LIHEAP 2027: What to Know About Federal Heating Help This Winter

Here's where the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program stands for fiscal year 2027, and how to get help.

What is LIHEAP?

LIHEAP is a federal program that helps lower-income households pay for home energy.

It is run by the Department of Health and Human Services' Office of Community Services, which sends funds to each state.

The money is paid directly to your energy company on your behalf.

It is a grant, so it doesn't have to be repaid.

What does "2027" mean here?

LIHEAP runs on the federal fiscal year, not the calendar year.

Federal fiscal year 2027 runs from October 1, 2026 to September 30, 2027.

So the program's 2027 season has already started.

The money so far

Funding has been a tug-of-war this year.

• The White House's FY2027 budget proposal provided no funding for LIHEAP.
• In all six years the president has proposed eliminating it, Congress has kept funding and added small increases.
• For FY2026, Congress raised funding by $20 million to $4.045 billion.
• The House Appropriations Committee approved a 2027 bill that would add $10 million, bringing the total to $4.055 billion.

Funds are flowing

HHS has released $3.6 billion in LIHEAP funding for FY2027.

That equals 90 percent of the annualized amount under the Continuing Appropriations and Extensions Act, 2027 (Pub. L. 119-103).

If HHS keeps operating under a continuing resolution, the next hurdle is getting the remaining 10 percent released.

A tighter year ahead

Even with Congress backing the program, the numbers are tight.

LIHEAP no longer receives the extra $100 million it got under the now-expiring Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act.

That leaves the program about $70 million short of last year, even if the $10 million increase passes.

Some states are already feeling it.

Connecticut's analysts report total available funds of $94.2 million, a 4.6% drop from last year.

Lawmakers want more

In October, a bipartisan group in the House asked for supplemental LIHEAP funding for FY2027.

Their letter cites unresolved conflict with Iran and says heating oil is up 60% since February.

They warn that last year's $4 billion would fall well short of families' needs.

These are the lawmakers' claims, and no extra money has been approved yet.

Who qualifies?

Eligibility depends mostly on income, and it differs by state.

• Eligibility is primarily income-based, with federal guidelines setting a floor that states can modify upward.
• In Pennsylvania, you must meet income guidelines but don't need to be on public assistance.
• Mississippi sets the limit at 60% of state median income.
• You may still qualify in subsidized housing if you pay a separate utility bill or a utility allowance.

How to apply

Where you apply depends on where you live.

Different states use different agencies, such as the state energy office, a social services department, or a community action agency.

A good plan:

• Find the office that serves your address and check its current intake rules.
• Gather the documents it requests and submit through its official channel.
• Call the National Energy Assistance Referral line at 1-866-674-6327, weekdays 9 am to 7 pm Eastern, to be pointed to your local office.
• Ask your utility about any holds, payment plans, or reconnection terms, and get agreements in writing.

Bottom line

Funds are moving, but money is tighter than last year, so applying early makes sense.

Keep an eye on Congress, since a final FY2027 spending bill or supplemental funding could change the picture.

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