California Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP)

California’s Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) helps residents with low-income pay their heating and cooling bills, making energy costs more manageable. Since funding is limited, the amount you get and how often depends on your county and available funds.  

How does California LIHEAP work? 

Although it’s a federally funded program, California LIHEAP is administered by the California Department of Community Services & Development (CSD) through its local service provider network. The program provides different services that help with energy needs: 

• Home Energy Assistance Program (HEAP): Offers payment assistance, giving youa one-time payment to pay your utility bill. 

• Energy Crisis Intervention Program (ECIP): Helps low-income households in an emergency, such as getting a 24–48 hour shut-off notice or having utilities already turned off. 

• LIHEAP Weatherization: Gives free repairs or upgrades to make your home use less energy, lower your monthly bills, and keep your home safe and healthy. 

• Energy education: Teaches you simple ways to save energy and how to use and take care of weatherization items in your home. 

• Energy budget counseling: Helps you plan and manage your energy costs. 

To learn what services may be available in your area, contact a LIHEAP service provider near you. 

Who can get help from California LIHEAP? 

To be eligible for California LIHEAP, you must be a California resident, be responsible for paying your home’s heating or cooling bills and meet the income requirement.  Because LIHEAP has limited funding each year, even if you qualify, you may not receive a benefit if funds are exhausted. That’s why it’s important to apply as soon as funds are available.  

Your local LIHEAP service provider will review your application showing both your household income and the amount you pay for energy bills to decide if you are eligible and how much help you can receive in bill assistance. If you qualify, the amount of assistance you get and how often you can receive it will depend on how much funding is available in your area.  

What decides my LIHEAP benefit amount? 

In California, the LIHEAP benefit amount you receive is based on income (California often uses up to 60% of the state’s median income), household size, and home energy cost or need. If you qualify for assistance, an agent of your local service provider’s office will contact you and explain the benefit amount you will be receiving. 

How do I apply for California LIHEAP? 

There are several ways to apply for LIHEAP in California, but first you must find the service provider closest to you. Once you’ve located your local provider, you can: 

• Go to the office and pick up an application 

• Call and ask them to mail you one 

• Depending on the service provider, you may be able to apply online through their website if they offer an online application option 

Required documents 

No matter how you decide to apply for California LIHEAP, you may be required to provide the following when applying: 

• Your most recent home energy bill 

• A final utility termination notice (if applicable) 

• Proof of income for all household members (pay stubs, bank statements showing regular income, dividends, or other documents showing current gross income) 

• Photo ID  

• Social Security cards or numbers for all household members 

• Proof of U.S. citizenship or permanent residence 

What happens after I apply for California LIHEAP? 

After applying, your application will be reviewed, and your local LIHEAP provider will contact you to let you know if it is approved or denied. Remember, funding is on a first-come, first-serve basis. Priority is given to households with the greatest need, such as older adults, people who are disabled, household with young children, or those with utility shutoff notices. If you have questions about your application, contact your local LIHEAP provider directly. 

How can I get help with my application? 

There are several ways you can get help applying for California LIHEAP. You can:  

• Contact a LIHEAP service provider near you using this service locator map. 

• Ask a trusted family member or friend. 

• Visit a Benefits Enrollment Center (BEC), if there’s one near you. See if there’s one in your area. 

• NCOA also has a HelpLine you can call to get free support. To get started today, call 1-800-794-6559. 

What if I cannot get help from California LIHEAP?  

1. Talk to your utility company 

Call your utility provider and explain that you are having trouble paying your energy bills. Many companies, like Pacific Gas & Electric (PG&E), have programs for low-income households that offer lower rates or payment plans. 

2. Look for other assistance programs in California 

There are other local or state programs that help people pay energy bills, like the CARE program which helps low-income households by giving about 30–35% off electric bills and about 20% off natural gas bills. If your income is a little too high for CARE, you may qualify for the FERA program, which gives an 18% discount on electricity. Click here to learn more about these programs.  

3. Contact a Benefits Enrollment Center (BEC) 

These local centers help older adults and people with disabilities find programs to afford food, health care, and energy bills. You can contact a BEC in your area for guidance and support.