Winter Heating Assistance Programs: Stay Warm This Winter

Winter heating assistance can keep people safe, healthy, and homeless during the cold months. Below, you’ll find a clear and practical article explaining the main programs, who qualifies, how to apply, where to look for help locally, and practical tips for maximizing your heating budget.

What are Winter Heating Assistance Programs?

Winter heating assistance programs are public and private programs that help households pay their heating bills, obtain emergency fuel, or improve their homes’ energy efficiency (to keep heating costs low over the long term). In the U.S., the two largest and most widely available programs are the Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) and the Weatherization Assistance Program (WAP). States and local agencies administer them and set application deadlines, income limits, and delivery methods.

List of Winter Heating Assistance Programs

1. LIHEAP (Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program)

Pays a one-time or seasonal benefit for heating (and sometimes air conditioning) costs and can provide subsidies in crisis situations to avoid utility shutoffs or to obtain emergency fuel.

Funded by the federal government, but administered by state and local agencies; rules and benefit amounts vary by state.

Millions of households receive LIHEAP each year; application periods typically open in the fall/winter, and some states have pre-season or priority periods for vulnerable households.

2. Weatherization Assistance Program (WAP)

Free home weatherization services (insulation, air sealing, furnace repair/replacement when needed, safety checks) to reduce energy use and heating bills over the long term.

Who qualifies? Income-based; both renters and homeowners may qualify. Services are provided by state/local weatherization offices.

3. State and Local Utility Assistance, Crisis Funds, and Provider Programs

Many states, counties, utility companies, and nonprofit coalitions offer seasonal heating funds or one-time assistance programs (especially during energy emergencies or price spikes). Some utilities offer bill discounts, payment plans, or protections for low-income customers. Check your state or utility’s website.

4. Charitable and Community Assistance

Nonprofit organizations (e.g., the Salvation Army, Catholic Charities, the United Way, and local churches) often offer emergency utility and heating assistance or can assist with application referrals. These programs vary by location and available funding.

Charitable and Community Winter Heating Programs

HeatShare (Salvation Army)

Location: Many regions in the U.S., including Ohio, Minnesota, Nebraska, etc.

Grants to help pay for heating (gas, oil, propane, electric), sometimes repairs or replacements of heating equipment; helps prevent or restore utility service. Based on income (often low), by county or utility service area; proof of need is required; application is made through local Salvation Army offices. In Ohio, eligibility has been expanded to 300% of the federal poverty line.

Winter Relief Fund — United Way of Central Indiana

Location: Indiana (Central Indiana)

Helps with rising utility bills during the winter months; operates through referrals (2-1-1 line) and donor funding, including corporate sponsors. Households in Central Indiana with heating/utility needs; The program operates seasonally until funding is exhausted.

Keep ME Warm / United Way Maine

Location: Maine, USA

Emergency heating assistance through fuel grants, through partnerships between United Way-211 Maine, Community Action Agencies, and local nonprofit or faith-based organizations. It serves people in need throughout Maine, especially those struggling to pay heating bills, often low-income, or facing unexpected hardships.

Who is Eligible for the Winter Assistance Program?

Eligibility varies, but common factors include:

Household income: Typically based on federal poverty guidelines or a percentage of state median income; limits depend on household size and program year. (States publish specific limits.)
energyandhousing.wi.gov

Residency: Must live in the state or service area where you are applying.

Vulnerability priorities: Some programs prioritize seniors, people with disabilities, households with young children, or people already receiving weatherization services.

Generally required documents and proof:

• Governmental identification.
• Proof of income (pay stubs, welfare/benefit statements, tax returns).
• Proof of heating expenses: Recent fuel bill, utility bill, heating provider bill.
• Sometimes proof of residency: Lease agreement, utility bill with address.
• For emergency assistance, proof of disconnection notice or proof of emergency (medical, travel, etc.).

How to Apply — step-by-step guide

Find the right program office: For LIHEAP and WAP, visit USA.gov or your state’s Department of Human Services/Health to find the local administering agency.

Gather documents (common list): photo ID, Social Security numbers (or documents), proof of income (pay stubs, benefit letters), most recent utility bill, lease or mortgage statement, and landlord information if utilities are included in the rent. Having this information ready expedites processing.

Apply early: Many LIHEAP seasons begin in the fall; some states begin accepting applications in late summer or October and have limited funds. If you have already received assistance, watch for pre-season notices.

Use multiple channels: apply online if available, or by mail, phone, or in person at local community action agencies. If your application is denied, ask about appeals and emergency crisis grants.

How to find Charitable Winter Heating Assistance Programs

Here are the steps to find programs near you, even if you’re outside the U.S.:

Find local branches of large nonprofit/religious organizations.

The Salvation Army, Catholic Charities, United Way, and local churches, mosques, and temples.

In many places, there are “utility assistance” or “winter relief” programs.

Call or search 211 (or an equivalent helpline).

In many U.S. states, dialing 211 connects you to social services; they can direct you to nonprofits that offer heating assistance.

In other countries, there may be similar helplines for social services or social assistance.

Check with your local utility company.

Some have funds or partnerships with charities for customers in need.

Community foundations and local campaigns.

During the winter, “Cold Weather” or “Surviving the Winter” campaigns often raise funds and distribute them locally.

Religious Institutions and Congregations

Churches, mosques, synagogues, and related charitable groups often manage charitable funds.

Local Government Websites

Even for nonprofit organizations, local government websites often list community partners or charitable programs, or have pages for “help with utility bills” or “emergency heating assistance.”

Libraries or Community Centers

Bulletin boards, staff, or social workers often offer referrals and printed information about local assistance.

Emergency situations — what you can do now

Utility shutoff or no heat: Contact your utility immediately — many utilities offer emergency assistance or temporary protections for medically vulnerable customers. Apply for crisis grants through LIHEAP or local charities.

Fuel delivery problems: Local fuel banks, community action agencies, and some faith groups run emergency fuel programs. Call 2-1-1 or your county human services for referrals.

No local funds: Ask your utility about payment plans, budget billing, or energy efficiency audits that can lower bills immediately.

Ways to increase your chance of getting help

Apply early and submit completed paperwork.

Prove vulnerability (medical needs, children, elderly) — some programs prioritize these households.

Check both LIHEAP and WAP — one pays bills, the other reduces future bills through weatherization. You can often be on both waiting lists.

Other resources & partners to contact

USA.gov — Get help with energy bills (search by state).

U.S. Department of Health & Human Services — LIHEAP information (program overview and state links).

U.S. Department of Energy — Weatherization Assistance Program (find state contacts and apply).

Local nonprofits: Salvation Army, Catholic Charities, United Way and community action agencies are common partners. Use 2-1-1 or your county social services website to locate local programs.

Tips to reduce winter heating expenses right away

Seal drafts around windows/doors with weatherstripping or draft stoppers.

Lower thermostat a few degrees and wear layers; use programmable thermostats if possible.

Use efficient heating practices: close vents in unused rooms, keep doors closed, use ceiling fans on low to circulate warm air.

Safety first: don’t use ovens for heat; get a certified technician to inspect space heaters or furnaces. WAP may provide safety checks and furnace repairs.

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