How to apply for LIHEAP help with heating bills
Winter heating bills can hit hard, especially when money is already tight. That’s exactly what the Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) is there for — a federal program that helps eligible households cover energy costs so no one has to choose between staying warm and paying other bills.
Who can apply
Eligibility comes down to income. In Alabama and Texas, households at or below 150% of the federal poverty level generally qualify. Ohio sets its limit a bit higher, at 175% of the federal poverty level. Beyond income, most states also look at household size, age of members, disability status, and U.S. citizenship or legal residency.
When to apply
Timing matters. Alabama’s application window runs October 1 through March 31. Ohio typically opens in November and can extend through March (its FAQ notes applications are often accepted November through April, so it pays to apply early). Texas doesn’t list fixed dates, but applications are generally accepted during the heating or cooling season — so don’t wait until the last minute.
What you’ll need
Across all three states, the paperwork looks similar: proof of income for everyone in the household, a recent utility bill, and identification. Ohio and Texas also ask for Social Security numbers for household members, and Ohio requests proof of citizenship or legal residency.
How to apply
The process is largely local. In Alabama, start with your local Community Action Agency or the Alabama Department of Human Resources. In Texas, reach out to your local Community Action Agency or the Texas Department of Housing and Community Affairs. In Ohio, apply through your local Community Action Agency or online through the Ohio Department of Development’s website.
Once you submit your application, follow up if you don’t hear back — funding is limited, and staying on top of your application status helps make sure it gets processed in time.
If you’re not sure where to start, your state’s Community Action Agency is almost always the right first call. It’s free to apply, and it exists specifically to help families like yours get through the coldest months without the added stress of an overdue heating bill.
