Low-income older adults and adults with disabilities sometimes make dangerous choices when they cannot afford to properly heat or cool their homes. But there are several benefits programs that can help with their energy assistance needs.

Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP)

The Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) is a federally funded program that provides grants to states, territories, the District of Columbia and tribes to assist qualified individuals with their home heating and cooling costs. In addition to assistance with energy bills, some funds are available to make improvements to homes and apartments to make them more energy efficient and reduce heating bills. Each state has different qualifications for their LIHEAP program and different application processes.

Weatherization Assistance Program (WAP)

WAP helps low-income families permanently reduce their energy bills by making their homes more energy efficient. Assistance is available regardless of whether a person owns or rents, lives in a single-family home, multi-family housing complex, or a mobile home. The U.S. Department of Energy provides funding to states, U.S. overseas territories, and Indian tribal governments, which manage the day-to-day details of the program.

Emergency Assistance

Many states also offer emergency assistance to help low-income adults  keep their utilities on. To find out what programs may be offered in your area, contact the National Energy Assistance Referral project at 1-866-674-6327 or 1-866-367-6228 for relay services. You can also email the project at energyassistance@ncat.org. In your email make sure to include the following information:

• Your city
• Your county
• Your state

Other Forms of Energy Assistance

Some states, energy companies, and localities offer other forms of assistance with home energy costs for seniors and other vulnerable populations. Check to see what's available in your state.

See if you qualify for other money-saving programs

BenefitsCheckUp is a free, easy-to-use online tool where you can browse benefit programs, including energy assistance programs, and find out if you qualify. Visit BenefitsCheckUp.org and enter your ZIP code to get started.