Lower Your Energy Bill Before Back-to-School Costs Pile Up

Real help with your energy bill, and it is free

August is expensive. School supplies, clothes, and fees all land at once. Your energy bill does not slow down to make room for them.

There is help. It is called LIHEAP, the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program. It helps families pay their heating and cooling bills. The program is run by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services and delivered through your state.

This money is meant for people like you. Applying is free. You never have to pay a middleman to get LIHEAP. If someone asks you for a fee to apply, that is a warning sign.

What LIHEAP can help with

LIHEAP can help pay your home energy bills. This can include cooling in the summer and heating in the colder months.

Some states also help with energy crises, like a shut-off notice, and small repairs to heating or cooling equipment. What is offered depends on where you live.

Each state sets its own rules, its own income limits, and its own application dates. So the exact help you can get depends on your state's program.

Who usually qualifies

LIHEAP is for low and moderate income households. Your income, your household size, and your energy costs are usually part of how eligibility is decided.

If you already get other benefits like SNAP or SSI, you may find it easier to qualify. Your state office can tell you.

Do not rule yourself out. Many families who could get help never apply because they assume they earn too much. It is worth checking.

Frequently asked questions

Does it cost anything to apply for LIHEAP?

No. Applying is free through your state's official program. You never need to pay a company to apply for you. If someone asks for a fee, treat it as a red flag.

Can LIHEAP help with summer cooling bills?

In many states, yes. LIHEAP can help with cooling costs as well as heating. What is offered depends on your state, so ask your local office.

How do I find my state's program?

Start at the HHS LIHEAP page, then use Energyhelp.us to find the office and phone number for your state.

What if my state has run out of funds?

Funds can be limited, so apply early. Ask your state office when applications open again and whether crisis help is available for shut-off notices.