How to apply for Oklahoma Energy Assistance (LIHEAP): Winter Heating, Summer Cooling, and ECAP

Who it's for

The Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) helps low-income households pay home energy bills. Oklahoma Human Services runs three parts: Winter Heating, Summer Cooling, and the Energy Crisis Assistance Program (ECAP). You may qualify for all three. Starting October 1, 2026, gross monthly income must be at or below $1,729 for one person, $2,345 for two, $2,960 for three, or $3,575 for four (130 percent of the federal poverty level). You must be responsible for paying your home energy bill and be a U.S. citizen or legally admitted for permanent residence. For the year starting October 1, 2026, the plan estimates heating benefits of $40 to $500 and cooling benefits of $150 to $650. Crisis help can pay up to $750 per federal fiscal year. Apply online at okdhslive.org during open enrollment. If someone in your home has a life-threatening energy crisis, call 405-522-5050 and select the energy assistance options.

What you'll need

• Your most recent heating bill, with the utility information exactly as it appears on the bill
• Your ID
• Social Security number
• Proof of income

Where to apply

What to say when you call

"Hello, I'm calling to ask about Oklahoma Energy Assistance (LIHEAP): Winter Heating, Summer Cooling, and ECAP. I'd like to know whether I may qualify, what documents I need, and whether I can apply online, by mail, by phone, or in person. I understand I may need your most recent heating bill, with the utility information exactly as it appears on the bill, your ID, social Security number — is anything else required? What is the best next step?"

Tip: have a pen ready, ask for the person's name, and write down any case or reference number they give you.

Step by step

1. Gather your most recent heating bill, your ID, your Social Security number, and proof of income. Make sure the utility information matches your bill exactly.
2. Check that you can apply. You must be responsible for paying the home energy bill and be a U.S. citizen or legally admitted for permanent residence.
3. Apply during open enrollment for the program you need: Winter Heating, Summer Cooling, or ECAP. Apply online or call 1-405-522-5050 for help by phone.
4. Apply as one household if you share a utility meter. Only one payment per household is allowed for each program each year.
5. Choose one application path if someone in your household is a tribal citizen. Apply through OKDHS or through the tribe, but not both for the same program in the same year.
6. Call 405-522-5050 and select the energy assistance options if someone in your home has a life-threatening energy crisis. Crisis help is available all year.

What to expect: After you apply, OKDHS reviews your information and makes the final decision. Applications are only taken during open enrollment, and each program stays open until funds run out, so apply as early as you can. Winter Heating, Summer Cooling, and ECAP are separate programs, and each household can get one payment per program each year, so you may need to apply again the next year if the program opens.

Renewals

annual (one payment per household per program each year)