How to Find LIHEAP Offices and Application Locations Near You

If you need help paying your heating or cooling bill through LIHEAP, the first step is finding where you actually apply in your state or county. LIHEAP is a federal program, but it is run day-to-day by state and local benefits agencies and community action agencies, not by a single national office.

Quick summary: where LIHEAP applications usually happen

  • LIHEAP is administered by your state or tribal energy/benefits office, not directly by the federal government.
  • Applications are usually taken at local community action agencies, county social services, or tribal offices.
  • You can typically start by searching for your state’s official LIHEAP or energy assistance portal (look for .gov).
  • Many states let you apply online, by mail, or in person at a local agency office.
  • Phone script you can use today: “Hi, I’m trying to apply for LIHEAP energy assistance. Can you tell me which office handles applications for my address and how I submit my paperwork?”

Rules, names of offices, and application methods vary by state and county, so always confirm details with your local official agency.

1. Where LIHEAP is handled in the real world

In real life, LIHEAP applications are normally handled through one of these official systems:

  • State or territorial benefits/energy office – This is the agency that oversees LIHEAP statewide (often called the “Office of Energy Assistance,” “Department of Human Services,” or “Department of Social Services”).
  • Local community action agency (CAA) – These nonprofit agencies usually have contracts with the state to take LIHEAP applications and meet with residents in person.
  • County social services or human services department – In some states, you apply for LIHEAP where you apply for SNAP, TANF, or Medicaid.
  • Tribal LIHEAP office – If you are a member of a federally recognized tribe whose tribe runs its own LIHEAP program, you typically apply directly through the tribal office, not the state.

Your starting point today is usually: Search for your state’s official LIHEAP or “energy assistance” page on a .gov site, then find the section labeled something like “Find a Local Office,” “Where to Apply,” or “Service Providers.”

From there, you will typically see:

  • A search tool by ZIP code, city, or county showing local agencies
  • A downloadable list or PDF of LIHEAP service providers with addresses and phone numbers
  • Sometimes a map of offices with clickable locations

2. Key terms to know

Key terms to know:

  • LIHEAP — Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program; helps eligible households pay heating and cooling costs, and sometimes crisis energy situations.
  • Local administering agency — The local office (often a community action agency or county social services office) that actually takes your LIHEAP application.
  • Crisis assistance — Extra help through LIHEAP when you have a shut-off notice, are already disconnected, or face a heating emergency (like no fuel in winter).
  • Vendor — Your utility company or fuel supplier that receives the LIHEAP payment on your behalf.

3. How to find the correct LIHEAP location for your address

Follow this step-by-step sequence to pinpoint exactly where to go or call.

  1. Locate your state or tribal LIHEAP administrator.
    Search for your state’s official energy assistance or LIHEAP portal on a .gov site (for example, “[Your State] LIHEAP energy assistance”). If you are a tribal member, search for your tribe’s LIHEAP office name plus “energy assistance.”

  2. Use the “where to apply” or “find a local office” tool.
    On the state or tribal LIHEAP page, look for links like “How to Apply,” “Local Service Providers,” “Find Help in Your Area,” or “Service Locations.” These usually lead to a list or map of offices that actually process applications.

  3. Match the office to your county or ZIP code.
    The list will typically be organized by county, city, or ZIP code. Find your county, then identify the local community action agency, county benefits office, or tribal office assigned to your area. This is normally the office you must use; LIHEAP locations are usually assigned based on where you live, not where you work.

  4. Confirm how they accept applications.
    Once you identify your office, call the phone number listed on the official government or agency site and say: “I live at [ZIP/city]. Do you handle LIHEAP applications for my address, and do I need an appointment, or can I walk in or apply online?” Ask whether they accept online, in-person, mail, or drop-box applications and what their current hours are.

  5. Write down the exact location and access method.
    Note the office name, street address, suite number (if any), phone number, and LIHEAP contact person or department if they give you one. Also note any deadlines (for example, “heating season runs November–April” or “cooling assistance only in summer”).

