Two federal programs help with home energy costs, and they do different things. LIHEAP pays bills. WAP fixes the house so the bills get smaller.
Most people find one and never hear about the other. Applying to both is normal — they run through different offices and the eligibility rules aren’t identical.
Quick answer
| LIHEAP | WAP | |
|---|---|---|
| What it does | Pays heating, cooling, or crisis energy costs | Weatherization improvements to the home |
| Run by | HHS, through your state LIHEAP office | DOE, through your state weatherization office |
| Income limit | Set by state, between 110% and 150% of federal poverty guidelines (or 60% of state median income) | 200% of poverty guidelines, or automatic with SSI |
| Renters | Eligible | Eligible, with landlord permission |
| Emergency help | Yes — crisis benefits | No |
LIHEAP: the bill-paying program
In the government’s own description, LIHEAP "can help you pay your heating or cooling bills or get emergency services during an energy crisis."
Cooling counts. People assume it’s a winter heating program, and in most states it started that way, but funds can be used for cooling costs too. In a summer with sustained heat, that matters more than the heating side.
Income limits vary by state and that’s by design. Federal rules require states to cap eligibility at no more than the greater of 150% of the federal poverty guidelines or 60% of state median income, and no lower than 110% of poverty guidelines. Your state picks a point inside that band.
That’s why a household that doesn’t qualify in one state may qualify across the border. Don’t rely on a number you read for another state.
The crisis benefit most applicants don’t ask about
Separate from the regular benefit, LIHEAP funds crisis assistance. Eligible applicants may receive up to two crisis benefits per year.
What a crisis benefit covers is broader than people expect:
- Utility deposits
- Restoration of service after a shut-off
- Emergency fuel delivery
If your service is already off, that is exactly the situation this exists for. Say the word "crisis" when you call — regular applications and crisis applications often move through different queues with different timelines.
WAP: the program that lowers the bill permanently
The Weatherization Assistance Program pays for improvements rather than bills. An energy auditor inspects the home and, in DOE’s wording, "will provide you with a recommended scope of work of the most cost-effective energy conservation measures for your home."
There’s no fixed list because the scope is individualized. What’s in the audit is what gets done.
Eligibility runs higher than LIHEAP. Households at or below 200% of the poverty income guidelines qualify, and households receiving Supplemental Security Income are considered eligible under DOE guidelines. States may instead use 60% of state median income.
That 200% figure is worth noting. A household that’s over the line for LIHEAP in a strict state can still be inside WAP’s range.
Priority isn’t first-come-first-served. DOE directs priority consideration to elderly persons, families with disabled members, families with children, high-energy users, and households with a substantial energy cost burden. If you’re in one of those groups, say so on the application.
Renting doesn’t disqualify you
This is the most common reason people don’t apply, and it’s wrong on both programs.
LIHEAP assists renters. If heat is included in your rent, the state has procedures for that situation — ask rather than assuming you’re out.
WAP also covers renters, with one added step. DOE’s guidance: "If you are a renter, the weatherization provider will work with you and your landlord to receive permission before weatherization work can begin."
The provider handles that conversation. You don’t have to negotiate with your landlord yourself before applying.
How to apply to each
LIHEAP. Find your state or territory’s LIHEAP office. Some accept applications online; others require applying in person. Timelines and open periods are set at the state level, and some states open a window rather than accepting applications year-round.
WAP. Contact your state weatherization administrator, confirm eligibility, find the local provider serving your county, and submit the application with prior-year income documentation. Gather that paperwork first — it’s the step that stalls applications.
Frequently asked questions
Can I get both?
Yes. They’re separate programs with separate applications. LIHEAP handles the bill you owe now; WAP handles the house.
Do I have to be behind on my bill?
No. The regular LIHEAP benefit is not limited to households in arrears. The crisis benefit is the piece aimed at emergencies.
Does the money come to me or the utility?
It varies by state. Payment is commonly made directly to the energy provider as a credit on your account. Your state office will confirm.
Does receiving SNAP or SSI qualify me automatically?
For WAP, SSI recipients are considered eligible under DOE guidelines. For LIHEAP, categorical eligibility rules are set by each state — ask your state office rather than assuming.
What if I use propane, oil, or wood?
Deliverable fuels are covered in states that use them. That’s part of what crisis assistance is designed for, since a delivery is a lump-sum expense rather than a monthly bill.
How long does WAP take?
Longer than LIHEAP. It involves an audit, scheduling a crew, and inspection afterward. Apply well before the season when you’ll want the result.
Related reading on this site: Medicaid Renewal: How to Keep Coverage at Redetermination covers another state-administered program where the deadline is the whole game, and SNAP Standard Utility Allowance: How It Boosts Benefits covers how energy costs feed back into your SNAP amount.
Source: USAGov "Get help with energy bills"; U.S. Department of Energy, "How to Apply for Weatherization Assistance"; HHS Administration for Children and Families LIHEAP program materials (https://www.energy.gov/cmei/scep/wap/how-apply-weatherization-assistance)