LIHEAP Helps Millions Afford Lifesaving Energy 

Affordability is one of the greatest benefits of using natural gas, but 1 in 3 American families still struggle to pay their energy bills. Helping families ensure they don’t have to choose between heating their homes and feeding their families is why the Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) is so important. LIHEAP helps the most vulnerable Americans pay their utility bills, avoid shutoffs and make changes to improve their home’s efficiency to lower their bills in the long term.  

Why is LIHEAP important? 

The majority of families using the LIHEAP program earn less than $20,000 per year. Since their pay doesn’t increase or adjust based on energy needs, LIHEAP funds ensure they can still pay their bills. In 2020, LIHEAP helped lift 27,000 children out of poverty and assisted with repairs or replacements for families’ home systems that they previously couldn’t afford. LIHEAP is a lifeline for these families. Because of LIHEAP, families have the support they need to fuel their homes safely without worrying about unaffordable energy bills or their service being interrupted due to lack of payment. 

LIHEAP relies on continued support 

LIHEAP is not an entitlement program – Congress makes the active choice to fund it in their appropriations every year to support American families in need. The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Administration for Children and Families recently released the final $400 million in this year’s regular block grant funds for LIHEAP. But even with these funds in place, a renewed appropriation for fiscal year 2026 is needed to ensure LIHEAP remains an option for low-income families in need. 

It’s important that this program continues to play a vital role in contributing to the fight against energy insecurity. 

If you would like to learn more about LIHEAP and the Congressional appropriations process, visit the National Energy Assistance Directors’ Association for more information.