Gas Assistance for Low Income Households: Help With Natural Gas and Heating Bills

Gas assistance for low income households at a glance

Most families combine two or three of these. Start with LIHEAP and your gas company, since they cover the most money.

How LIHEAP helps with gas heating

The Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program is funded by the federal government and run by each state, territory, and many tribes. It can help pay heating and cooling bills, handle energy emergencies, and in some states pay for small energy-related repairs. Benefits are usually paid straight to your gas company or fuel dealer, not to you.

Each state sets its own season, benefit amounts, and application method. Some take applications online, and others need an in-person visit. Many open in the fall and keep taking applications until funds run low, so applying early helps. To find your office, use the LIHEAP state contact map or the USAGov energy bill help page. Our LIHEAP guide explains the program in more detail.

Federal rules require crisis help within 48 hours of a complete application, or 18 hours when the situation is life-threatening. Help can be a payment, a pledge to the utility, or another step that keeps the heat on.

Income limits and who gets priority

States may set LIHEAP income limits as high as 150% of the federal poverty guidelines or 60% of state median income, whichever is higher, and many choose lower limits. The table shows 150% and 200% of the 2026 HHS poverty guidelines for the 48 contiguous states and DC. Your state may use a different year’s figures or state median income, so treat these as a rough guide only.

Annual income, before taxes. For larger households, HHS adds $5,680 per person to the poverty guideline. Many states give priority to homes with older adults, people with disabilities, and young children, and to households with the highest energy bills compared with income.

Programs your gas company may offer

Gas utilities often have help that is not well advertised. Call the number on your bill and ask about each of these by name.

• Payment arrangement: spread a past-due balance over several months while paying the current bill.
• Budget billing: the same amount each month, so winter bills do not spike.
• Low-income discount rate: some states require utilities to offer reduced rates or percentage-of-income plans.
• Hardship fund: many utilities fund grants that a local charity hands out.
• Protected customer status: some utilities flag homes with older adults or medical needs for extra notice before shutoff.

Programs differ a lot by company and state. If the representative does not know, ask for the customer assistance or credit department.

Lowering gas bills with weatherization

The Department of Energy’s Weatherization Assistance Program pays for free home improvements such as insulation, air sealing, and heating system repairs. DOE says households at or below 200% of the poverty guidelines, or that receive Supplemental Security Income, are eligible, and states may also use the LIHEAP limit of 60% of state median income. A national evaluation cited by DOE found average savings of $372 or more a year.

You apply through your state weatherization office or a local provider, usually listed by county. Expect a waitlist. Renters need the landlord’s permission before work begins.

Charities, churches, and 211

When LIHEAP funds are used up or you need a little more, charities can help with part of a past-due gas bill. Dial 211 and ask for utility assistance in your county. Common sources include The Salvation Army, Catholic Charities, St. Vincent de Paul, community action agencies, and local churches. Most help once a year and pay the utility directly. Our 211 gas assistance guide explains what to ask for.

Propane and heating oil households

LIHEAP covers delivered fuels too, not just piped natural gas. If you heat with propane or oil, ask the agency how they pay your dealer and whether there is a minimum delivery. Crisis help may be available when your tank is nearly empty. Ask your dealer about budget plans and whether they will deliver a smaller emergency amount.

When a shutoff notice arrives

A shutoff notice usually gives you time to act. Call the gas company the same day, ask for a payment arrangement, and apply for LIHEAP crisis help. Many states limit shutoffs in cold weather or for households with a serious medical condition; you can look up your state in the LIHEAP Clearinghouse disconnection policy list. Our gas shut off assistance guide walks through each step.

Help with gasoline for your car

If you meant fuel for your car, the help is different. LIHEAP does not cover gasoline. These are the usual sources.

• Job programs: local American Job Centers sometimes give gas cards or mileage help to people in training or starting work.
• TANF: some states use TANF funds for transportation help tied to work.
• Medicaid rides: Medicaid covers rides to medical appointments for people with no other way to get there; call your health plan.
• Charities: 211, The Salvation Army, Catholic Charities, and some churches give occasional gas vouchers.

See our gas vouchers guide for more on car fuel help.

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.

How to apply, step by step

1. Find your LIHEAP office through the state contact map, USAGov, or 211.
2. Gather documents: ID, income proof, and a recent gas bill.
3. Apply online, by mail, or in person, and say if you have a shutoff notice.
4. Call your gas company and ask for a payment plan, budget billing, and any discount or hardship fund.
5. Ask about weatherization when you apply; many agencies run both programs.
6. Dial 211 for charity help if you still have a balance.
7. Apply for SNAP too; heating costs can raise your benefit.

Related guides

• LIHEAP gas assistance
• Churches that help pay gas bills
• Gas bill assistance for seniors
• Gas assistance for disabled people

Frequently asked questions

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