How to Apply for Emergency Heating Bill Assistance
Find your state LIHEAP office, gather pay stubs and heating bills, and ask for a crisis grant if heat is at risk.
To apply for emergency heating help, find your state or territory LIHEAP office and file a crisis application. The Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) helps eligible households pay heating bills and secure help during an energy crisis. USA.gov explains there is no single national LIHEAP application, with some states accepting online forms and others requiring an in-person visit federal help with energy bills.
For fast help, call the referral line, dial 2-1-1, or contact your county assistance office.
Verification note: Program terms and availability can change. This page was checked against linked sources on November 05, 2026.
Where to file a crisis application
Start with your state or territory LIHEAP office. That office sets the form, deadlines, and whether you apply online or in person. If heat loss is near, call the National Energy Assistance Referral line at 1-866-674-6327 or dial 2-1-1 for local referral.
In Pennsylvania, callers can use 1-866-857-7095 or apply through COMPASS.
What counts as a heating emergency?
A crisis grant covers a separate emergency beyond regular heating aid. The Commonwealth of Pennsylvania lists shutoff, lack of fuel, under 15-day fuel supply, broken heating equipment, or leaking lines Pennsylvania LIHEAP season details. Federal rules require crisis aid to resolve the emergency within 48 hours for eligible households, or within 18 hours in life-threatening cases, the Administration for Children and Families reports LIHEAP disaster relief guidance.
Call at once when a shutoff notice arrives or fuel runs low.
Who can qualify and for how much?
Both renters and homeowners can qualify based on household income and size. You do not need other public assistance or unpaid bills, but funds are limited and seasonal programs can close early. Pennsylvania's 2026-2027 season runs Nov.
2, 2026 through April 23, 2027, with one-time cash grants of $200 to $1,000 based on household size, income, and fuel type. Apply early because first-come service means late applicants may miss funds.
What to gather and how payment works?
York County, Pennsylvania notes applicants typically must show proof of income for all household members, a recent heating or utility bill, IDs, Social Security numbers and dates of birth, plus any shutoff notice York County LIHEAP checklist. Gather these items before you visit or upload: Grants go directly to the utility company or fuel vendor as a bill credit. Households do not repay the amount.
- pay stubs or income proof for each household member
- recent heating or electric bill and shutoff notice if received
- photo ID, Social Security numbers, and birth dates for the household