What is LIHEAP?

The Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) is a federally funded grant program created by the Omnibus Reconciliation Act of 1981. The program aims to assist low income households, primarily those who pay a high proportion of household income on home energy, in meeting their immediate energy needs. In Tennessee LIHEAP is administered through a network of 19 local agencies that reach all 95 counties. LIHEAP is a one-time assistance offered to help defray heating and cooling expenses, as long as funding is available.


Application Process

Applicants must meet income eligibility. Income eligible households are those at or below 60% of the State Median Income. See our chart of household income limits to see if you are eligible.

The application, along with all necessary verifications, must be submitted through the designated LIHEAP agency in the applicant's county of residence.

For more information or further assistance with the application process, please contact your local LIHEAP agency. Click here for a list of agencies and counties they serve. You may also use the locator map by clicking the blue button at the bottom of the page.

LIHEAP assistance does not go directly to the client or applicant; rather direct payments are made through the LIHEAP agency to the local utility company or energy supplier.