What is the Low Income Home Energy Assistance program and who qualifies explained

HARD-UP households can get up to $1,000 a year to help with their energy bills.

The cash grant is available through the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP). We explain what you need to know.

What is the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program?

LIHEAP provides financial help to eligible families when it comes to their energy bills.

This includes heating and cooling costs, bill payment support, energy crisis assistance as well as energy-related home repairs.

In other words, depending on where you live, the scheme can help you stay warm in the winter and cool in the summer.

The grants range from $200 to $1,000 each year and are issued via states, which receive funding from the Department of Health and Human Services.

Plenty of states only give out the grants once a year, while others let you apply three times a year.

Each state sets its own eligibility requirements, but there are typical federal income guidelines, which vary depending on household size.

For example, a single-person household can't earn more than $19,320 before taxes, while a family of four can earn a maximum of $39,750.

You can check the household income limits on the benefits.gov website.

Claimants of other federal benefit programs, such as SNAP, SSI and TANF, may also automatically qualify for support.

How can I apply?

You should contact your state directly to find out more information and how to apply.

For help applying for LIHEAP benefits, you may also call this toll-free number: 1-866-674-6327.

Be aware that even if you qualify for the program, you're not guaranteed to get help.

This is because it depends on how much funding is available for the year.

On average, about 20% of households that are eligible for help receive benefits.

When funds run out for the year, no more benefits can be given until Congress makes more cash available.

We explain how to cut energy bills by hundreds of dollars.

We also round up how to get help with other households bills, such as water, phone and broadband.