How Does the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) Work?

We don’t have to tell you how rough winters in North Carolina and Virginia can get. For our neighbors who need a little extra help when temperatures drop and storms blow, LIHEAP, the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program, can make a big difference. This federal program helps families and individuals cover essential heating and energy costs during the coldest months of the year.

At Hall Propane, we have participated in this program for over a decade and are proud to have helped hundreds of our customers heat their homes when they need it most.

woman with blanket wrapped around her is adjusting thermostat

What Is LIHEAP?

Pronounced “LEAP,” this program works with local Social Services offices to provide qualifying households with financial assistance for heating, cooling repair and replacement, as well as with fuel and energy costs. Whether it’s HVAC repair or replacement, propane, oil or electricity, LIHEAP is designed to give qualified people help with their bills.

Who Qualifies For LIHEAP?

LIHEAP heating assistance is available seasonally for qualifying households. In North Carolina, applications for residents 65 and older typically begin December 1, while applicants 64 and younger can apply starting January 1. Unlike emergency assistance programs, households do not need to be in a crisis situation to receive heating assistance through LIHEAP.

To qualify, applicants must meet income guidelines, be a U.S. citizen or qualified non-citizen and live in a home where they pay for heat or electricity. Local Social Services offices help guide applicants through the process by reviewing items like recent pay stubs, tax records and energy bills.

North Carolina also offers a separate program called the Crisis Intervention Program (CIP), which begins July 1 and helps qualifying households facing cooling-related emergencies, such as a lack of working air conditioning or energy balances that threaten cooling access.

Once approved, LIHEAP works directly with energy providers to help cover heating costs. Assistance amounts vary based on household size, income and Social Services approval.

Hall Propane: Offering Warmth & Peace of Mind

When winter comes, no one should worry about heating their home. We are proud to partner with LIHEAP to help our neighbors throughout North Carolina and Virginia stay warm. If you have questions about eligibility, you can reach out to us or your local Social Services office.

No matter how rough the weather gets, Hall is always here to help.

How Does the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) Work?