HEAP (also called LIHEAP) helps older adults pay home energy bills, handle energy emergencies (like shutoff notices or an empty oil tank), and—in some states—get cooling help or minor energy-related repairs. You apply through your local agency, and eligibility is based on income, with many states prioritizing households with seniors. Administration for Children and Families+1
Bottom line: If you’re 60+ and struggling with heating, cooling, or a shutoff notice, apply for HEAP now and ask about crisis and cooling options. USAGov
What HEAP (LIHEAP) actually pays for
HEAP is a federal block grant program run by HHS/ACF and delivered by states, Tribes, and local agencies. It can:
- Pay toward heating or cooling bills (often a one-time payment sent to your utility or fuel vendor).
- Resolve an energy crisis (shutoff notice, no fuel, broken furnace in winter or unsafe heat in summer).
- Weatherize homes or make minor energy-related repairs (some states use LIHEAP for small fixes; deeper upgrades usually come from WAP). Administration for Children and Families+1The Department of Energy’s Energy.gov
Table 1 — HEAP coverage at a glance
| Need | Covered by HEAP? | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Heating bill (gas, electric, fuel oil, propane, wood, etc.) | Yes | Benefit is typically paid to your vendor; amount varies by state and fuel. USAGov |
| Cooling bill (electric) | Often | Many states offer summer cooling assistance. USAGov |
| Energy crisis (shutoff, out of fuel) | Yes | States must provide crisis assistance; see March 15 requirement below. Administration for Children and Families |
| Minor energy-related home repairs | Sometimes | Allowed under LIHEAP; rules vary by state. Administration for Children and Families |
| Major efficiency upgrades (insulation, furnace replacement) | Usually via WAP | Ask about DOE’s WAP and utility efficiency programs. The Department of Energy’s Energy.gov |
| Past-due fees, reconnection | Sometimes | Covered in crisis cases, state-dependent. Administration for Children and Families |
Source: HHS/ACF LIHEAP program pages; USA.gov; DOE WAP; last checked: Sept 6, 2025. Administration for Children and Families+1USAGovThe Department of Energy’s Energy.gov
Bottom line: Bills, crises, cooling, and some small fixes are in scope for HEAP; bigger upgrades are a WAP conversation.
Who qualifies (and how seniors are prioritized)
Income rules: States must set income limits at or below the greater of 150% of the Federal Poverty Guidelines (FPG) or 60% of State Median Income (SMI), and not lower than 110% of FPG. States can also make households categorically eligible if anyone receives programs like SNAP, SSI, or TANF. LIHEAP Clearinghouse+1Administration for Children and Families
Senior priority: Federal guidance encourages targeting households with older adults and others with high energy burden; many states explicitly prioritize seniors in their plans or add vulnerability add-ons. Example: New York flags households with a member 60+ as vulnerable for certain components. Administration for Children and FamiliesNY State OTDA
What counts as income? States use either FPG or SMI charts that ACF updates annually; your state plan spells out the method and the program year (generally Oct 1–Sep 30). Administration for Children and Families+1
Seniors in public or subsidized housing: You can typically still qualify (benefits may be smaller if heat is included in rent), and states may offer crisis help regardless. Check your local agency. USAGov
Bottom line: If you’re 60+ on a fixed income, don’t self-screen out—most states prioritize seniors and accept applications every program year. Washington State Department of Commerce
When and how to apply (fast)
- Program year: Oct 1–Sep 30 (states set opening dates for regular and crisis seasons). Administration for Children and FamiliesWashington State Department of Commerce
- Where to apply: Your local LIHEAP/HEAP office (state or county). Use the official LIHEAP locator or call the NEAR hotline (1-866-674-6327). USAGovLIHEAP Clearinghouse
- How benefits are paid: Usually directly to your utility or fuel vendor (vendor payment). USAGov
Checklist — Apply in ~30 minutes
- Find your office: Go to the LIHEAP locator or call 1-866-674-6327 (NEAR). Ask for senior priority and crisis hours. LIHEAP Clearinghouse
- Gather documents: ID, proof of income (Social Security statement, pension), recent energy bill, lease (if renting), and if applicable shutoff notice or fuel ticket. Many states post a checklist. USAGov
- Apply early each season: Fall for heating; spring for cooling (varies by state). Ask about phone or online applications if traveling or homebound. Washington State Department of Commerce
- Ask about add-ons: Some states add vulnerability or fuel-type add-ons, or separate emergency and cooling components. (Example amounts vary by state.) NY State OTDA
- Pair with WAP: If bills are high due to an old furnace or poor insulation, ask for a WAP referral for free efficiency upgrades. The Department of Energy’s Energy.gov
Bottom line: Make one call to 1-866-674-6327 or use the locator, then apply early and bring your latest bill + income proof. LIHEAP Clearinghouse
Emergency & crisis help (don’t wait)
Crisis assistance is for households with a shutoff notice, disconnected service, no fuel/low tank, or other urgent energy-related dangers. Under federal rules, grant recipients must make crisis help available through at least March 15 each program year (some extend later). Administration for Children and Families
What to say when you call: “I have a shutoff notice (or I’m out of fuel). I’m a senior and need crisis HEAP today.” Many states can issue expedited payments or vendor authorizations. (Exact rules vary.) USAGov
Examples of crisis triggers:
- Electric/gas shutoff scheduled (or already off).
