Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP)

If rising energy costs are making it hard to pay your bills, LIHEAP may be able to help. Arizona’s Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) helps eligible households with low incomes pay their home energy bills. The program is managed by the Arizona Department of Economic Security (DES) and provided through local Community Action Agencies (CAAs).

LIHEAP can help pay for heating, cooling, and certain home energy costs. Funding is limited, so the amount of help you receive depends on your household's needs, eligibility, and available program funds.

How does Arizona LIHEAP work?

Arizona LIHEAP is a federally funded program that helps people with low incomes pay their home energy bills. The program can help pay for:

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Electricity

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Natural gas

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Portable fuel

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Water for evaporative cooling (May 1 through October 31)

If you qualify, payments are sent directly to your utility company or fuel vendor. Depending on your needs, you may qualify for one or both of types of assistance:

Regular LIHEAP Benefits: Regular LIHEAP helps pay for home energy costs, including heating, cooling, and water for evaporative cooling. The amount you receive depends on factors such as:

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Your household income

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Your energy costs

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Whether someone in your household is age 60 or above or has a disability

Eligible households may receive up to $640 in regular LIHEAP benefits each year, depending on their household circumstances.

Crisis Benefits: Crisis Benefits provide extra help if you have already used your regular LIHEAP benefit and are at risk of losing your energy service. You may qualify if:

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You received a shut-off or past-due notice from your utility company

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You received an eviction notice if utilities are included in your rent

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You have fewer than seven days of portable or prepaid fuel remaining

Eligible households may receive up to $500 in Crisis Benefits.

Note: Qualifying households can receive one Regular Benefit and one Crisis Benefit during a 12-month period. LIHEAP funding is limited and is available on a first-come, first-served basis.

Who can get help from Arizona LIHEAP?

To qualify for Arizona LIHEAP, you must:

• Live in Arizona

• Meet citizenship or immigration requirements

• Be responsible for paying your home energy bills

• Meet the program's income limits

Note: If you already receive DES Nutrition Assistance or DES Cash Assistance, you automatically meet LIHEAP income requirements. DES will use the income information already on file, so you do not need to provide proof of income.

How do I apply for Arizona LIHEAP?

To apply for Arizona LIHEAP, you will need to complete an application and provide supporting documents. Have the following documents ready before you apply:

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Your current utility bill

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A photo ID

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Proof of citizen or eligible immigration status, if requested

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A utility shut-off notice (if you have one)

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Proof of income, such as pay stubs or tax forms

The fastest way to apply is online through the A-to-Z Arizona Portal. If you already have an account, sign in to begin your application. If you do not, you will need to create an account before you can begin.

Apply through A-to-Z Arizona Portal

If you are unable to apply online or prefer applying by mail, you can download and print a paper application below:

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LIHEAP Application (English)

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Application (Spanish)

Once you have filled it out, mail your completed application and copies of your documents to:

Department of Economic Security LIHEAP

P.O. Box 19130

Phoenix, AZ 85009

Note: If you already receive DES Cash Assistance or Nutrition Assistance, you do not need to submit proof of income. DES will use the income information already on file.

How can I get help with my application?

If you need help applying for Arizona LIHEAP or have questions about the program, help is available. You can:

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Contact your local Community Action Agency or call the LIHEAP service line at 1-866 494-1981. The call center is available Monday—Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. MST.

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Visit a Benefits Enrollment Center (BEC), if there’s one near you.https://benefitscheckup.org/article/how-to-find-a-benefits-enrollment-center-near-youSee if there’s one in your area.

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NCOA also has a HelpLine you can call to get free support. To get started today, call [1-800-794-6559](tel:1-800-794-6559).

What if I cannot get help from Arizona LIHEAP?

1. Talk to your utility company

Many utility companies in Arizona have assistance programs for customers who need help paying their bills. The Bill Assistance Program through Southwest Gas provides short-term assistance for customers in crisis or who meet income limits. Learn more here.

2. Look for other assistance programs in Arizona

There are other local or state programs that may help you lower your energy bills. These include:

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Power AZ: Power AZ is a program that helps qualifying households pay their energy-related bills. Eligibility requirements for Power AZ are the same as LIHEAP, except that households whose income exceeds the LIHEAP limit may qualify. Visit the Arizona DES website to learn more and to apply.

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Energy Support Program: Provided through Arizona Public Service (APS), the Energy Support Program provides qualifying households with an energy bill discount ranging from 25%-60%. Visit the APS website to learn more or to apply today.

3. Contact a Benefits Enrollment Center (BEC)

These local centers help older adults and people with disabilities find programs to afford food, health care, and energy bills. You can contact a BEC in your area for guidance and support.