Help paying for heating oil and propane: LIHEAP, state aid and what to do first

What LIHEAP is

HHS's Administration for Children and Families describes the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) this way: it "provides federally funded assistance to reduce the costs associated with home energy bills, energy crises, weatherization, and minor energy-related home repairs." It can help with heating bills, prevent energy shutoffs, reconnect services, and repair or replace heating equipment.

The federal government does not pay households directly. The states, tribes and territories get the money and then provide assistance to households in need. That is why the form you fill out, the amount of help and the dates all depend on where you live.

Who can qualify

ACF says LIHEAP benefits target households with low incomes, particularly those with a high home energy burden or members who are elderly, disabled, or a young child. States set their own income limits within a federal range: no more than the greater of 150% of the Federal Poverty Guidelines or 60% of State Median Income, and no less than 110% of the guidelines.

In practice, eligibility varies by state and is based on household size, income and other benefits you receive. Ask your state office rather than assuming: renters, and people whose heat is part of the rent, should check how their state treats them.

Does it cover heating oil and propane?

ACF's program pages describe help with "home heating bills" without naming fuels, so the answer is a state-by-state one. The HHS LIHEAP Clearinghouse lists each state's crisis rules, and some name bulk fuels. Arkansas counts a household in crisis if it "has twenty percent (20%) or less of propane or fuel tank capacity and the supplier has refused delivery without payment." The District of Columbia counts a household in crisis if its "heating oil is at 5% or less of capacity."

Federal rules require grantees to provide crisis assistance through at least March 15. The FCC says 211 can refer you to community services including utility assistance, so a call to 211 as well as your state office is the quickest way to learn what exists near you.

How to apply

ACF points applicants to Energyhelp.us and to the National Energy Assistance Referral (NEAR) number, 1-866-674-6327. The HHS LIHEAP Clearinghouse also has a search tool for your state's office. Have proof of income ready: DOE says weatherization providers require proof of income for the prior year, such as pay stubs or Social Security payments, and the HHS Clearinghouse says LIHEAP eligibility is based on household size, income and other benefits you receive.

LIHEAP does not charge a fee for receiving a benefit, and does not provide direct grants to individuals. ACF's warning: "If you receive a message offering you a LIHEAP grant or requesting a fee, please contact the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) Fraud Hotline at 1-800-447-8477."

Separately, the Department of Energy's Weatherization Assistance Program can lower the bill for good. Households at or below 200% of the poverty income guidelines, or that receive Supplemental Security Income, are eligible under DOE guidelines, and priority goes to the elderly, families with a disability, families with children and high energy users. Contact your state weatherization administrator to apply.

The Northeast and the winter outlook

EIA says that in winter 2023-2024 about 4.79 million US households used heating oil as their main heating fuel, and about 82% of them were in the Northeast. Its Winter Fuels Outlook for 2026-27, released Oct 6, 2026, says homes that use heating oil as their main fuel, about 3% of households, "could see the largest increase in spending this year," with a forecast 21% rise in heating oil expenditures over last winter. It adds that warmer forecast temperatures than last year partly offset the price increase.

EIA collects weekly heating oil and propane prices from October through March. Our gas prices tracker shows EIA's delivered heating oil and propane prices by state, which is useful for checking whether your supplier's quote is in line. The Northeast Home Heating Oil Reserve, a one million barrel supply of ultra low sulfur distillate, exists to protect against supply disruptions in the Northeast; it is not a source of help with household bills.

If your tank is getting low

Call your supplier first and ask what they can deliver. Then call your state LIHEAP office and 211, and say you are close to running out: crisis help is meant for exactly this. Ready.gov's winter-weather page says: "If you are unable to afford your heating costs, weatherization or energy-related home repairs, contact the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) for help."

The Red Cross says to know where you will go if your home becomes too cold: a friend's house, a public library, or a warming center. Our stay warm without power and winterize your home guides cover the rest.

Heat safely while you wait

Ready.gov: "Avoid carbon monoxide poisoning. Only use generators and grills outdoors and away from windows and never heat your home with a gas stovetop or oven." CDC: "Never heat your house with a gas oven." CDC also says to "have your heating system, water heater, and any other gas, oil, or coal burning appliances serviced by a qualified technician every year" and to "install battery-operated or battery back-up CO detectors near every sleeping area in your home."

For space heaters, Ready.gov says to keep combustible objects at least three feet away, and to check that the heater has a thermostat control and will switch off automatically if it falls over. Read space heater safety before you buy or borrow one.