The main program: LIHEAP
The Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) is federally funded and run by each state, often under its own name: "fuel assistance", "HEAP" or "energy assistance". It pays part of your winter heating bill directly to your fuel dealer or utility, and it covers heating oil, propane and kerosene as well as gas and electricity. Funding for winter 2026–27 has been allocated to the states.
- Who qualifies: households on a low or moderate income. Each state sets its own limit, up to 150% of the federal poverty guidelines or 60% of the state's median income, whichever is higher. Renters and homeowners can both apply.
- When to apply: most states open applications between October and December, and some close when the money runs out. Apply as early as you can.
- How to apply: through your state program, usually via a local community action agency. You'll normally need ID, proof of income for the last month and a recent fuel bill or dealer details.
- Emergency (crisis) help: if your tank is nearly empty, most states can arrange an emergency delivery. Say so when you call.
- Broken heating system: many states also repair or replace an unsafe or broken furnace or boiler for eligible households.
Where to apply in your state
Public phone numbers from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services' state contact list, checked October 2026. If a number doesn't help, call 1-866-674-6327 or use the official energy help finder.
Other help worth asking about
- Call 2-1-1. The free 2-1-1 line connects you with local charities, churches and fuel funds that help with heating bills, often when LIHEAP has run out.
- Weatherization Assistance Program. Free insulation, weatherstripping and heating repairs for eligible homes, which cut how much fuel you need every winter. Apply through the same local agency as LIHEAP.
- Ask your dealer. Many oil and propane dealers offer budget plans that spread the cost over the year, payment plans if you're behind, or smaller deliveries. Some have hardship funds of their own.
- Older adults and veterans may find extra help through their local Area Agency on Aging or a veterans' service organization.
Plan ahead: there's no shut-off protection for delivered fuel
Gas and electric utilities usually can't cut you off in the coldest months, but those protections don't apply to heating oil or propane. A dealer can decline to deliver until an account is paid. So:
- Apply for assistance before you're low, not when the tank is empty.
- Check how many days you have left with the heating oil or propane tank calculator.
- Know what a fair price looks like: compare your quote with your state's average on the heating oil or propane price pages.
This page is general information, not advice about your eligibility. Program rules, dates and benefit amounts are set by each state and can change. Sources: U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (LIHEAP, state contacts) and state program pages.