Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) by HHS

Donor: U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS)

About: The Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) provides federal assistance to low-income households struggling with energy costs. LIHEAP funds help cover heating, cooling, energy crisis assistance, weatherization, and minor home energy repairs, thus reducing health and safety risks related to inadequate heating or cooling. Funding comes from annual appropriations and emergency contingencies. Direct awards are granted to states, tribes, and territories, which then offer local assistance. Households with high energy burdens and those with elderly, disabled, or young child members receive priority support. LIHEAP also includes options like crisis assistance until at least March 15, cooling assistance, weatherization, and equipment repair/replacement. States and territories can use up to 15% of their funds, or 25% with a waiver, for weatherization. Additional LIHEAP funds may be allocated based on non-federal resource use, extreme weather, or natural disaster emergencies, though some programs like REACH may be unfunded in specific years.

Focus: Energy assistance, Home weatherization, Crisis support, Equipment repair

Region: United States

Eligibility:

1. States
2. Federally recognized tribes
3. Tribal organizations
4. Territories

Explanation of Terms and Recommendations
Energy Burden: The proportion of a household’s income that goes to energy costs. LIHEAP aims to reduce this burden by prioritizing assistance for high-energy-burden households.
Weatherization: LIHEAP allows funds to be used for making homes more energy-efficient to reduce heating and cooling costs.
Block Grant: A flexible federal funding type where recipients use funds within approved program scopes.