How to Apply for LIHEAP Winter Energy Assistance (2025-2026)

Are you worried about paying your energy bills as temperatures drop?

The Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) can help you with heating costs during winter, cooling in the summer, and can also help prevent your utilities from being shut off.
 

What is LIHEAP?

LIHEAP is a government program that helps low-income households pay for their energy bills. The program can provide:
 

• Help paying for heating and cooling
• Emergency assistance if your utilities are about to be shut off
• Weatherization services to make your home more energy-efficient

Each state runs its own version of LIHEAP, so how much you get, who qualifies, and how you apply can change depending on where you live.
 

How Does LIHEAP Work?

 

• You can apply once per heating season (winter) and once per cooling season (summer).
• If you qualify, payments usually go directly to your utility company and cover past and future bills.
• If your utilities are included in your rent, you may receive a check instead.
• For special fuels such as oil or propane, it might take a few months for the provider to deliver after you’re approved.

LIHEAP funds can run out quickly. Try to apply as soon as applications open. However, if you miss the start, it's still worth applying—some places have funds later in the season.
 

Who Can Qualify for LIHEAP?

To be eligible, you generally need to:
 

• Meet your state’s income guidelines (usually around 60% of your state’s median income or based on federal poverty levels)
• Pay your own utility bills

You may be approved automatically if you receive benefits like:
 

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

Some states may also have extra rules—check with your local LIHEAP office to be sure.
 

How to Apply for LIHEAP

Where and how you apply depends on your state:
 

• Online: Many states let you apply online through their specific portals.
• In person or by phone: Go to or call your local community action agency or health/human services office.
• By mail: Paper applications are available too.

You’ll usually need:
 

• Photo IDs for everyone in your household
• Proof of income (like recent pay stubs)
• Recent utility bills
• Rental agreement (if utilities are included in rent)
• Social Security cards

If you don’t have all of these, the office will help you figure out what to do.
 

Application Tips:

 

• Apply early: Many states run out of funds quickly.
• Gather documents ahead of time: This makes the process faster.
• Keep copies of all your submitted paperwork.
• Follow up with your office if you don’t hear back.
• Appeal if you are denied—you have the right to a fair review.

 

When Can I Apply?

Most states open applications in the fall (September, October, or November), but specific dates vary. Some states accept applications year-round.

Here are the states' deadlines for submission for the 2025-2026 winter season:
 

• 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 1/20/2026, 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: Applications open 12/1/2025, close 4/7/2026
• 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

Many states may change their schedules at any time—check with your local office for exact dates.

Some states give priority to:
 

• Seniors
• People with disabilities
• Families with young children
• Households at risk of having utilities shut off

Processing your application usually takes about 30–60 days, but may take longer in some states.
 

What Happens If Approved?

 

• For utility bills: The credit is sent directly to your energy provider and should show up on your bill, often in the spring.
• For delivered fuel (like oil/propane): You may get a voucher, or your provider will fill your tank after payment.
• If your heat is included in rent: You might get the payment directly.

While you’re waiting, keep paying your bills if you can. If you’re behind, let your utility company know you’ve applied for LIHEAP and ask about payment plans or other help.
 

How Much Help Can I Get?

The amount you receive depends on:
 

• Your income and household size
• Energy costs in your area
• What type of fuel you use
• If you have vulnerable people in your home (elderly, young kids, or disabled family members)

Some example benefit ranges:
 

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

Check with your state's LIHEAP office for details about your situation.

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