Household Bills
Help With Energy Bills: Understanding LIHEAP and Weatherization
How LIHEAP and the Weatherization Assistance Program work, who runs them, how to apply in your state, and how to steer clear of utility scams.
By the PennyGuide Editorial Team · · 5 min read
Key takeaways
- LIHEAP may help with heating and cooling bills, energy crises, and some energy-related repairs. States, Tribes, and territories run it locally.
- The Weatherization Assistance Program funds home improvements that can lower energy use over the long term.
- Eligibility is based largely on income and varies by state, so check with your local office for current rules.
- Real programs never ask for a fee to apply, and real utilities don't demand gift cards or payment apps to stop a shutoff.
Energy bills can be some of the hardest bills to plan for. A cold snap or a summer heat wave can send costs well above normal, often at the same time other expenses pile up. If you’re worried about falling behind, it helps to know that there are long-standing public programs aimed at exactly this problem.
This guide explains two of the main federal programs, the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) and the Weatherization Assistance Program (WAP), along with other steps you may be able to take. PennyGuide is an independent education site. We don’t run these programs, accept applications, or decide who qualifies. We just want to help you understand how they work and where to go.
LIHEAP: help paying energy bills
LIHEAP is a federal program that helps households with low incomes pay home energy costs. It’s overseen by the Office of Community Services within the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, but it’s funded as a block grant to states, territories, and Tribes, which run their own programs.
What LIHEAP may help with
Depending on where you live, LIHEAP funds may be used for:
- Heating assistance, such as help with a gas, oil, propane, or electric heating bill
- Cooling assistance during hot weather
- Crisis assistance, for example if you’ve received a shutoff notice or run out of fuel
- Weatherization and minor energy-related home repairs
Because each state, territory, and Tribe designs its own program, not every type of help is offered everywhere, and application windows can differ. Some programs open applications in the fall for winter heating, while crisis help may be available year-round.
Who it’s for
Eligibility for LIHEAP is based mainly on household income, and each state or territory sets its own rules within federal guidelines. Household size and other factors can also matter. Income limits can change from year to year, so check your local LIHEAP office for the current figures rather than relying on numbers you’ve seen elsewhere.
How to apply
- Find your state or territory’s LIHEAP office. USAGov’s energy bill help page links to a LIHEAP search tool, and the HHS LIHEAP page links to a clearinghouse that explains how and where to apply.
- Gather documents. Offices commonly ask for proof of income, identification for household members, and a recent utility bill. Ask your office for its exact list.
- Submit your application. Some offices accept online applications, while others require you to apply in person or by mail.
- Follow up. If you have a shutoff notice, say so when you apply. Crisis situations may be handled differently.
Weatherization: lowering energy use for the long run
While LIHEAP helps with bills, the Weatherization Assistance Program, run through the U.S. Department of Energy, focuses on the home itself. It funds improvements that make homes more energy efficient while protecting residents’ health and safety, which may lower energy costs month after month.
How it works
Weatherization is run at the state and local level. Typically, a local provider assesses the home to find where energy is being lost and what improvements make sense. Work may include things like sealing air leaks, adding insulation, or addressing heating and cooling equipment, though the specific measures depend on the home and the local program.
Who it’s for
Eligibility is based on income, and households that receive TANF or SSI may also qualify. Local programs may have waiting lists or priority rules, so it’s worth applying early and asking about timing.
How to apply
The Department of Energy describes four steps:
- Determine your eligibility.
- Identify your local weatherization provider, starting with your state’s weatherization administrator.
- Complete the application process.
- Prepare for services.
If you rent, ask your local provider how the program works for renters. Landlord permission is often part of the process.
Other steps that may help
Talk to your utility
Many utilities offer payment plans, budget billing that spreads costs more evenly across the year, or their own assistance programs. Call the number on your bill (not a number from an unexpected text or email) and ask what’s available. It’s often easier to arrange something before a bill goes past due.
Know your state’s shutoff rules
Each state has its own rules about when utilities can disconnect service for nonpayment. Some consider weather conditions, age, or disability. USAGov links to a state-by-state guide that explains these rules and whom to contact.
Call 211
211 is a free, confidential nonprofit helpline (dial 2-1-1) that can connect you with local resources, including energy help from community agencies and charities.
Reduce usage where you can
Small changes, like adjusting the thermostat, sealing drafts, and running appliances off-peak if your utility has time-based rates, may trim costs. Our guide to lowering your utility bills season by season covers practical ideas for both winter and summer.
A simple worked example
This is an illustration with simple round numbers, not a prediction of any benefit.
For example, imagine a household whose winter heating bill runs about $250 a month for four months, or $1,000 total. They apply for LIHEAP in the fall, call their utility to set up budget billing, and put their name on the local weatherization waiting list.
If LIHEAP helped with part of the heating cost and budget billing spread the rest more evenly, the household would have a steadier monthly bill that’s easier to plan for. Over time, weatherization improvements might also reduce how much energy the home uses. You can map out your bills and due dates with the bill checklist, and fold the new amounts into your plan with the budget planner.
Protect yourself from scams
Utility-related scams are common, especially in extreme weather. Keep these points in mind:
- Legitimate assistance programs never charge a fee to apply. Be wary of anyone who asks for money to “process” or speed up your application.
- Real utilities don’t demand payment by gift card, wire transfer, or payment app to stop an immediate shutoff.
- Hang up and call back using the number on your bill if someone calls threatening disconnection.
- Look for .gov when searching for program information online.
Your next small step
Look up your state’s LIHEAP office through USAGov’s energy bill help page and write down when applications open. While you’re there, find your state’s weatherization administrator. If money is tight across the board, our guide to housing stability resources may also help.
