This New Government Program May Pay for Your Heating Bill. See if You Qualify

Don't miss out on free money to pay for your utilities.

The winter months can leave many families struggling to keep up with the high costs of heating their homes. Fortunately, there is some help available for those who need it. The Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) provides grants to low-income households to help pay their heating bills and reduce financial stress. Read on to learn more about the program and see if you qualify.

What is LIHEAP?

The Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) is a federally funded program that helps low-income households pay for their heating and cooling costs. It helps by providing direct payments to the utility companies, offering bill payment and energy crisis assistance, and covering costs for weatherization or energy-related repair services that reduce energy costs for eligible households.

To be eligible for this benefit program, you must need financial assistance with home energy costs. Once approved, you'll receive benefits that cover some -- or all -- of your heating costs. Benefits may vary by state and LIHEAP currently provides heating and cooling assistance to roughly 6.7 million households.

Who qualifies for LIHEAP?

In order to qualify for LIHEAP, you must meet certain criteria set by the federal government and your state. These criteria are based on income level, household size, type of fuel used, and other factors such as disability or age of household members. A person who participates or has family members who participate in certain other benefit programs, such as Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), Supplemental Security Income (SSI), or Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF), may be automatically eligible.

To be eligible, you must have an annual household income (before taxes) that is below the amounts listed here.

If you have more than eight people in your family, then it is $7,080 per additional person. It's important to check with your local agency in order to determine if you meet all eligibility requirements for LIHEAP assistance in your area.

How can you apply?

To apply for LIHEAP assistance, you will need to contact your state or tribal LIHEAP office. You may also call the National Energy Assistance Referral (NEAR) project at 1-866-674-6327 for help applying for LIHEAP benefits. NEAR is a free service providing information on where you can apply for LIHEAP.

You can also access the LIHEAP Map State and Territory Contact Listing online. Once you click on your state, the site will display your state's contact information. Once you get in touch with your respective state LIHEAP office, they will give you specific information about how to apply. In most cases, you will need to provide proof of income such as tax returns, pay stubs, or Social Security statements. You will also need proof of residency in order to be considered for assistance.

Don't let high heating bills keep you from staying warm this winter. If you're struggling financially this winter season due to your heating bills, consider applying for the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP). This program can provide help to keep your home warm and comfortable during the winter months without breaking the bank.