# Help Paying Electric and Heating Bills This Winter: LIHEAP and Other Assistance, 2026–27

> LIHEAP funds for the 2026–27 season became available October 1, and federal law requires HHS to distribute at least 90% by November 1. Here is who qualifies, how to apply, what to do if you face a shutoff, and why the program's future is uncertain.

- URL: https://solarexaminer.com/posts/liheap-energy-assistance-2026-27/
- Site: Solar Examiner (https://solarexaminer.com/)
- Category: Solar Costs & Incentives
- Published: 2026-10-15
- Last verified: 2026-10-15
- Author: Tehseen Arbab

## Key takeaways

- LIHEAP, the federal Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program, helps households pay heating and cooling bills. States run it, so dates, income limits and benefits differ.
- Federal law caps eligibility at 60% of state median income or 150% of the poverty guidelines, whichever is higher, and states may not set it below 110% of poverty.
- Funds for 2026–27 became available October 1, 2026, and HHS must distribute at least 90% by November 1, according to Sen. Susan Collins' office. The administration has proposed zeroing out LIHEAP in its FY2027 budget.
- If you face a disconnection, say so when you apply. Many programs, including Illinois', give shutoff cases priority.



EIA expects homes that heat with electricity to spend about 4% more this winter, and homes that heat with oil about 21% more (see our [winter heating forecast](/posts/winter-heating-costs-2026-27/)). For households already behind, the main source of help is LIHEAP. Here is how it works this season.

## LIHEAP in 60 Seconds

| Item | Detail |
|---|---|
| What it is | Federal grants to states, tribes and territories to help households pay home energy bills |
| Who runs it locally | Your state's LIHEAP office or local community agencies |
| What it covers | Heating and cooling bills; crisis help when service is cut off or about to be |
| How it pays | Usually directly to your utility or fuel supplier |
| 2026–27 funding | Available October 1, 2026; at least 90% must be distributed by November 1, per Sen. Collins' office |
| Households helped last year | About 6 million nationwide, per the same source |

## Who Qualifies

Federal law sets the outer limits. An HHS memo on the statute says the maximum income limit is **60% of state median income**, unless **150% of the federal poverty guidelines** is higher. States may not set eligibility **below 110% of the poverty guidelines**. Within that range, each state chooses.

**Example: Illinois, 2026–27**

| Household size | Gross income limit, 30 days |
|---|---|
| 1 | $3,990 |
| 2 | $5,410 |
| 3 | $6,830 |
| 4 | $8,250 |
| 5 | $9,670 |
| 6 | $11,090 |

Illinois' announcement says applications opened October 1, 2026 for priority groups and November 1 for all other eligible households, and run until August 13, 2027 or until funds run out. Priority groups are adults 60 and older, people with disabilities, families with children 5 or younger, and households that are disconnected, have a disconnection notice or have less than 25% in their propane tank. Last season Illinois helped 360,500 households, with an average benefit of $676.

Other states have different limits and dates. Check yours before assuming you do or do not qualify.

## How to Apply

1. **Find your local agency.** The National Council on Aging points to a toll-free referral line, **866-674-6327**. Your state's human services or energy office also lists agencies.
2. **Apply early.** Funds can run out, and some states open first to priority groups.
3. **Gather documents.** The National Council on Aging lists items states may ask for: proof of identity, Social Security cards, proof of income for everyone in the household, benefit award letters, and your most recent electric or heating bill.
4. **Tell them if you have a shutoff notice.** Emergency cases may get a faster decision.

## If You Are Facing a Disconnection

- **Call your utility before the shutoff date.** Ask about payment arrangements, medical certification if someone in the home depends on powered medical equipment, and any winter protections in your state.
- **Apply for crisis assistance** through LIHEAP. Illinois, for example, offers crisis and reconnection help.
- **Ask about utility programs.** Many utilities run their own assistance funds, discount rates or arrearage programs. Oklahoma Gas & Electric, for example, proposed new senior and low-income discounts and an arrearage management pilot in its current rate case. See our [OG&E article](/posts/oge-files-oklahoma-rate-case-2026/).
- **Ask about budget billing** to spread costs evenly once you are caught up. See [budget billing explained](/posts/budget-billing-explained/).

