Winter can push energy bills higher. If you need help, you are not alone. Here is how LIHEAP works and where to start your application.

What LIHEAP covers and who runs it

LIHEAP is federally funded help for home energy needs. It can help with home energy bills, energy crises, weatherization, and minor energy-related home repairs. States, territories, and Tribes run the programs where people live.

You apply through your state or local provider. EnergyHelp.us helps people find where to apply. Local offices answer questions about documents, timing, and next steps.

Funding for this heating season

The Administration for Children and Families released the first block of federal LIHEAP funds for fiscal year 2026 on November 28, 2025. States, territories, and Tribes run their own programs with these federal funds. If you think you qualify, check your state program and apply as soon as you can.

How to apply in your state

Rules and steps vary by state and local provider. Here is a simple way to get started:

  1. Find your state’s LIHEAP site or local provider. EnergyHelp.us can point you to the right place.
  2. Review the requirements on the state or local site. Look for who is eligible, what help is available, and how to submit an application.
  3. Gather common documents. Most programs ask for your recent energy bill, proof of address, and proof of household income. If you pay a fuel vendor, have that account information ready.
  4. Start your application with the state or local provider. Ask how long reviews take and how they will contact you.
  5. If you are in a shutoff or no-heat crisis, tell the provider. They can explain any crisis steps available in your area.

Keep copies of anything you submit. Keep any award or denial letters too. These can matter for other programs.

Weatherization help you can ask about

You may also hear about the U.S. Department of Energy’s Weatherization Assistance Program. States and local agencies run this program. Under DOE guidelines, households at or below 200% of the federal poverty guidelines, or that receive SSI, are generally eligible. Local providers apply the rules.

Ask your local office if both LIHEAP and weatherization are available and how to apply. They can explain which documents you need for each program.

Energy assistance and community solar eligibility

Some community solar projects offer income-qualified subscriptions. In some states, energy assistance can be one way to show income-qualified status for those offers. Which programs count depends on the state and the project.

There are two common ways a household shows it is income-qualified:

  • Program participation. Someone in the household gets help from a qualifying program. You show this with a letter or notice from that program, usually dated within the last 12 months.
  • Income limits. Household income is under a limit for your county and household size. Many projects use a limit such as 80% of area median income or 200% of the federal poverty level. The exact limit depends on the state and project.

A recent LIHEAP approval letter may help in some states and projects. It is not the only path, and it is not always required. To learn how income-qualified community solar works, read our Income-Qualified Community Solar Guide. For a quick overview of programs we discuss and what documents to keep, visit our Income-qualified and Lifeline page.

If you enroll in community solar, your subscription supports local solar energy. Program details vary by state, utility, and project. If you are income-qualified, the project may have specific rules on how to verify your status.

How CSR handles documents and next steps

Community Solar Representatives LLC (CSR) is an independent enrollment company. We help people understand project rules and complete enrollment. CSR never asks anyone to upload documents on our website. On the call, we explain exactly what the project needs.

If you receive a letter from LIHEAP or another program, keep it in a safe place. If you qualify by income, keep your recent pay information or other proof. When a project is available, we will tell you which documents apply in your state and for that project.

Getting help with winter energy costs can feel complex. Start with your state LIHEAP office, keep your documents handy, and ask questions. We will make the next steps clear when you are ready to explore community solar.