Written by a parent, not a doctor. Nothing here is medical advice.

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California program

Help paying an energy bill (LIHEAP)

Help with an energy bill or a shutoff crisis for households that meet LIHEAP’s rules.

What it is

Help with an energy bill or a shutoff crisis for households that meet LIHEAP’s rules.

LIHEAP may help with an energy bill when income is low. The local agency checks your household, the bill and its available funding. Crisis cases receive priority, but a payment is not guaranteed.

Who can get it
  • The 2026 monthly income limit is $6,407.16 for four, about 60% of state median income.
  • The 2026 income screen is 60% of state median income: $3,331.66 monthly for one, $4,356.83 for two, $5,382 for three and $6,407.16 for four. A household with a CalFresh or CalWORKs participant may meet income rules through that benefit instead. The local agency still checks the household, other rules, funding and priority.
What you get
  • The 2026 plan estimates $94–$1,500 for heating or $283–$932 for cooling. These are not promised awards.
  • Crisis help and possible weatherization referrals.
What you get
  • HEAP pays toward an energy bill. ECIP addresses an energy crisis.
  • Published heating ranges cover different fuels and delivery methods. They are not a standard cash payment.
  • LIHEAP participation can qualify the household for CARE utility discounts.
If you decide to apply
  1. Ask CSD for your local energy-assistance agency, or call 866-675-6623, if you decide to apply.
  2. Have ready: income proof, the utility bill and any notice with a shutoff date.

California CSD energy-assistance referral: 866-675-6623 · Official page ↗

What happens next
  • Processing depends on the local agency, with crisis cases prioritized.
  • An award is credited to the utility account. A refusal may reflect income or funding.
Good to know

A LIHEAP application does not stop a shutoff. A utility hold has separate requirements.

What else to know
  • California’s federal fiscal year 2026 plan offers heating, cooling, crisis and weatherization help year-round, subject to local funds and priorities. The fiscal year ends September 30, 2026. There is no single statewide winter-only season or guaranteed payment.
  • A nonpayment hold requires inability to pay, agreement to a payment plan, and a qualifying certified medical condition or equipment.
  • Medical Baseline itself does not prevent public-safety shutoffs. Protection against a shutoff for nonpayment depends on which law covers the utility, medical certification, inability to pay and a repayment arrangement. Ask the utility to confirm each condition.

Federal background: LIHEAP funds local help with household energy costs. Help with your power or gas bill.

Official sources
Ask your social worker

“Could LIHEAP help with our energy bill, and what limits or waiting time apply? Is it worth applying, and could you help us reach the local agency and check any separate utility hold?”

Why I’m asking: I want to understand help with power or gas costs.

More background and detailed requirements
Additional program information and published rules

Who does what

The three parts, side by side. The agency decides; nobody on this page does.

You

Call the agency with the bill and the shutoff date. Ask the utility separately for a hold.

Your social worker

The social worker can write the medical letter the utility asks for.

The care team

Records and letters when the application asks for them.

Who decides
The local LIHEAP provider agency
Ask your social worker
“Can you write the medical letter for the utility's medical-baseline hold while I apply to the local LIHEAP agency?”

How to apply

First step: Find the local agency at csd.ca.gov or call (866) 675-6623. Tell them the shutoff date.

  1. Find the local agency at csd.ca.gov or call (866) 675-6623.
  2. Tell them the shutoff date.
  3. Ask the utility for a medical-baseline hold separately.

Where it starts: Provider locator at csd.ca.gov

What to gather

  • The utility bill
  • Income proof
  • Any shutoff notice

How long: Depends on the local agency. Crisis cases first.

What a yes looks like

A payment credited to the utility account.

What a no looks like, and the next move

A refusal naming income or funding. Ask the utility about CARE, FERA and Medical Baseline instead.

Watch out

  • A LIHEAP application does not stop a shutoff. The utility confirms separate conditional medical nonpayment protections and required documentation.
  • Ask the utility for CARE at the same time. LIHEAP enrolls you in it, and it lasts all year.
  • Energy awards depend on the county, household and fuel. The published heating range includes different fuel methods; it is not one standard cash grant for every family.

Dates that change this

2026-01-01: 2026 income table. CSD does not state the exact start day.

The numbers and the rules

The arcane layer, kept on purpose. Checked September 10, 2026.

What it is worth

A one-time payment on the utility bill (2026 plan estimates: $94 to $1,500 heating, $283 to $932 cooling) and shutoff help. Income limit $6,407.16 a month for four.

  • $6,407.16/month — Income limit, family of 4 (2026)
  • $94–$1,500 — Heating payment (2026 state-plan estimate)
  • $283–$932 — Cooling payment (2026 state-plan estimate)

Covers: Utility bill payment (HEAP) · Crisis intervention before shutoff (ECIP) · Weatherization referral

Legal protection: LIHEAP enrolls the household in the CARE utility discount

What it costs the family: None.

The eligibility facts, as published

Income
CSD 2026 monthly table (about 60% of state median income): $6,407.16 for four
Need
The local agency checks household and program requirements, utility need, priority and available funding. A CalFresh or CalWORKs participant may provide categorical income eligibility under the 2026 state plan.

Decisions this site cannot make: Local agency eligibility

Expect friction on: Local agency capacity

The trap: A LIHEAP application does not hold a shutoff. Call the utility separately for a medical-baseline hold.

Where I read this

← Back to your options