How to Apply for a Crisis Heating Assistance Grant
Learn where to apply for crisis heating aid, what papers to bring, and key income and deadline limits.
To apply for a crisis heating assistance grant, apply through your state, territory, or tribal LIHEAP office because there is no federal LIHEAP application. A crisis heating assistance grant is extra LIHEAP help for households facing shutoff or disconnection, needing new or transferred service, or holding 25 percent or less bulk fuel. The Administration for Children and Families points families to state offices for applications, with free referral help from NEAR at 1-866-674-6327 or [email protected] in its LIHEAP fact sheet.
Crisis aid is usually one-time help and is paid to the energy supplier. Bring shutoff papers right away because funds can run out.
Verification note: Program terms and availability can change. This page was checked against linked sources on November 03, 2026.
Does your situation count as a crisis?
A shutoff notice, a disconnection, or a request for new or transferred service can qualify. A bulk-fuel tank at 25 percent or less can also qualify. These are add-on grants beyond regular heating help.
Rules tighten in some places. In D.C., applicants need 250 dollars or more in arrears after the regular benefit, plus a disconnection or deliverable fuel at 5 percent or less, with utility documents. That means a shutoff letter or low-tank statement matters at intake.
Where do you apply?
Application routes vary by state. Pennsylvania accepts COMPASS online, 1-866-857-7095 by phone, or county assistance offices. Ohio starts at energyhelp.ohio.gov, then requires an appointment with the local provider.
Start with your state LIHEAP office, not a federal form. If you are unsure where to go, call NEAR for a free referral. Apply early in the heating season.
What papers should you gather?
The Ohio Department of Job and Family Services lists the usual packet in its Ohio heating bulletin. Gather IDs, Social Security numbers, 30-day income proof, and recent energy bills. Add citizenship or legal-residency proof and disability proof if claimed.
Also bring crisis proof: Keep originals and copies together. Missing income or bill pages cause the most delays.
- disconnect or shutoff notice from the utility
- fuel-shortage statement for bulk fuel, oil, or propane
- new-service or transfer notice if service is not active
- account number and supplier name for payment
Do income and deadlines affect you?
Yes. Eligibility is income-limited and state-specific. Ohio allows gross income at or below 175 percent of federal poverty, 57,750 dollars for four people.
New Jersey requires gross income at or below 60 percent of state median income. Filing windows are fixed. The Minnesota Department of Commerce sets May 31, 2027 as the end date for winter 2026-2027 applications in its energy assistance application guide.
Ohio runs Nov. 1, 2026 through March 31, 2027. New Jersey runs Oct.
1, 2026 through June 30, 2027. File as soon as your crisis starts and bring utility documents to the appointment.