Department of Human Services Gas Assistance: How State LIHEAP Offices Help With Gas Heat Bills

Department of human services gas assistance explained

People search for “DHS gas assistance” because the help often comes from the same state department that handles SNAP and Medicaid. In most cases, what they are looking for is LIHEAP. The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services gives LIHEAP block grants to every state, the District of Columbia, territories, and many tribes. Each grantee then runs its own program.

LIHEAP can help with the cost of heating, including natural gas, propane, heating oil, electricity, and wood. It can also help with cooling in some states, with energy crises, and with weatherization to make a home cheaper to heat. Payments usually go straight to your gas company or fuel dealer as a credit on your account. You do not get cash, and you do not pay it back.

Which agency runs it in your state

The name on the program varies, which is why it can be hard to find. Depending on your state, LIHEAP may be run by:

• A department of human services or social services, such as Pennsylvania and Maryland.
• A housing or community affairs agency.
• A commerce or energy office.

Even when a human services department oversees the program, you may apply at a county assistance office or a local community action agency. Some states also give the program its own name, such as HEAP, LEAP, or EAP. If your state calls it something else, it is still LIHEAP money. Our full LIHEAP guide covers the program nationally.

Finding your state’s energy office

Use one of these official routes to reach the right office:

1. HHS contact listing: the LIHEAP state and territory contact listing gives each state’s office, phone number, and website.
2. NEAR hotline: the National Energy Assistance Referral project, listed on the LIHEAP Clearinghouse contacts page, answers at 1-866-674-6327 or energyhelp@ncat.org and can tell you where to apply.
3. 211: dial 211 and ask for the energy assistance office for your ZIP code.

When you call, ask whether applications are open now, how to apply (online, by mail, or in person), and whether you need an appointment.

Who qualifies for help with a gas bill

Federal law lets states set income limits up to the greater of 150% of the federal poverty guidelines or 60% of state median income, and no lower than 110% of poverty. Many states also qualify you automatically if someone in your home gets SNAP, SSI, or TANF.

Most states give priority to households with the highest energy costs compared to income, and to homes with an older adult, a person with a disability, or a young child. You do not have to be behind on your bill to get regular help, and you can usually rent or own. If heat is included in your rent, some states still give a smaller benefit.

Regular heating benefits

The regular heating benefit is a once-a-season payment toward your heating costs. The amount depends on your income, household size, fuel type, and sometimes your local climate. States publish their own ranges, and they can change every year with federal funding. The table below shows how the main parts of LIHEAP differ.

Crisis help when a shutoff is coming

If you have a gas shutoff notice, your service is already off, or you are almost out of propane or oil, ask for crisis assistance. Under federal rules, agencies must provide some form of help within 48 hours of a complete crisis application, or within 18 hours if the situation is life-threatening. The LIHEAP Clearinghouse collects how each state meets these timelines.

Crisis help can be a payment, a pledge that tells the gas company money is coming, or a call to hold the shutoff. Bring the notice to your appointment. Also call your gas company the same day to ask for a payment plan and to say that you have applied. Our gas shut off assistance guide walks through each step, including winter protections and medical certificates.

Two state examples

These examples show how much programs can differ. Check your own state’s office for its figures.

Details come from the Pennsylvania LIHEAP page and the Maryland Office of Home Energy Programs. Pennsylvania also says heating emergencies can be reported 24 hours a day through the county assistance office.

Help with gas for your car

LIHEAP pays for home energy only. It does not cover gasoline for a car. If you meant help with fuel to get to work or medical care, your human services office may still help in other ways:

• TANF: states can use Temporary Assistance for Needy Families funds for work supports, and some offer transportation help such as gas cards or bus passes to people in work activities. Ask your caseworker.
• Job programs: SNAP employment and training programs and local workforce centers sometimes cover travel costs while you train or search for work.
• Medicaid rides: Medicaid covers non-emergency medical transportation to covered appointments.
• Charities: some charities give gas vouchers; see our guide to gas vouchers near me.

These supports vary by state and are not always available, so ask what is offered where you live.

Other help for gas bills

• Gas company programs: payment plans, budget billing, hardship funds, and in some states discounted low-income rates.
• Winter protections: many states limit shutoffs in cold weather; your state utility commission can explain the rules.
• Charities: the Salvation Army, Catholic Charities, and churches often help with a remaining balance.
• SNAP: heating costs can raise your SNAP benefit, which frees up money for the gas bill.

What documents do I need to apply?

Expect to show photo ID, Social Security numbers for the people applying, proof of income for the last 30 days, and proof of where you live, plus any paper that shows the emergency itself. Our document checklist explains what counts for each item and what to do if something is missing. If you don't have everything yet, apply anyway and ask the office how long you have to bring the rest.

Applying, step by step

1. Find your state’s LIHEAP office through the HHS listing, the NEAR line, or 211.
2. Ask if the season is open and how to apply.
3. Gather your papers: ID, income proof, Social Security numbers, and a recent gas bill.
4. Say if you have a shutoff notice so you are screened for crisis help.
5. Call your gas company to ask for a payment plan and a hold while you wait.
6. Apply for SNAP if you have not already.
7. Watch for a decision letter, and ask about weatherization while you are there.

For more options, see our guide to government help with a gas bill.

Related guides

• LIHEAP gas assistance
• Social services gas bill help
• Winter gas bill help
• Churches that help pay gas bills

Frequently asked questions

This guide is general information. Benefit amounts and rules vary by state. National Relief Program is an independent website and is not affiliated with any government agency or utility.