Why This Matters

When summer temperatures go up, so do your cooling bills. This can be hard on families who are already struggling to make ends meet.

The good news is there's a program that can help. It's called the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP). This program helps people pay their energy bills. But here's the catch: the money runs out fast, so you need to apply early.

What is LIHEAP?

LIHEAP is a government program that helps families pay for heating and cooling costs. Most people think it's only for winter heating bills, but it can also help with:

• Summer cooling costs
• Emergency help to stop your power from being shut off
• Fixing or replacing your air conditioner (in some states)

Each state runs its own program, so the rules and benefits are different depending on where you live.

Important: Not every state offers summer cooling help. Some states only help with winter heating or emergencies. Check with your state's program to see what's available.

Do You Qualify?

To get help, you usually need to meet certain requirements:

Income

Your household income must be below a certain level. Each state sets its own limit, but it's usually between 110% and 150% of the federal poverty level.

Household Members

Families with children, adults over 60, or people with disabilities often get priority. This means their applications may be processed faster.

Other Benefits

If you already receive benefits like SSI, SNAP, TANF, or certain veterans' benefits, you may automatically qualify in some states.

Other Rules

• You must be the person who pays the energy bills
• You must live in the state where you're applying
• You don't need to have an overdue bill to apply

How to Apply

Follow these steps to apply for energy assistance:

Step 1: Find Your State's LIHEAP Office

Go to the federal search tool online or search for "[your state] LIHEAP application."

Step 2: Gather Your Documents

You'll likely need:

• Proof of income (like a pay stub or benefits letter)
• A recent utility bill
• A photo ID
• Information about everyone in your household

Tip: Missing documents are one of the biggest reasons for delays. Make sure you have everything before you apply.

Step 3: Submit Your Application

Depending on your state, you can apply:

• Online
• By phone
• By mail
• In person at a local agency

Step 4: Apply Early

Many states work on a first-come, first-served basis. Once the money runs out, no more applications are accepted. Don't wait!

Step 5: Watch for Follow-Ups

After you apply, a caseworker might contact you for more information. Keep an eye on your email and phone so you don't miss anything.

Note: It can take several weeks to process your application, so apply before you're in a crisis.

What You Can Get

The amount of help you receive depends on:

• Your income
• The size of your household
• Energy costs in your area
• How much funding your state has

In most cases, you get one payment per season. The payment usually goes directly to your utility company as a credit on your bill. If utilities are included in your rent, you might get the payment yourself. If you use oil or propane, you may get a voucher or the program will pay the fuel company directly.

Some states also give out free air conditioners or fans to help keep your home cool.

You may also qualify for:

• Emergency help if your power is about to be shut off
• Help fixing or replacing your cooling system

Summer 2026 Application Dates

Here are the Cooling window dates for applications per state based on the LIHEAP Clearinghouse program-duration table:

Take Action

If you think you might qualify, apply as soon as you can. Even a single payment can make a big difference during the hottest months of the year. Don't wait until the money runs out!

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