How LIHEAP Prioritizes Families With Young Children

LIHEAP gives priority to households with children under six

If you have a child under six in your home, your household moves toward the front of the waiting list for LIHEAP (Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program) in most states. This is not automatic — you still have to meet income limits and apply through your state or local program — but the age of your youngest child is one of the factors that determines how quickly you get reviewed.

The reason for this priority is straightforward: young children are more vulnerable to temperature extremes. A home without heat in winter or without cooling in summer poses real health risks to infants and toddlers. States recognize this and structure their waiting lists accordingly.

The priority does not mean you skip the line entirely or that you are may provide funding. It means that when caseworkers are working through applications, yours gets pulled forward. How much this matters depends on how many other applications are ahead of you and whether the program has money available that month.

Key Takeaways

• Households with a child under six typically move higher on LIHEAP waiting lists, though this varies by state.
• Priority status does not override income limits — you must still earn below your state's threshold to be considered.
• You need proof of the child's age (birth certificate) and proof of your relationship to the child when you apply.
• Even with priority, approval can take several weeks, so contact your utility company now if you are behind on bills.
• Some states offer separate programs for families with young children that run on different schedules than the main LIHEAP fund.

What counts as a young child for LIHEAP priority

Most states define "young child" as anyone under age six, meaning from birth through age five. A few states extend this to age seven or eight, and a small number use age twelve as the cutoff. Check your state's LIHEAP program rules to see the exact age threshold where you live.

The child must live in your household — meaning they sleep there most nights and you are responsible for their care. A grandchild, foster child, or niece or nephew you are raising counts. A child who visits on weekends does not.

You do not have to be the biological parent. If you are the legal guardian, foster parent, or relative caregiver, the child's age still moves your application forward. What matters is that the child is in your home and under your care.

Documents you will need to prove the child's age

When you apply, bring the child's birth certificate or a certified copy. If you do not have the original, you can order one from your state's vital records office — this usually costs $10 to $25 and takes one to two weeks by mail, or you can sometimes get a same-day copy in person.

If you are not the biological parent, you will also need to show your relationship to the child. This might be a custody order, guardianship papers, a foster care placement letter from your state's child welfare agency, or a court document. If you are a relative caregiver without formal paperwork, ask your local LIHEAP office what they will accept — some programs allow a signed statement from you plus a utility bill showing both names.

Bring these documents when you apply in person, or mail them with your application if you are applying by mail or online. Keep copies for your records.

How priority affects your wait time

LIHEAP programs in most states manage their caseload through a waiting list. When money comes in, caseworkers pull applications from the top of the list and process them. Priority households — including those with young children — are placed higher on that list from the start.

In practice, this can mean a difference of days or weeks. If your state has 500 applications and you are in the priority group, you might be processed in week two instead of week four. But if the program runs out of money before reaching your application, priority does not matter — you will be rolled into the next funding cycle.

Some states also run separate funding streams for families with young children or for households with specific needs like elderly members or people with disabilities. If your state offers this, you may be able to apply to both the main LIHEAP fund and a specialized fund, which increases your chances of being served.

What happens after you are approved

Once approved, LIHEAP pays your utility company directly — usually your electric, gas, or heating oil provider. The payment goes toward your current bill and any arrears (money you already owe). The amount varies by state and by your household income, but typically ranges from a few hundred dollars to over a thousand dollars per year.

You will receive a notice in the mail telling you the amount approved and which utility company will receive the payment. The utility company usually receives the payment within two to four weeks of approval. During this time, keep paying what you can toward your bill, and contact your utility company to let them know LIHEAP assistance is coming — this can prevent a shutoff notice.

LIHEAP is usually a one-time payment per year, though some states offer a second payment in summer for cooling costs. After you receive your payment, you can reapply the following year if you still meet income limits.

If the waiting list is closed in your state

Some states close their LIHEAP waiting lists when they run out of money, then reopen them when new federal funding arrives — usually in the fall. If your state's list is closed, you have a few options.

First, call your local LIHEAP office and ask when they expect to reopen. Many programs can put you on a notification list so you hear as soon as applications are accepted again. Second, ask whether your state runs a separate program for families with young children or for households in crisis — these sometimes have different funding and timelines. Third, contact your utility company's customer service department and ask about their own low-income programs, bill forgiveness, or payment plans. Many utilities offer these independent of LIHEAP.

If you are facing a shutoff or disconnection, tell your utility company immediately. Most states require utilities to give you notice and a chance to set up a payment plan before they cut service, especially if you have a young child in the home.

Other programs that prioritize families with young children

Beyond LIHEAP, some states fund separate energy assistance programs specifically for families with infants and toddlers. These might be called "infant energy assistance," "early childhood energy programs," or something similar. They sometimes have higher income limits or faster processing than the main LIHEAP program.

Your state's LIHEAP office can tell you whether these programs exist where you live and how to apply. You can also contact your local 211 service (dial 2-1-1 or visit 211.org) and ask what energy assistance programs serve families with young children in your area.

Some community action agencies, nonprofits, and utility companies also run their own assistance programs. These are not LIHEAP, but they may help with energy bills. Your LIHEAP caseworker can point you toward these as well.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does having a child under six may provide I will get LIHEAP funding?

No. Priority means your application moves higher on the waiting list, but you must still meet your state's income limits, and the program must have money available. If the fund runs out before reaching your application, you will be placed in the next funding cycle.

What if I have two children under six — do I get extra priority?

Most states do not increase priority based on the number of young children. Having one child under six usually puts you in the priority category, and having two does not move you higher. Check your state's rules to be certain.

Can I apply for LIHEAP if my child is about to turn six?

Yes, apply before the birthday. Once your child turns six, you lose the priority status for future applications, but if you are approved while they are still under six, the approval stands. If you are on a waiting list when they turn six, ask your LIHEAP office whether you stay in the priority group or move to the regular list.

Do I have to be a U.S. citizen to get LIHEAP priority for my young child?

LIHEAP rules vary by state. Some states require citizenship or permanent residency; others do not. Contact your state's LIHEAP program directly to learn what documentation is required in your area.

What if I am behind on my utility bills and worried about shutoff?

Contact your utility company immediately and tell them you have a young child in the home and that you are applying for LIHEAP. Most utilities are required to give you notice before shutting off service and will work with you on a payment plan. Ask specifically about their low-income programs or hardship policies.