Help Paying Utility Bills: LIHEAP, Weatherization and Other Official Programs
Topic guide: Personal & individual grants · All grant resources
Energy bills spike in winter and summer, and a shutoff notice can feel like an emergency because it often is. Two federal programs, run locally, are built for exactly this.
LIHEAP: help paying energy bills
The Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) is funded by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services and run by states, territories and tribes. Depending on your state, it can help with:
- Heating and cooling bills
- Energy crises (shutoff notices, running out of fuel)
- Some weatherization and energy-related home repairs
Who qualifies: each state sets income guidelines within federal rules. Household size and income matter most.
How to apply:
- Find your state or tribal LIHEAP office through HHS’s LIHEAP page, or call 211.
- Ask when applications open. Some states take applications year-round; others have seasons and run out of funds.
- Gather documents (list below) and apply through the local agency.
- If you have a shutoff notice, say so first. Crisis help is often faster.
Weatherization Assistance Program (WAP)
The U.S. Department of Energy’s Weatherization Assistance Program pays for improvements that make your home use less energy, such as insulation, air sealing and heating or cooling repairs, delivered by local agencies at no cost to eligible households. Renters may qualify with landlord permission. Start at DOE’s how to apply page to find your state’s program.
Other help that lowers monthly bills
- Utility hardship programs: most utilities offer payment plans, budget billing and medical protections. Call and ask.
- Lifeline lowers phone or internet costs for eligible households: lifelinesupport.org.
- Local charities and community action agencies often run emergency funds. 211 knows which ones are taking applications.
- USA.gov keeps a plain-English list of help with bills.
Documents to gather
- Recent energy bill(s) and any shutoff notice
- Photo ID for the applicant
- Proof of income for everyone in the household (last 30 days or as your state asks)
- Social Security numbers, entered only on official applications
- Proof of address / lease
Watch for scams
No one legitimate charges a fee to apply for LIHEAP or weatherization. If someone calls claiming to be your utility and demands immediate payment by gift card or payment app, hang up and call the number on your bill. More: grant scam checker and government grants to pay bills: what’s real.
Get alerts when programs open
Many states open LIHEAP seasonally. Free Grant Alerts include energy assistance programs for your state, with the official link and steps to apply.
Frequently asked questions
How do I apply for LIHEAP?
Apply through your state, territory or tribal LIHEAP office, often a local community action agency. HHS lists state contacts on its LIHEAP pages, and 211 can direct you. It is free to apply.
Who qualifies for LIHEAP?
Eligibility is set by each state within federal rules and is mainly based on household income and size. Households receiving certain benefits may qualify automatically in some states. Check with your state's LIHEAP office.
What's the difference between LIHEAP and weatherization?
LIHEAP helps pay energy bills and respond to energy crises. The Weatherization Assistance Program makes permanent improvements, like insulation and air sealing, so your home uses less energy.
What should I do if I have a shutoff notice?
Call your utility immediately to ask about payment plans and hardship protections, and contact your LIHEAP office or 211 and say you have a shutoff notice. Many programs prioritize energy emergencies.
Official sources
Published by American Grant Association. Program details change — verify eligibility, amounts and deadlines on the funder's official site before applying. See our disclaimer.
