed to keep service on, whether a LIHEAP pledge counts, and whether a medical certificate or payment plan can pause the shutoff.
Inspections, estimates, and contractor rules
Energy-related repair help often has more rules than bill help. The agency may inspect the system, decide whether repair or replacement is allowed, and assign an approved contractor. Ask before you sign a repair contract. Some programs will not repay work you ordered on your own.
The DOE Weatherization Assistance Program is also important. WAP can lower heating and cooling costs and address some health and safety issues. DOE says WAP reduces energy costs by improving energy efficiency while ensuring health and safety. Read about DOE weatherization. DOE also says households at or below 200 percent of poverty guidelines, or households that receive SSI, are considered eligible under DOE guidelines, though state and local rules still matter. See apply for WAP.
If you are denied, delayed, waitlisted, or overwhelmed
A denial does not always mean there is no help. It may mean the wrong office, missing proof, a closed season, a bill that does not qualify, or a repair that belongs in another program.
Common mistakes that slow down LIHEAP help
- Applying to the wrong county, tribe, or agency.
- Sending a bill without the account number or service address.
- Missing a shutoff notice page.
- Not listing everyone in the household.
- Forgetting income from a household member.
- Starting repair work before approval.
- Assuming regular LIHEAP and crisis LIHEAP use the same form.
- Waiting until the shutoff day to call.
- Not asking for an appeal, fair hearing, or supervisor review after a denial.
If you are denied, ask for the reason in writing, the appeal deadline, and whether missing documents can fix the case. If repair money is gone, ask when funding may reopen and whether WAP, a local housing program, or a nonprofit can help.
Our guides on denied repair help and if you do not qualify can help you plan the next step. If the repair is urgent, call 211 and ask for any local crisis, faith-based, community action, senior, disability, veteran, or emergency management help.
Backup options if LIHEAP is not enough
LIHEAP may not cover the full bill. It may not cover old debt. It may not cover a full replacement. It may be closed for the season. Use it as one part of a wider plan.
| Backup option | When it may help | How to start |
|---|---|---|
| Utility payment plan | You can pay something, but not the full balance | Call the utility and ask for hardship, medical, senior, or disability options. |
| 211 referrals | You need local nonprofits, fuel funds, cooling centers, or emergency aid | Call 211 or use 211 utilities. |
| Weatherization | Your home wastes energy or needs energy-related safety work | Ask LIHEAP for a WAP referral or contact your state WAP office. |
| Local repair or legal help | The issue is not covered by LIHEAP or the shutoff seems wrong | Ask 211 for repair programs, legal aid, or your utility regulator. |
For the full application process across repair programs, see how to apply.
Scam warnings and financing cautions
Be careful with anyone who promises a guaranteed LIHEAP grant, asks for a fee to apply, pressures you to pay by gift card or cryptocurrency, or says your utility will shut off service unless you pay them right now.
The FTC warns that scammers pretend to be gas, water, or electric companies and threaten immediate shutoff to scare people into paying. The FTC says real utilities do not demand payment by wire transfer, reloadable card, gift card, or cryptocurrency. Read the FTC warning on utility scammers.
HHS OIG warns about fake HHS grant scams and says HHS websites use .gov domains. You can report fake grant scams to the HHS Fraud Hotline at 1-800-447-8477. See HHS grant scams.
Be careful with high-cost financing for a furnace, air conditioner, or emergency repair. A fast loan can become a lien or collection problem. Before signing, ask whether the rate can change, whether there is a lien, and whether you can cancel. You can also review grant scams.
Phone scripts
Call script for LIHEAP crisis help
Hello, my name is [name]. I live in [city/county]. My [electric/gas/oil/propane/heat] is [shut off/scheduled for shutoff/broken/nearly empty]. The deadline is [date]. Do you handle LIHEAP crisis assistance for my address? What is the fastest way to apply?
Call script for furnace or boiler repair
Hello, I am asking about LIHEAP or weatherization repair help. My main heating system is not working or may be unsafe. Do you offer heating equipment repair or replacement? Do I need an agency inspection or approved contractor before any work starts?
Call script for the utility company
Hello, I received a shutoff notice for account [number]. I am applying for LIHEAP today. Can you note my account, tell me the exact shutoff date, explain the lowest payment needed to keep service on, and tell me if a LIHEAP pledge or medical certificate can pause the shutoff?
Call script for 211 or a local nonprofit
Hello, I need help with [no heat/no cooling/shutoff notice/empty fuel tank/broken furnace]. I am calling LIHEAP too. Are there local fuel funds, cooling centers, repair programs, senior services, disability resources, or transportation help?
FAQs about LIHEAP heating, cooling, and repair help
Does LIHEAP pay cash to me?
Often, no. Many LIHEAP benefits are paid to a utility company, fuel vendor, or approved service provider. Some places use different payment methods. Ask your local agency how payment works before you count on cash in hand.
Can LIHEAP replace my furnace?
Maybe. Some states and local agencies offer heating equipment repair or replacement for eligible homeowners when the main heat is unsafe or not working. Other places send these cases to weatherization or another repair program. Ask specifically about furnace, boiler, or heating equipment repair.
Can LIHEAP help with air conditioning?
In some places, yes. Some states offer cooling bill help, air conditioner help, fan help, or cooling-related repair. Rules may include medical need, age, disability, no working air conditioner, or first-come funding. Check your state or local program.
Is LIHEAP only for homeowners?
No. Renters may also qualify if they are responsible for home energy costs or meet local program rules. Subsidized housing, utilities included in rent, and shared bills can change eligibility. Ask your local LIHEAP office how your housing situation is treated.
What if LIHEAP is closed?
Ask when it reopens and whether crisis assistance, cooling assistance, repair assistance, or weatherization is still open. Also call 211, your utility, local community action agency, Area Agency on Aging, legal aid, or a local nonprofit.
Will applying for LIHEAP stop a shutoff?
Not always. Call the utility as soon as you apply. Ask whether it will accept a LIHEAP pledge, payment plan, medical certificate, or agency notice. Keep records of who you spoke with and what they said.
About This Guide
This HomeRepairGrants.org guide uses official federal, state, local, and high-trust nonprofit or community sources mentioned in the article, including HHS/ACF, the LIHEAP Clearinghouse, USAGov, DOE, CDC, FTC, HHS OIG, 211, and state LIHEAP or energy assistance pages.
HomeRepairGrants.org is not a government agency, does not guarantee eligibility, and is not legal, financial, tax, medical, insurance, disability-rights, or government-agency advice. Program rules, funding, benefit amounts, deadlines, and local intake steps can change. Always confirm current rules with the agency that serves your address.
Corrections: Email info@homerepairgrants.org with corrections.
Next review: August 17, 2026