When the heating bill arrives in January or the air conditioning runs all August, I’ve seen seniors choose between staying comfortable and buying groceries. Please don’t make that choice alone — there’s a program built for exactly this. It’s called LIHEAP.
LIHEAP — the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program — helps pay your home energy bills, both heating in winter and cooling in summer (Source: HHS Office of Community Services). Many states also offer emergency (crisis) help if your power is about to be shut off or you’ve run out of fuel, and some offer weatherization — fixing drafts and insulation so your home costs less to heat and cool.
Who qualifies? It varies by state, but generally your income can be up to 150% of the Federal Poverty Level, or 60% of your state’s median income, whichever is higher (Source: HHS). And here’s the good news for our community: households with someone 60 or older, a person with a disability, or a young child usually get priority. So being a senior can move you toward the front of the line.
One important tip: LIHEAP has limited funding each season, and it can run out. So apply early — as soon as your state opens its heating or cooling program. You apply through your state or local LIHEAP office (your utility company or Area Agency on Aging can point you to it), and getting help even one season can ease a very real strain.
Ada’s Bottom Line
1. LIHEAP helps pay both heating and cooling bills, with emergency help in many states if your service is about to be cut off.
2. Income limits are generally up to 150% of the poverty level (or 60% of state median income), and seniors 60+ usually get priority.
3. Funds are limited and run out — apply early through your state or local LIHEAP office.
Every state runs LIHEAP a little differently. To see what you personally qualify for — with your own numbers and state — use GoldieCircle’s free Benefits Checker (the “Find Benefits” option in Ask Goldie). For free, one-on-one help, your local SHIP counselor and Area Agency on Aging are wonderful.
Ada spent more than 30 years as a SHIP benefits counselor helping seniors and families understand Medicare, Medicaid, and the programs that help pay for them. Confused by a letter, a form, or a bill? Ask Ada.
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