Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program

The Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) was created in response to rising energy prices in the 1970s and the decreasing purchasing power of low-income households. Like the Weatherization Assistance Program, LIHEAP grew from an energy conservation program added to the Economic Opportunity Act in 1975. LIHEAP was authorized in its current form by the“Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act of 1981.”

LIHEAP provides federally funded assistance in managing the costs associated with home energy bills, energy crises and, to a limited extent, low-cost home weatherization. An estimated 5.4 million families were helped by LIHEAP in FY2017. The administering agency of LIHEAP is the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) and the Office of Community Services within the Administration for Children and Families. 

  • LIHEAP is the largest energy assistance program available to low-income households in the United States. Eligible households receive aid to pay utility bills and increase the energy efficiency of their homes. In addition, households benefit from “crisis” funds when their utility services are suspended. 

  • Who is eligible for LIHEAP? 

    • States, federally recognized tribes and tribal organizations and territories administer LIHEAP funding, and may serve households with incomes at or below 150 percent of the federal poverty level or, if greater, 60 percent of state median income.

    • LIHEAP grantees may also serve households in which at least one member receives Temporary Assistance for Needy Families, Supplemental Security Income or benefits under the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program. 

  • These programs are essential for low-income families, giving some a chance to have electricity and internet, which is a key factor for productivity of laborers and the success of children in schools.  These programs also help keep low-income families healthy, through proper heating of their homes. 

  • Nearly 80 percent of LIHEAP recipients have incomes below 100 percent of the poverty level. 75 percent of households receiving assistance have at least one member who is a child, elderly or disabled. 

  • Using LIHEAP block grant funds, states are able to tailor their aid programs in order to effectively improve the unique situations of those receiving assistance.