Tennessee Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP)

When energy bills keep getting higher, it can be harder to afford other everyday expenses like groceries, medicine, or housing. Tennessee’s Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) may be able to help by lowering the cost of heating and cooling your home.

LIHEAP funding is limited, so it is a good idea to apply as early as possible. The amount of assistance you receive depends on your household's eligibility, your energy costs, and available funding.

How does Tennessee LIHEAP work?

Tennessee LIHEAP is a federally funded program that helps eligible households with low incomes pay their home energy bills. The program is administered through a network of 19 local agencies that serve all counties in the state. Tennessee LIHEAP offers two types of assistance:

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Regular Assistance: Helps pay heating and cooling bills. The payment is sent directly to your utility company or fuel provider and is credited to your account.

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Crisis Assistance: Provides help to households experiencing an energy emergency, such as a utility shut-off, a shut-off notice, or another situation that puts home energy service at risk.

If you qualify for either type of assistance, LIHEAP sends a one-time payment directly to your utility company or fuel provider to help pay your heating or cooling bill. The amount of assistance you receive is based on factors such as your household size, income, and fuel type.

Who can get help from Tennessee LIHEAP?

You may qualify for Tennessee LIHEAP if you meet the program requirements. These generally include:

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You live in Tennessee and apply through the LIHEAP agency that serves your county

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You are responsible for paying home energy costs, either directly or as part of your rent

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Your household income is at or below 60% of the State Median Income

Note: Because LIHEAP is administered by local agencies, application procedures may vary by local agency. Your local LIHEAP agency can help determine this for you and if you qualify.

How do I apply for Tennessee LIHEAP?

You must apply through the LIHEAP agency that serves the county where you live. Before you apply, gather the information and documents you may need. Having these items ready can help make the application process easier.

You may be asked to provide:

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A government-issued photo ID

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Social Security numbers for all household members

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Proof of household income for the past 30 days, or a completed Zero Income Form if no one in the household has income

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Recent home energy/utility bills

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

Once you have gathered your documents, you can apply in one of the following ways:

Apply online

You can apply online through the Tennessee Housing Development Agency's SmartSimple portal. If you do not already have an account, you will need to create one before you can complete and submit your application.

Apply in person

You can also apply in person by taking your completed LIHEAP application and copies of your required documents to your local LIHEAP agency.

How can I get help with my application?

If you have questions about Tennessee LIHEAP or need help applying, support is available. You can:

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Contact your local LIHEAP agency.

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Visit a Benefits Enrollment Center (BEC), if there is one near you.

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Call the NCOA HelpLine at 1-800-794-6559 for free information about LIHEAP and help getting started with your application.

What if I cannot get help from Tennessee LIHEAP?

Talk to your utility company

Many utility companies in Tennessee offer programs that can help lower your energy bills. For example, Middle Tennessee Electric offers a Home Energy Checkup to help identify ways to save energy and lower costs and their Home Uplift program provides home energy improvements for eligible households.

Look for other assistance programs in Tennessee

You may qualify for other programs that help with heating and cooling costs. For example, Tennessee's Fan and Air Conditioner Program provides free fans or air conditioning units during the summer to eligible older adults, families with children under age 6, and people with disabilities who are affected by extreme heat.

Contact a Benefits Enrollment Center (BEC)

Benefits Enrollment Centers help older adults and people with disabilities find programs that can help pay for food, health care, housing, and energy costs. Contact a BEC in your area to learn about programs you may qualify for and get help applying.