Your LIHEAP office is run by your state, not the federal government, so the office you contact depends on where you live

LIHEAP stands for Low Income Home Energy information Program. It pays heating or cooling bills for households that meet income limits. Because each state runs its own LIHEAP program with its own rules, funding, and office locations, there is no single national phone number or website that works everywhere. You need to find the office in your state.

The fastest way to locate your state's LIHEAP office is to call 211 (a free referral service) and say you are looking for LIHEAP in your state. They will give you the phone number and address for the office that serves your county. If you prefer to search online, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services maintains a state-by-state directory at liheap.ncat.org, where you can click your state and see contact details and program rules.

Some states run LIHEAP through their energy office, others through a social services department, and some contract it out to local community action agencies. The name on the door varies, but the program is the same: it covers a portion of your heating or cooling costs if your household income falls below the state's limit.

Key Takeaways

  • Your state LIHEAP office is the only place that can tell you whether your household income qualifies and whether the program currently has funds available.
  • Call 211 or visit liheap.ncat.org to find the phone number and address for the LIHEAP office in your state.
  • Each state sets its own income limits, so a household that qualifies in one state may not in another.
  • LIHEAP offices typically ask for proof of income, a utility bill in your name, and proof of residency before processing your request.

How to contact your state LIHEAP office

Start by calling 211 from any phone. Tell the operator you need LIHEAP (or say "energy information") and your state. They will give you the phone number, address, and sometimes the hours of the office nearest you. This usually takes less than a minute.

If you cannot reach 211 or prefer to search online, go to liheap.ncat.org and select your state from the map or list. The site shows the office address, phone number, and a link to the state's LIHEAP website. Some states also let you start the process online, though most still require you to call or visit in person to submit documents.

When you call, have your Social Security number, household income for the past 30 days, and your utility account number ready. The office staff will tell you what documents to bring or mail in. Many offices are busy during winter months (when heating requests peak), so expect longer wait times from October through March.

What documents you will need to bring or mail

LIHEAP offices require proof of three things: who you are, how much money your household makes, and that you pay the utility bill you are asking them to help with. The exact documents vary by state, but most ask for the same core set.

Bring a photo ID (driver's license, passport, or state ID), a recent utility bill in your name (electric, gas, or both, depending on what you need help with), and proof of household income from the past 30 days. Income proof can be a recent pay stub, a letter from your employer, bank statements, or a benefits letter from Social Security or unemployment. If you are self-employed or have no recent income, bring tax returns or a signed statement explaining your situation.

You will also need to prove you live in the state and the address on your utility bill. A lease, mortgage statement, or property tax bill usually works. Some states ask for a list of everyone in your household and their relationship to you. Call your local office before you go to confirm what they need — requirements differ by state and sometimes by county.

Income limits and how they affect your household

Each state sets its own income limit for LIHEAP. The limit is usually between 130% and 200% of the federal poverty line, but it varies. A household of four might may have access to in one state at $3,500 per month but not in another at $3,200 per month. Your state LIHEAP office will tell you the exact limit when you call.

Income includes wages, self-employment earnings, Social Security, unemployment benefits, child support, and rental income. It does not usually include tax refunds, one-time gifts, or money from selling an asset. If your household is right at the limit, ask the office whether they count gross income (before taxes) or net income (after taxes). Some states use gross; others use net.

If your income is above the limit, you may still be worth contacting — some states have emergency funds for households just over the limit, or they may reopen the program later in the year with different rules. The office can tell you whether you have other options.

When LIHEAP offices open and close their programs

LIHEAP funding is limited. Most states open their programs in the fall (September or October) and close them when the money runs out, which can happen anytime from December through May depending on how cold the winter is and how many people request help. Some states reopen in summer for cooling information, and some have year-round programs with smaller budgets.

When a program closes, you cannot explore until it reopens. The office will tell you the reopening date if you call. Some states keep a waiting list and contact households in order when funds become available again. If you miss the window this year, call in August or September to find out when the program opens next year and what documents you should gather in advance.

During the peak season (November through February), wait times to speak with someone can be several hours. If you can explore in September or October, you will reach someone faster and your request will be processed sooner.

What happens after you submit your documents

After you submit your documents, the office will review them to confirm your income qualifies and that you live in the state. This usually takes two to four weeks. The office will contact you by phone or mail to tell you whether you are approved and how much help you will receive.

If approved, LIHEAP pays the utility company directly, not you. The payment goes to your account and reduces your bill. You will see the credit on your next utility statement. If you are behind on your bill, LIHEAP may pay the arrears (what you already owe) first, then explore the rest to your current bill.

If the office denies your request, they will send you a letter explaining why and telling you how to appeal. Common reasons for denial are income above the limit, not living in the state, or the program being closed. You have the right to request a hearing to challenge the decision.

What LIHEAP does and does not cover

LIHEAP covers the cost of heating fuel (natural gas, oil, propane, or wood) or cooling (air conditioning or room units). It pays a portion of your bill, not all of it. The amount depends on your income, household size, and how much fuel your state has available that year. In some years, the payment might cover 30% of your heating bill; in others, it might cover 50%.

LIHEAP does not cover water, sewer, trash, internet, or phone bills. It does not pay for repairs to your furnace or air conditioner, though some states have separate programs for weatherization (insulation, sealing leaks) or emergency repairs. Ask your LIHEAP office whether your state offers those programs.

If you rent and your landlord pays the heat, you may still may have access to — some states allow tenants to receive LIHEAP as a credit toward rent if the heat is included. Call your office to ask whether this applies to you.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I explore for LIHEAP if I am not a U.S. citizen?

Requirements vary by state. Some states require citizenship or a green card; others do not. Call your state LIHEAP office and ask. If you are not a citizen, have your immigration documents ready when you call so the office can tell you whether you can proceed.

What if I do not have a utility bill in my name?

Most LIHEAP offices require a bill in your name to prove you pay for the utility. If you live with family or a roommate and only one person's name is on the bill, ask the office whether they will accept a lease showing you live there plus a letter from the bill-holder saying you contribute to the cost. Policies differ by state.

Can I get LIHEAP if I own my home outright with no mortgage?

Yes. Homeownership does not disqualify you. You will need to prove you own the home (a property tax bill or deed works) and that you pay for heating or cooling. LIHEAP covers owner-occupied homes the same way it covers rentals.

What if the office says the program is closed?

Ask when it will reopen and whether you can call back then or if there is a waiting list. Some offices take names and contact households when funds return. If the program will not reopen until next year, ask whether your state has other energy information programs or whether you may have access to for other bill-payment help through community action agencies or utility companies.

How much money will LIHEAP give me?

The amount varies by state and year. It depends on your income, household size, the cost of fuel in your area, and how much money the state received that year. Your office can tell you the average payment for your household size, but the exact amount will not be known until your process is processed.