LIHEAP winter energy assistance 2025-2026: how to apply online

Getting ready for temperatures to drop? Keep an eye out for applications to your state’s Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) if you’re worried about paying your energy bills.

LIHEAP (also called HEAP) can help you cover heating costs during the winter (and cooling costs in summer) and prevent utility shutoffs.

Here’s what you need to know about how to qualify for LIHEAP, how and when to apply for assistance, and how to find your local energy assistance office.

What is the Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP)?#what-is-the-low-income-home-energy-assistance-program-liheap

LIHEAP is a program that helps pay your home energy bills, including assistance like:

• Help paying heating and cooling costs
• Emergency help if you're facing a utility shutoff
• Home weatherization to lower your energy bills

Each state runs its own version of LIHEAP, so benefit amounts, eligibility, and how to apply vary by location. You can apply once per heating season and once per cooling season.

After approval, LIHEAP pays your utility company directly. This usually happens at the end of the season, which can be months after you apply. The payment covers past due and future bills.

If utilities are included in your rent, you'll get a check instead. If you use deliverable fuel like oil or propane, it may take a few months after approval for your provider to deliver.

LIHEAP often fills up fast. Apply as soon as you can to increase your chances of getting help. That said, many areas have funding available throughout the season—it's worth applying even if you think it might be too late.

Who is eligible for LIHEAP 2025-2026?#who-is-eligible-for-liheap-2025-2026

To qualify for LIHEAP, you need to meet income requirements and pay your own utility bills. Most states set the limit at 60 percent of the state median income, while others use alternate income thresholds such as percentage of the Federal Poverty Guidelines.

States can look at your total income from last year or your recent income (helpful if you recently lost a job).

You may automatically qualify if you get:

• SNAP (food stamps)
• SSI (Supplemental Security Income)
• TANF (cash assistance)
• Certain veterans benefits

Some states may impose additional eligibility rules (like asset limits). Check with your state's LIHEAP office for specific income guidelines where you live.

How do I apply for LIHEAP 2025-2026?#how-do-i-apply-for-liheap-2025-2026

In some states, community action agencies (CAAs) take LIHEAP applications, while in others, you apply through your local health and human services agency.

Application methods vary by state, but usually include one or more of these options:

1. Online portals: Many states now offer online applications through systems like:
   • COMPASS (Pennsylvania)
   • ACCESS HRA (New York City)
   • MI Bridges (Michigan)
   • DCAid (New Jersey)
2. Local agencies: You can call in or go in-person to a local CAA office. If your state doesn’t contract CAAs, you can visit or call your local health and human services office.
3. Mail: Paper applications are usually available if you can't apply online or in person.

Have these documents ready when you apply for LIHEAP—some or all of them may be required:#have-these-documents-ready-when-you-apply-for-liheapsome-or-all-of-them-may-be-required

• Photo ID for all household members
• Proof of income (e.g. pay stubs for all household members)
• Recent utility bills
• Rental agreement (if your utilities are included in rent)
• Social Security cards

Your local LIHEAP office will tell you if you need to schedule an appointment and which documents or screenshots you’ll need to show when you apply.

Don’t worry if you don’t have all of these documents—for instance, if you pay for your bills with cash or Zelle. Your office will review your information and help you prove your situation another way.

