Home Heating Grants.   A home energy assistance program helps low-income families pay for heating bills. If you live in a warm state, they help with cooling costs.  These grants help disadvantaged residents pay for Winter heating bills.

During the winter months, many low-income families will be eligible for the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP). You, too, may qualify for free assistance with power bills. (NOTE: The time to apply for this money is in the Summer).

Home Heating Grants

If you qualify, the Federal government will send you a check each year. The program began in 1981 as an assist benefit to the poorest families with home cooling bills.  Congress later shifted the purpose of the funds to cold-weather states to include warm-weather states as well.

They are funded with a yearly subsidy to the Department of Health and Human Services. On October 15, 2014, ACF awarded approximately $3.05 billion for home heating grants.

This funding is distributed among all states, territories, and tribal governments through the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.  The President receives additional funds each year to use for the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program at his discretion.

Each state that wishes to receive this grant must apply for a block grant. In conjunction with heating assistance, the government’s Home Weatherization program helps families make energy-saving repairs to their homes.

Home Heating Grants Help Families

There is nothing worse than coming home to a cold house. However, there are people all over the United States who go without heat during the winter months. Often families without electricity use kerosene heaters and cause deadly fires and loss of property.  You have also heard sad stories about older adults freezing to death in their homes.

If you have been struggling to pay your heating bills, you may be eligible for this help.  You owe it to yourself to find out if you qualify for money for home heating bills through the Home Heating Assistance Program.  If you are receiving benefits from a government agency, talk to your caseworker at the Department of Social Services.

Where to Apply for a Home Heating Grant

If you want to apply for heat assistance, contact your Department of Social Services or a community action agency.  They offer assistance from both the state and city levels.  Funding is limited, and families with children and the elderly get preferential treatment when funding is limited.

The government funds each state to distribute this grant to those who apply and qualify for the grant. The Home Energy Assistance checks are sent the first week of February. Money is given on a first-come-first-served basis, so it is important to apply between August – September before the money runs out.

How Do I Qualify for Assistance?

You are eligible for your gross family income at or below 135% of the Federal Poverty Guidelines.

Household Number Total Yearly Income:

1. $17,505
2. $23,595
3. $29,685
4. $35,775
5. $41,865
6. $47,955
7. $54,045
8. $60,135

Or if you are receiving help from a federal program such as:

• Food Stamps/SNAP
• Receiving Medicaid On Section 8 or Federal Public Housing
• Receiving TANF- Temporary Assistance for Needy Families
• A child registered with the National School Lunch Program
• Supplemental Security Income SSI
• The program assists with:
• Power Bill Payment
• Energy crisis assistance (prevent utility disconnection)
• Home Weatherization Grants and energy-saving home repairs

Where to Get Help with Heating Bills

National Energy Assistance Referral Project at 866-674-6327

Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program
Aerospace Building, 5th Floor West
370 L’Enfant Promenade, S.W.
Washington, D.C. 20447

Phone Number: (202) 401-9351
Fax Number: (202) 401-5661

Department of Social Services

Are you a resident of your state and are not presently receiving government assistance, you may be eligible for help at the Department of Social Services?  You can get help once a year with your bills and do not have to pay back this benefit.  Your gross family income must be at or below the Federal Poverty Guidelines to qualify.

Your Utility Company

Most utility companies work with the government to help disadvantaged clients pay their heating and electric bills.  Go to your Utility company’s website to find out how to sign up with the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP).  If you are accepted, you will receive an energy check in the first week of February to help offset heating and cooling bills.

There are also Churches that Help Pay Bills, Like Rent & Utilities.

Local churches are a great support to underserved communities.  They receive funding from the government, businesses, and donations.  They act as an arm of the government to help screen to assure that only financially qualified applicants receive help.  If you are looking for a grant to help with heating, contact the churches below.

1. Catholic Charities
2. St. Vincent de Paul
3. The Salvation Army
4. The Episcopal Church
5. The Lutheran Church