Lifestyle

Reduce Your Electricity Bills With This Program

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In the United States, there are various assistance programs for low-income families. SNAP, WIC, and P-EBT provide access to healthy food options. Another program the U.S. offers is the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program, otherwise known as LIHEAP. This program was created to help low-income families bear the cost of cooling and heating their homes. LIHEAP also covers the purchase of a boiler (only in emergencies) and repairing or replacing equipment.


Next, I am going to answer the following questions:


  1. What is the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP)?
  2. What kinds of services does LIHEAP provide?
  3. Who is eligible to apply for LIHEAP?
  4. Do I have to be a homeowner to receive this benefit?
  5. Who can I contact for more information about this program?
  6. Is it considered a public charge to receive this help?

What is the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP)?

The Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) is offered in all 50 states. Its mission is to help keep families safe and healthy through initiatives that assist them in reducing their home energy costs. Through LIHEAP, you can stay warm in the winter and cool in the summer months.

What kinds of services does LIHEAP provide? 

LIHEAP services vary by state. Depending on where you live, your local LIHEAP office may provide things such as: 

  • help paying your heating or cooling bills;
  • bill payment assistance;
  • emergency services in cases of an energy crisis, such as utility shutoffs; 
  • air conditioner or furnace repairs; and 
  • low-cost home improvements, known as weatherization, to make your home more energy efficient and lower your utility bills.

Who is eligible to apply for LIHEAP?

To be eligible for this benefit program, you must have an annual household income (before taxes) that is below the following amounts:

Household SizeMaximum Income Level (Per Year)
1$20,385
2$27,465
3$34,545
4$41,625
5$48,705
6$55,785
7$62,865
8$69,945

If you participate or have family members who participate in other benefit programs, such as SNAP, SSI, and TANF, you may be automatically eligible. Please, contact your state office for more information. 

Please note that LIHEAP applications typically start being processed in November. However, we strongly encourage contacting your state LIHEAP office for further information.

Do I have to be a homeowner to receive this benefit?

No. You do not have to be a homeowner to receive this benefit. You are eligible to apply whether you rent or own your home.

Who can I contact for more information about this program?

For more information about LIHEAP, you can:

Is it considered a public charge to receive this help?

It is not considered a public charge if you receive this help. Therefore, it does not affect your immigration status. For more information, I encourage you to read the following article: It Is Not Considered Public Charge If You Receive This Assistance.

Mitzi Colin Lopez is a Digital Ads Content Creator and Experimenter at Noticias Para Inmigrantes. Her origin as a Mexican immigrant characterizes and drives her to empower the Latinx, Hispanic and immigrant communities. She is a recent graduate of West Chester University, where she obtained her bachelor’s in Political Science and Spanish. Her passions include social justice, advocacy, hiking, traveling, and weightlifting.