This is part of our ongoing series on the basics of owning a home.
If winter isn’t harsh enough, many households are now back in the scramble to afford to heat their homes.
Heat is essential, but that doesn’t make it easy to pay for.
For those who could use them, here are some great resources to turn to for help:
Utility company assistance
Most gas and electricity companies offer some type of assistance, but they won’t know you need help unless you say so. In addition to moratoriums on disconnections, some provide utility bill payment plans and other programs. (While you’re at it, ask about rebates and discounts on energy-saving smart thermostats and LED bulbs.)
Weatherizing programs
Each state has funds from the federal government’s Weatherization Assistance Program to help with energy-saving improvements to your home. Help is available based on your income, with priority given to folks over the age of 60, people with disabilities, and families with children.
LIHEAP
The Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP), established by the federal government program, provides help with utility bills and home weatherization. Eligibility is based on your income. In 2026, the federal poverty level definition of low income for a single-person household is $15,960 annually. Each additional person in the household adds to the total. For example, the income limit is $49,500 for a household of four, which is 150% of the federal guideline. This standard applies in the 48 contiguous states and the District of Columbia. There are separate guidelines for Alaska and Hawaii that reflect the higher cost of living in those states.
If you or someone in your household receives certain federal assistance benefits, such as the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) or Supplemental Security Income (SSI), you may be automatically eligible.