- Fuel tank nearly empty (e.g., <¼ tank).
- Electricity needed for heating equipment is off. NY State OTDA
Bottom line: If you get a shutoff notice or run out of fuel, call the LIHEAP office immediately and use the word “crisis.” Administration for Children and Families
Cooling help & medically vulnerable seniors
Many states now fund summer cooling (bill help or AC/fan purchases/installation) through HEAP. Seniors and those with heat-exacerbated medical conditions often qualify faster. New York provides a clear example (AC or fan, one unit per eligible household, with senior or medical vulnerability criteria and set cost caps). NY State OTDA
Bottom line: If heat worsens your condition—or you’re 60+—ask specifically about Cooling Assistance. NY State OTDA
HEAP vs. WAP vs. utility programs (how they fit together)
Table 2 — Compare your options
| Program | What it does | Who runs it | Typical benefit | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| HEAP/LIHEAP | Helps pay heating/cooling bills; crisis help; minor energy-related repairs in some states | HHS/ACF funds; states & local agencies deliver | One-time vendor payment; emergency assistance | Immediate bill relief or shutoff prevention. Administration for Children and Families |
| WAP | Free home weatherization: insulation, air sealing, furnace tune/replace (as eligible) | DOE via state/local agencies | Efficiency upgrades that lower bills long-term | Seniors with high bills due to inefficient homes. The Department of Energy’s Energy.gov |
| Utility discounts (e.g., CARE/FERA in CA) | Monthly % bill discounts for income-eligible customers | Your utility / state PUC | Ongoing bill reduction | Stack with HEAP for year-round savings (state-dependent). California Department of Social Services |
Bottom line: Use HEAP now for the bill; use WAP to lower future bills; add your utility’s low-income rate if offered. The Department of Energy’s Energy.govCalifornia Department of Social Services
State examples (so you can see the range)
New York (HEAP/OTDA):
- Components include Regular, Emergency, Cooling Assistance (AC/fan), Clean & Tune, and Heating Equipment Repair/Replacement.
- Seniors are a vulnerable group; emergency resource limit is higher for households with a member 60+ (e.g., $3,750 in 2024–25), and benefit amounts vary by fuel and situation. Dates for each component open/close annually. NY State OTDA
Source: NY OTDA, last checked: Sept 6, 2025. NY State OTDA
California (HEAP/ECIP/Wx via CSD):
- Offers HEAP bill help, ECIP (crisis), and LIHEAP Weatherization, plus referrals to utility discounts (CARE/FERA) and ESA weatherization.
