Winter is expensive. The average American household spends between $900 and $1,500 on heating during the cold months, and for families earning less than $30,000 per year, that bill can consume 15 to 20 percent of total household income. LIHEAP — the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program — exists to make sure no American family has to choose between heating their home and feeding their children. In 2026, the program distributes over $4 billion in federal funding, and the average household benefit ranges from $400 to $1,000 per heating season.
The application process is straightforward, but knowing what to expect and what to bring can save you weeks of back-and-forth. And while LIHEAP covers a significant portion of your heating costs, it rarely covers everything. That remaining gap is where supplemental income from apps like I am Beezy makes a real difference — $5 to $15 per day earned from your phone can add $150 to $300 per month to your budget, enough to cover whatever LIHEAP does not. Here is everything you need to apply.
What LIHEAP Is and How It Works
How the program is structured
LIHEAP is a federal block grant program administered by the Department of Health and Human Services. The federal government distributes funds to all 50 states, the District of Columbia, US territories, and over 150 tribal organizations. Each state then sets its own eligibility criteria, benefit amounts, and application procedures within federal guidelines. This means the experience of applying for LIHEAP in Texas is different from applying in Minnesota, but the core program and purpose are the same everywhere.
What LIHEAP pays for
LIHEAP provides four types of assistance. Regular heating assistance helps pay your heating bill during the cold season. Cooling assistance helps with air conditioning costs during the summer. Crisis assistance provides emergency funds when you face an imminent shutoff or have already been disconnected. And weatherization referrals connect you with the Weatherization Assistance Program for permanent home energy improvements. Most people apply for regular heating assistance, but crisis assistance is critical if you have a shutoff notice in hand — it can be processed in as little as 48 hours.
How much you can receive
LIHEAP benefit amounts vary significantly by state. The national average is approximately $550 per household per heating season. Some states like New York and Massachusetts award $800 to $1,200 because of higher energy costs. Southern states with milder winters may award $300 to $500. Your specific benefit is calculated based on your household income, household size, energy costs, and heating fuel type. The money goes directly to your utility company or fuel vendor — you do not receive a check.
| State | Average LIHEAP Benefit | Application Window | Apply Through |
|---|---|---|---|
| New York | $800-$1,200 | October-March | myBenefits.ny.gov |
| California | $400-$700 | Year-round | Local Community Action Agency |
| Texas | $300-$500 | Year-round (varies by region) | CEAP administrators |
| Ohio | $500-$800 | October-May | energyhelp.ohio.gov |
| Illinois | $500-$900 | September-May | helpillinoisfamilies.com |
| Michigan | $500-$700 | October-May | Michigan.gov/MDHHS |
How to Apply for LIHEAP in 2026
Step 1: Check your eligibility
LIHEAP eligibility is based primarily on household income. In most states, your household income must be at or below 150 percent of the federal poverty level, or 60 percent of your state's median income — whichever is higher. For 2026, 150 percent of the poverty level is approximately $23,340 for a single person and $47,790 for a family of four. If you are already receiving SNAP, SSI, TANF, or certain Veterans benefits, you may be categorically eligible regardless of income.
Step 2: Gather your documents
Before you apply, collect these documents to avoid delays: proof of income for all household members (pay stubs, SSI letters, tax returns), a recent utility bill or heating fuel statement, Social Security numbers for all household members, and proof of identity (driver's license or state ID). If you rent, you may also need a copy of your lease showing your utility responsibilities. Having everything ready when you apply can cut weeks off the processing time.
Step 3: Submit your application
Applications are submitted through your local Community Action Agency, tribal organization, or — in some states — online through the state's benefits portal. To find your local agency, call 211, visit your state's LIHEAP page, or search at acf.hhs.gov/ocs/liheap. Most agencies offer in-person, phone, and mail-in applications. Processing typically takes 2 to 4 weeks, but crisis applications for households facing imminent shutoff can be expedited to 48 to 72 hours.
Covering the Gap LIHEAP Leaves Behind
When $500 does not cover a $1,200 bill
LIHEAP is designed to reduce your energy burden, not eliminate it entirely. If your total winter heating cost is $1,200 and LIHEAP provides $600, you still need to come up with $600 over four to five months. That is $120 to $150 per month that needs to come from somewhere in an already stretched budget. This is the gap where families fall behind, miss payments, and end up right back in crisis the following year.
Building income to cover the difference
With I am Beezy, you view content on your phone — videos, articles, and ads — and earn real money for each view. There is no application to fill out, no credit check, and no minimum hours. You use the app whenever you have time, and the earnings accumulate in your account. Users who spend just 20 minutes per day consistently report monthly earnings between $150 and $300. That is more than enough to cover the portion of your heating bill that LIHEAP does not reach, plus put a small amount toward other expenses that pile up in winter.
| Winter Month | Heating Cost | LIHEAP Covers | Beezy Earnings (20 min/day) | Remaining Out of Pocket |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| November | $180 | $100 | $150-$250 | $0 |
| December | $280 | $150 | $150-$250 | $0 |
| January | $320 | $175 | $150-$250 | $0 |
| February | $260 | $140 | $150-$250 | $0 |
| Total | $1,040 | $565 | $600-$1,000 | $0 |
Frequently Asked Questions About LIHEAP
Can I apply for LIHEAP if I use propane, oil, or wood for heating?
Yes. LIHEAP covers all residential heating fuels, including natural gas, electricity, propane, heating oil, kerosene, wood, and coal. If you use a delivered fuel like propane or heating oil, the LIHEAP payment goes directly to your fuel vendor. Some states provide a lump sum for delivered fuels so you can purchase fuel as needed throughout the season.
What if I already have a shutoff notice?
Contact your local Community Action Agency immediately and ask for LIHEAP crisis assistance. Crisis applications are processed on an expedited timeline — often within 48 to 72 hours. While your application is pending, most states prohibit utility companies from disconnecting service. Bring your shutoff notice to your appointment as proof of the emergency.
Can I apply for LIHEAP every year?
Yes. LIHEAP benefits do not carry over from year to year — you must reapply each heating season. Set a reminder to apply as soon as your state opens the application window, which is typically between September and November. Early applicants are more likely to receive benefits before the coldest months arrive.
Does LIHEAP count as income for tax purposes?
No. LIHEAP benefits are not considered taxable income by the IRS. They also do not count as income for purposes of determining eligibility for other federal programs like SNAP, Medicaid, or SSI. Receiving LIHEAP will not reduce your other benefits.
Apply Now and Stay Warm All Winter
LIHEAP funds are limited and distributed on a first-come, first-served basis in many states. The earlier you apply, the better your chances of receiving the maximum benefit. Gather your documents, find your local Community Action Agency through 211, and submit your application this week. And while you wait for benefits to be processed, start building supplemental income by signing up for free on I am Beezy. Between federal assistance and what you earn on your phone, you can stay warm all winter without going into debt.
