Get Government Help with Energy Bills and Disconnection: If rising heating or cooling bills are squeezing your budget — or if your utility is threatening disconnection — two core federal programs can help: LIHEAP (Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program) for bill payments and emergency help, and WAP (Weatherization Assistance Program) for home energy upgrades that lower your bills long-term. This guide walks you, step-by-step, through who typically qualifies, how to apply, what to do if your utilities are disconnected, and the exact documents you’ll need. Information below is current as of August 2025.
Why this matters right now
LIHEAP helps pay heating and cooling bills (and can provide crisis funds in emergency shutoff situations), while WAP makes your home more energy efficient so your bills stay lower over time. Both programs are federally funded but run locally — eligibility rules, application methods, and available funds differ by state and territory. Contacting your state LIHEAP office and your state or local WAP administrator is the fastest path to help.
At a glance — which program does what
- LIHEAP — short-term help with heating/cooling bills, crisis assistance (help during an energy emergency), and sometimes payment to the energy provider on your behalf. Eligibility is based on income and varies by state.
- WAP — free weatherization services for eligible low-income homes (insulation, air-sealing, furnace tune-ups, minor repairs that affect energy efficiency). WAP is administered by state/tribal agencies and delivered locally.
Who typically qualifies
- LIHEAP: Income-based eligibility. Households receiving certain federal benefits (TANF, SSI, SNAP) often meet income standards automatically in many states. Check your state LIHEAP office for exact thresholds.
- WAP: Income rules vary; if you already receive some federal assistance programs, you may qualify automatically in many states. WAP serves homeowners and renters (with landlord approval) and is run through state or tribal weatherization offices.
7 practical steps to apply (do this first — in order)
1) Check eligibility quickly (5–10 minutes)
Contact your state LIHEAP office to see if you likely qualify. For weatherization, contact your state WAP office and ask about income limits and the typical measures they install. Save the local contact info.
2) Gather the usual documents (30–60 minutes)
Most offices ask for:
- Proof of identity for household members (photo ID, Social Security numbers or proof)
- Proof of income (pay stubs, benefit award letters, tax returns) for everyone in the household
- Recent utility bills (to show service and account numbers)
- Proof of residency (lease, mortgage statement, or ID with address)
Scan or photograph these so you can upload or email them quickly.
3) Apply to LIHEAP (phone, online, or in-person)
Contact your state LIHEAP office and apply using the method they accept. Some states offer online applications; others require mail or an in-person visit. If you are in an emergency (disconnection notice), make that clear — many programs have a crisis component that speeds help or routes payment directly to the utility.
4) Apply for WAP (weatherization) while you wait (it can take longer)
Identify your state or tribal weatherization administrator and apply — WAP often has waiting lists but the work produces long-term savings (insulation, sealing, heating system repairs). Ask whether your state coordinates WAP with LIHEAP.
5) If your utilities are disconnected (or you have a disconnection notice), act fast
- Call your utility’s customer service and tell them you’ve applied for LIHEAP (get a case or confirmation number). Utilities often have policies or protections that delay disconnection for eligible customers.
- Ask for the utility’s hardship program, payment plan, or medical exemption rules. Every state has different disconnection rules (seasonal protections, age/disability exceptions). If you already have a disconnection notice, tell the LIHEAP office — crisis funds sometimes pay directly to the provider.
6) Follow up and document everything (ongoing)
Keep a simple log: dates you applied, case numbers, staff names, and what they promised. Save emails, screenshots, and receipts. If you were promised a crisis payment or a weatherization appointment, ask for expected timelines in writing. Documentation helps if funds run out or something gets delayed.
7) Use free energy-saving tips while you wait (immediate savings)
Simple steps can reduce usage today: program your thermostat a few degrees lower in winter (or higher in summer) when you’re out, seal drafty windows, use LED bulbs, and lower the water-heater temperature modestly. State energy offices also list low-cost measures you can use immediately.
What to do if you can’t get LIHEAP or WAP right away
- Ask your utility about short-term assistance or flexible payment plans. Many utilities partner with local nonprofits and faith-based organizations for emergency grants.
- Look for local charities, community action agencies, and faith groups that offer utility assistance; these partners often coordinate with LIHEAP offices.
- If you face a medical emergency due to disconnection, notify the utility and request medical exception procedures — and contact local emergency services or social services immediately.
Common mistakes — and how to avoid them
- Waiting until the last minute after a disconnection notice — apply as soon as you see trouble.
- Sending incomplete paperwork — scan everything and confirm the office received your documents.
- Assuming state programs are the same nationwide — rules and income limits differ by state; always use your local LIHEAP/WAP office.
One-page printable checklist
- Check LIHEAP eligibility with your state LIHEAP office.
- Find your state WAP contact and ask about waiting lists and landlord permissions (for renters).
- Gather: photo ID, SSNs, pay stubs, benefit letters, recent utility bills, proof of address.
- Apply to LIHEAP (online/phone/in-person); note case number.
- Apply to WAP and request an energy audit if available.
- If disconnected or threatened: call your utility—ask for a hardship plan and notify LIHEAP crisis staff.
- Keep copies of all confirmations; follow up weekly until resolved.
Quick FAQs
Q: Will LIHEAP pay my full bill?
A: It depends — LIHEAP payments are often partial and vary by available funding and need; crisis LIHEAP can pay larger sums or arrange direct payments to utilities. Check with your state’s program office.
Q: Can renters get WAP weatherization?
A: Yes — renters are eligible but many WAP agencies require landlord consent for installed measures. Ask your state WAP office about landlord authorization rules.
Q: How fast is help if I have a disconnection notice?
A: Some LIHEAP crisis funds can be fast (days), but processing time varies by state and available funds — call your LIHEAP office immediately and tell the utility you have applied.
Disclaimer
This post is informational and not legal or financial advice. Program rules, funding levels, and eligibility change over time and vary by state and territory. Always confirm requirements with your local LIHEAP office, state weatherization administrator, or community action agency before you apply. Information above was verified against official government sources as of August 2025. Images used in this article are royalty‑free or licensed for commercial use and are provided here for illustrative purposes.
Helpful official links (click for the office that serves your state)
- USA.gov — Get help with energy bills: https://www.usa.gov/help-with-energy-bills
- LIHEAP (Administration for Children & Families) — program overview & state contacts: https://www.acf.hhs.gov/ocs/programs/liheap
- LIHEAP eligibility tool: https://liheapch.acf.gov/eligibility-tool
- DOE — How to apply for Weatherization Assistance Program (WAP): https://www.energy.gov/scep/wap/how-apply-weatherization-assistance
- DOE — Weatherization Assistance Program overview: https://www.energy.gov/scep/wap/weatherization-assistance-program