- 2025 state context shows substantial funding and emphasis on vulnerable households; contact your local provider via CSD’s finder. California Department of Social Services
Source: CA CSD, last checked: Sept 6, 2025. California Department of Social Services
Bottom line: Program names differ, but the core help is similar: bills, crisis, sometimes cooling/repairs—details & amounts differ by state. USAGov
Practical tips for seniors (and caregivers)
- Apply even if you rent or heat is included in rent. Some states give smaller “heat-included” benefits or focus on crisis if electricity is needed to run your heating system. NY State OTDA
- If you’re 60+ or disabled, say so up front. Many states prioritize vulnerable households. Administration for Children and Families
- Combine programs: Ask for WAP and your utility’s low-income rate after you apply for HEAP. The Department of Energy’s Energy.govCalifornia Department of Social Services
- No internet? Call NEAR: 1-866-674-6327 to find the right office and application options (phone, mail, in-person). LIHEAP Clearinghouse
Bottom line: Tell the intake worker you’re a senior and whether you have a shutoff notice—that can speed up help. Administration for Children and Families
Important benefit guidance & source notes
- Core services covered: bills, crisis assistance, weatherization/minor energy-related repairs (state-specific). Source: HHS/ACF program pages & annual report. Last checked: Sept 6, 2025. Administration for Children and Familiesocsannualreport.acf.hhs.gov
- Eligibility math: up to 150% FPL or 60% SMI, not below 110% FPL; categorical eligibility (SNAP/SSI/TANF) allowed. Source: LIHEAP Clearinghouse; ACF IM on FPG/SMI. Last checked: Sept 6, 2025. LIHEAP Clearinghouse+1Administration for Children and Families
- Crisis window: states must offer crisis assistance through at least March 15. Source: ACF LIHEAP Fact Sheet. Last checked: Sept 6, 2025. Administration for Children and Families
- WAP role: deeper efficiency upgrades via DOE’s Weatherization. Source: DOE WAP. Last checked: Sept 6, 2025. The Department of Energy’s Energy.gov
- Apply now: official USA.gov + locator/NEAR hotline for local agencies. Source: USA.gov; LIHEAP locator. Last checked: Sept 6, 2025. USAGovLIHEAP Clearinghouse
Plain-language disclaimer
This guide is general information, not legal or financial advice. Eligibility, benefit amounts, and timelines vary by state and change frequently. Confirm details with your state LIHEAP/HEAP office, your utility, or USA.gov.
Key takeaways
- HEAP (LIHEAP) can help seniors with heating/cooling bills, shutoff prevention, and sometimes minor repairs; big efficiency fixes are WAP. Administration for Children and FamiliesThe Department of Energy’s Energy.gov
- Income limits use 150% FPL or 60% SMI (not below 110% FPL), and seniors are often prioritized. LIHEAP Clearinghouse
- Crisis help runs through at least March 15 each program year—use the word “crisis” when you call if you have a shutoff or no fuel. Administration for Children and Families
- Apply early each season; call the NEAR hotline (1-866-674-6327) for your local office. LIHEAP Clearinghouse
- Stack benefits: HEAP now + WAP + utility discounts for long-term savings. The Department of Energy’s Energy.govCalifornia Department of Social Services
Next steps
- Find your local HEAP office (or call 1-866-674-6327). LIHEAP Clearinghouse
- Apply with your latest energy bill, proof of income, and any shutoff notice. USAGov
- Ask for WAP and utility low-income discounts after you apply. The Department of Energy’s Energy.govCalifornia Department of Social Services
- Mark your calendar for next season’s opening date (varies by state). Washington State Department of Commerce
- If in NY or CA, review the state pages for component details and dates. NY State OTDACalifornia Department of Social Services
FAQ section
What is HEAP for seniors?
HEAP (LIHEAP) helps low-income households—especially seniors—pay energy bills, handle shutoffs/fuel emergencies, and in some states get cooling help or minor energy-related repairs. Apply through your local agency. Administration for Children and Families+1
How do seniors qualify for HEAP?
Eligibility is based on income set by your state within federal limits: up to 150% of FPL or 60% of SMI (whichever is higher) and not below 110% FPL. Some states categorically qualify SNAP/SSI/TANF households. Seniors often receive priority. LIHEAP Clearinghouse+1
Does HEAP help with air conditioning?
Often yes. Many states have Cooling Assistance (bill help or AC/fan). Example: New York provides one unit per eligible household with senior/medical vulnerability rules. NY State OTDA
What if I have a shutoff notice or no fuel?
Ask for HEAP crisis assistance—states must make crisis help available through at least March 15 each program year. Administration for Children and Families
Can I get help if my heat is included in rent?
Usually yes, though benefits may be smaller; crisis help can still apply if electricity to run your heating system is off. Check your state page. NY State OTDA
What’s the difference between HEAP and Weatherization (WAP)?
HEAP reduces current bills and handles emergencies; WAP funds efficiency upgrades (insulation, furnace work) that lower bills long-term. Ask for both. The Department of Energy’s Energy.gov
How do I find my local HEAP office?
Use the LIHEAP locator or call the NEAR hotline: 1-866-674-6327 to be routed to your local agency. LIHEAP Clearinghouse