What to expect next:
After this, you will know which office is responsible for your LIHEAP application and how they want you to submit it (online vs. in-person vs. mail). Your next move is to gather documents and either submit the online application through the official portal or visit/mail your local LIHEAP office with your paperwork.

4. Documents you’ll typically need before going to a LIHEAP office

Most LIHEAP locations require similar proof, though exact requirements vary by state and agency.

Documents you’ll typically need:

  • Proof of income for everyone in the household — Recent pay stubs, Social Security award letters, unemployment benefits printouts, or other income records, usually for the last 30–60 days.
  • Recent heating or cooling bill — A current utility bill or fuel bill with your name, account number, and service address; if you use deliverable fuel (oil, propane, wood, pellets), a statement or delivery slip from your fuel vendor.
  • Photo ID and proof of address — A government-issued ID (driver’s license, state ID, tribal ID) and a document showing your current address such as a lease, utility bill, or official mail.

Some offices also commonly request:

  • Social Security numbers or cards for household members (or alternative ID if you don’t have SSNs, depending on state rules)
  • Proof of household size (lease listing occupants, birth certificates for children, or other documents)
  • Shut-off notice or disconnect notice if you are applying for crisis assistance

Next action you can take today: Gather these documents into one folder or envelope and keep them ready for your LIHEAP appointment, visit, or online upload instructions given by your local agency.

5. What happens after you go to or contact the LIHEAP location

Once you’ve found the correct LIHEAP location and either visited or submitted your materials, the process usually looks like this:

  1. Intake or application submission.
    You either fill out a paper application at the office, complete it online through your state benefits portal, or submit it by mail or drop box. Staff may help you complete the form if you ask.

  2. Document review and follow-up.
    The local administering agency will check your documents for income, household size, and energy costs. If something is missing or unclear, they typically call you or send a letter asking for more information or updated documents.

  3. Eligibility determination.
    The agency compares your information to state LIHEAP income limits and guidelines. They then approve or deny your application and calculate a benefit amount if you qualify; this amount is not guaranteed and depends on state rules, funding, and your situation.

  4. Payment to the energy vendor (not to you directly in most cases).
    In many states, LIHEAP benefits are paid directly to your utility company or fuel vendor, applied as a credit on your account. You will usually receive a notice by mail or electronically stating whether you were approved and how the benefit will be applied.

  5. If you applied for crisis assistance.
    For crisis situations (like a shut-off notice), the office may expedite the case. They might contact your utility or fuel vendor directly to promise payment or stop a shut-off, but timing and speed of crisis handling depend on local policies and funding.

You can typically check your application status by calling your local LIHEAP office or, in states with an online benefits portal, by logging into your official state benefits account (never through third-party sites claiming instant updates).

6. Real-world friction to watch for

Real-world friction to watch for
A common snag is that LIHEAP locations often have limited appointment slots and high call volumes during peak heating or cooling seasons, which can delay getting through. If you can’t reach them by phone, try calling right when they open, visiting in person during posted intake hours, or checking the state or agency website for any listed walk-in hours, alternate numbers, or partner offices that also accept LIHEAP applications.

7. Scam warnings and legitimate help options

Because LIHEAP involves money and bill payments, scams are common, especially online.

To stay safe and get legitimate help:

  • Only use official government or known nonprofit sites — look for .gov addresses or clearly identified community action agencies that your state LIHEAP portal lists as partners.
  • Be suspicious of sites or people who promise guaranteed approval, charge application fees, or request your bank login, debit card PIN, or full Social Security numbers by email or text. LIHEAP applications through official channels are typically free.
  • If someone contacts you claiming to be from LIHEAP and asks for payment to “release” benefits, hang up and call your local LIHEAP office using the number from the state or county site, not the number the caller gave you.
  • If you need help completing the application, ask your local community action agency or county social services office if they provide in-person or phone-based application assistance; many do this regularly at no cost.

Once you’ve identified your state or tribal LIHEAP portal, found your local administering agency, and gathered your documents, your next official step is to submit an application through that office using their required method (online, in person, or by mail). From there, you can monitor your mail or portal account and follow up directly with that same office if you have questions or need to update your information.