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The Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program — LIHEAP — helps low-income households pay home energy bills. Unlike a loan, LIHEAP assistance is a grant: you never pay it back.
The average American household spends $2,000 per year on energy. For someone living on Social Security, that can be 15-20% of total income. LIHEAP makes direct payments to utility companies on your behalf.
What Does LIHEAP Cover?
- Heating assistance: Help paying winter bills (gas, electric, oil, propane)
- Cooling assistance: Help paying summer bills (most states)
- Crisis assistance: Emergency help if your utility is about to be shut off
- Weatherization: Some states fund insulation and weatherproofing to reduce future costs
Who Qualifies?
Eligibility varies by state, but most serve households at or below 150% of the Federal Poverty Level:
- Individual: Typically up to $22,000-$26,000/year
- Family of four: Typically up to $44,000-$52,000/year
Priority goes to households with the highest energy burden, and those with elderly, disabled, or young children members.
How Much Can You Receive?
The average national benefit is around $600/year. Crisis assistance tends to be higher — enough to prevent a shutoff.
How to Apply
Call the National Energy Assistance Referral hotline at 1-866-674-6327 to find your local agency. Apply early — funds run out before the end of the season in many states. Fall is best for heating assistance; spring for cooling.
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