Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP)
Federal help paying heating and cooling bills
What it pays or provides
LIHEAP helps pay your home energy bill — heat and cooling — no matter what fuel you use: electricity, natural gas, propane, wood, or oil. It can also help repair or replace an unsafe or broken heating system, and it includes crisis help when you're facing a shutoff. Eligible households can also get weatherization work done to make the home more energy efficient.
Who qualifies
You qualify based on your household's gross income (before deductions) compared to your household size. Oregon sets the LIHEAP income limit at 60% of the state's median income — the same limit used for the Oregon Energy Assistance Program (OEAP). Because LIHEAP works with any energy provider and any fuel type, it reaches households that OEAP (electric-only, and only for PGE and Pacific Power customers) can't.
Income limits by household size
This limit is based on Oregon's state median income (SMI), not the federal poverty line, and counts your household's full gross income before deductions.
| People in your household | Monthly income limit (about) |
|---|---|
| 1 | $3,200 |
| 2 | $4,180 |
| 3 | $5,170 |
| 4 | $6,150 |
| 5 | $7,140 |
| 6 | $8,120 |
| 7 | $8,300 |
| 8 | $8,490 |
Limits shown are approximately 60% of the Oregon state median income, rounded — the program’s own table is the final word.
Where you have to live
Available statewide, but you apply through the Community Action Agency (CAA) that serves your county, and exact steps can vary a little by agency.
How other benefits affect it
LIHEAP is separate from OEAP and from your utility's own bill discount, like PGE's Income-Qualified Bill Discount or Pacific Power's Low-Income Discount. You can be enrolled in one of those ongoing monthly discounts and still get LIHEAP's help toward your bill.
How to apply
Apply through your local Community Action Agency (CAA) — Oregon doesn't run one statewide online LIHEAP application. Find your CAA with the CAPO Oregon directory (caporegon.org/find-help), where you can search by county or by agency name. If you can't reach an office, call the statewide toll-free line at 1-800-453-5511 (option 1) or email energyassistance@oregon.gov and ask about applying by phone, mail, or a home visit — CAAs offer these for people who can't come in person.
Go to the official page →or call 1-800-453-5511
Programs that combine with it
- Oregon Energy Assistance Program (OEAP) — electric-bill and past-due help for PGE & Pacific Power customers
- PGE Income-Qualified Bill Discount — a discount on your PGE electric bill
- Pacific Power Low-Income Discount (Schedule 7) — a discount on your Pacific Power bill
Sources
- Find your local Community Action Agency (CAPO Oregon)
- Official rule text “To be eligible for energy assistance under either program, a household income must be at or below 60% of Oregon´s median income.” (checked July 6, 2026)