## Beyond LIHEAP

- **Weatherization assistance:** many states pair LIHEAP with free weatherization for eligible homes, which cuts usage for years. Illinois runs this as IHWAP.
- **Furnace help:** some states, including Illinois, offer furnace repair or replacement help, subject to funding.
- **Payment plans and discounts** from your utility.

## Why the Program's Future Is Uncertain

LIHEAP is funded year to year by Congress. Sen. Susan Collins' office says Congress continued funding "at more than $4 billion this year," and that 31 senators asked HHS in September to release it quickly. It also says the administration's FY2027 budget proposal would zero out LIHEAP. Congress decides. For this winter, funds are available. If you may need help next year, watch for news on the FY2027 appropriation.

## What About Solar?

LIHEAP pays current bills. It does not fund solar. Some states run separate low-income solar or community solar programs with guaranteed bill savings. If you are offered one, compare it carefully: see our guides to [community solar](/posts/community-solar-subscription-report/) and [comparing supplier offers](/posts/how-to-compare-electricity-supplier-offers/).

## Limitations

LIHEAP rules differ widely by state. The Illinois figures are one example. Federal funding figures come from a senator's press release. We did not verify individual states' current application status beyond Illinois. This is general information, not legal or financial advice.

## Sources

- [U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Administration for Children and Families, LIHEAP](https://www.acf.hhs.gov/ocs/programs/liheap)
- [HHS Office of Community Services, LIHEAP Information Memorandum on state median income (statutory eligibility limits)](https://www.acf.hhs.gov/sites/default/files/documents/ocs/im_17_03_liheap_smi_fy18.pdf)
- [Sen. Susan Collins, "As Home-Heating Season Approaches, Senators Collins, Reed, Murkowski Lead Bipartisan Call for Trump Administration to Swiftly Release LIHEAP Funding," September 17, 2026](https://www.collins.senate.gov/newsroom/as-home-heating-season-approaches-senators-collins-reed-murkowski-lead-bipartisan-call-for-trump-administration-to-swiftly-release-liheap-funding)
- [Office of the Governor of Illinois, LIHEAP application announcement, September 24, 2026](https://gov.illinois.gov/news/press-release.32964.html)
- [National Council on Aging, "How Do I Apply for LIHEAP?," February 20, 2026](https://ncoa.org/article/how-do-i-apply-for-liheap/)

## Frequently asked questions

### What is LIHEAP?

The Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program is a federal program, run by states, tribes and territories, that helps income-eligible households pay home energy bills. Benefits are usually paid directly to the utility or fuel supplier.

### Who qualifies for LIHEAP?

It depends on your state. Federal law lets states set income limits up to the greater of 60% of state median income or 150% of the federal poverty guidelines, and no lower than 110% of the poverty guidelines. Many states also give priority to older adults, people with disabilities and families with young children.

### How do I apply for LIHEAP?

Through your state or local LIHEAP agency, by mail, online or in person depending on the state. The National Council on Aging lists a toll-free referral number, 866-674-6327, to help find your local office.

### Is LIHEAP being eliminated?

Not for this winter. Funds for the 2026–27 season were made available October 1, 2026. Sen. Susan Collins' office says the administration proposed zeroing out LIHEAP in its fiscal year 2027 budget, Congress decides the final amount; we did not find a final FY2027 appropriation.


Image credit: Photo by Matt Noble on [Unsplash](https://unsplash.com/photos/brown-and-white-houses-near-snow-covered-mountain-during-daytime-2UqfOSGJ2Qo?utm_source=solarexaminer&utm_medium=referral)