LIHEAP application dates by state#liheap-application-dates-by-state

• Alabama: Applications open 10/1/2025, close 4/30/2026
• Alaska: Applications open 10/1/2025, close 4/30/2026
• Arizona: Applications accepted year-round
• Arkansas: Applications open 1/1/2026
• California: Applications open 10/1/2025, close 9/30/2026
• Colorado: Applications open 11/1/2025, close 4/30/2026
• Connecticut: Applications open 9/1/2025, close 5/29/2026
• Delaware: Applications open 10/1/2025, close 3/31/2026
• District of Columbia: Applications accepted year-round
• Florida: Applications open 10/1/2025, close 3/31/2026
• Georgia: Applications open 12/1/2025
• Hawaii: Applications open 6/3/2026, close 6/28/2026
• Idaho: Applications open 10/1/2025, close 3/31/2026
• Illinois: Applications open 10/1/2025, close 8/15/2026
• Indiana: Applications open 10/1/2025, close 4/20/2026
• Iowa: Applications open 10/1/2025, close 4/30/2026
• Kansas: Applications open 11/18/2025, close 3/31/2026
• Kentucky: Dates not available yet
• Louisiana: Applications open 11/15/2025, close 3/15/2026
• Maine: Applications open 8/1/2025, close 5/29/2026
• Maryland: Applications open 7/1/2025, close 6/30/2026
• Massachusetts: Applications open 10/1/2025, close 4/30/2026
• Michigan: Dates not available yet
• Minnesota: Applications open 9/2/2025, close 5/31/2026
• Mississippi: Applications open 10/1/2025, close 4/30/2026
• Missouri: Applications open 10/1/2025, close 5/31/2026
• Montana: Applications open 10/1/2025, close 4/30/2026
• Nebraska: Applications open 10/1/2025, close 3/31/2026
• Nevada: Applications open 7/1/2025, close 6/30/2026
• New Hampshire: Applications accepted year-round
• New Jersey: Applications open 10/1/2025, close 6/30/2026
• New Mexico: Applications accepted year-round
• New York: Dates delayed
• North Carolina: Applications open 12/1/2025, close 3/31/2026
• North Dakota: Applications accepted year-round
• Ohio: Applications open 10/1/2025, close 5/31/202
• Oklahoma: Applications open 12/17/2025, close 2/28/2026
• Oregon: Applications accepted year-round
• Pennsylvania: Dates delayed
• Rhode Island: Applications open 10/1/2025
• South Carolina: Applications open 10/1/2025, close 4/30/2026
• South Dakota: Applications accepted year-round
• Tennessee: Applications accepted year-round
• Texas: Applications accepted year-round
• Utah: Applications accepted year-round
• Vermont: Applications accepted year-round
• Virginia: Applications open 10/14/2025, close 11/14/2025
• Washington: Applications accepted year-round
• West Virginia: Dates not available yet
• Wisconsin: Applications open 10/1/2025, close 5/15/2026
• Wyoming: Dates delayed

How do I find contact information for the LIHEAP office near me?#how-do-i-find-contact-information-for-the-liheap-office-near-me

Apply through your state’s online application portal, if available. Some states do not offer online applications and process all LIHEAP requests through local offices or paper forms.

Tips for a successful LIHEAP application#tips-for-a-successful-liheap-application

1. Apply early: Many states distribute funds first-come, first-serve until money runs out.
2. Gather documents beforehand: Having all your required paperwork ready speeds up the process. Usually screenshots will be enough and you don’t need to print everything.
3. Keep copies: Save copies of everything you submit.
4. Follow up: If you don't hear back within the standard processing time, contact your local office.
5. Appeal if denied: Most states offer fair hearings if you disagree with a decision.

When does LIHEAP open for winter 2025-2026?#when-does-liheap-open-for-winter-2025-2026

Most states start accepting LIHEAP applications in late fall, but exact dates vary. The last winter heating season opened sometime between October 2024 and January 2025.

Many states also prioritize certain groups by offering early application periods for:

• Seniors (usually age 60+)
• People with disabilities
• Households with young children
• Households facing utility disconnection

What happens after I apply for LIHEAP?#what-happens-after-i-apply-for-liheap

Processing times vary by state but typically range from 30-60 days. Some states, like Maryland, guarantee decisions within 45 days, while others like Ohio, may take up to 12 weeks.

If approved:

• For utility bills: Payment usually goes directly to your utility company (i.e. your LIHEAP benefit award shows up as a credit on your utility bill) and appears as a credit on your account often in late-spring, up to five or six months after the initial application.
• For deliverable fuels (like oil or propane): You may receive a voucher or the program may pay your fuel vendor directly to come by and fill up your tank
• If heat is included in your rent: Some states will send payment directly to you

Keep paying your utility bills while your LIHEAP application is being reviewed. If you have overdue bills or are low on fuel, call your utility company right away. Let them know you've applied for heating assistance and ask about:

• Deferred payment agreements
• Matching payment plans
• Other programs for low-income customers

How much is the LIHEAP winter heating discount?#how-much-is-the-liheap-winter-heating-discount

LIHEAP benefit amounts vary widely based on:

• Your household income
• Household size (how many people live with you)
• Energy costs
• Type of fuel you use
• Where you live
• Whether you have "vulnerable" household members (elderly, disabled, young children)

Some examples of typical one-time LIHEAP benefit ranges:

• New Jersey: Up to $800
• Maryland: $200-1,000
• Minnesota: Average $550, up to $1,400