How to apply for LIHEAP energy assistance (Louisiana)

Who it's for

The Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) helps households pay heating and cooling bills. It can also help in a crisis, such as a shutoff notice, and can repair or replace heating and cooling equipment. The Louisiana Housing Corporation runs LIHEAP through local agencies in each parish. For October 2025 through September 2026, yearly household income must be at or below $30,618 for one person, $40,039 for two, $49,460 for three, or $58,882 for four. You must be responsible for the home energy bill and have an active heating or cooling account. Households with someone 60 or older or disabled get an extra $100, and local agencies set aside special times each week for older and disabled applicants. Help is not guaranteed and depends on funding.

What you'll need

• Heating and cooling utility bills no older than 30 days
• All check stubs from the previous 30 days for everyone in the household who works
• Proof of unearned income (such as Social Security, retirement, pension, or disability)
• Disconnect or pending disconnection notice (crisis help only)
• Proof of present address (rent receipt, lease, or deed)
• Government-issued photo ID of the applicant and their Social Security card
• Proof of everyone living in the household and their Social Security cards

Where to apply

Step by step

1. Check that you qualify. You must live in Louisiana, be responsible for the home energy bill, and have an active heating or cooling account. For October 2025 through September 2026, yearly household income must be at or below $30,618 for one person, $40,039 for two, $49,460 for three, or $58,882 for four.
2. Gather your documents. Get heating and cooling utility bills no older than 30 days, all check stubs from the previous 30 days for everyone in the household who works, proof of unearned income, proof of present address, a government-issued photo ID for the applicant, the applicant’s Social Security card, and proof of everyone living in the household with their Social Security cards.
3. Add crisis documents if needed. If you need crisis help, include a disconnect or pending disconnection notice.
4. Apply online through Louisiana’s LIHEAP application system. Complete the application with your household, income, and energy bill information.
5. Watch for special scheduling if it applies to your household. Local agencies set aside special times each week for older and disabled applicants.
6. Submit the application and keep copies of what you sent.
7. Renew each program year if you still need help. You can get one heating benefit and one cooling benefit each program year.

What to expect: After you apply, the local agency serving your parish will review the application and make the decision. Processing times vary, so ask the agency for an estimate if needed. If someone in your household is age 60 or older or disabled, the household gets an extra $100. Help is not guaranteed because funds are limited, and each household can receive only one benefit per season.

Renewals

annual (one heating and one cooling benefit each program year)