Who can apply
LIHEAP assesses household income and energy circumstances. UDP has its own income rules and requires bills in the applicant’s name. Do not assume one approval automatically grants both.
What help is available
LIHEAP can help with heating or cooling costs; UDP reduces qualifying utility charges. Emergency support has additional conditions.
Documents to prepare
- Photo ID and requested household Social Security records.
- Income evidence and recent utility bills.
- Any disconnection notice or utility confirmation of disconnected service.
How to get started
Check the opening notice
Review LIHEAP and UDP for October 20 application instructions.
Ask DOEE about urgency
Call 311 or 202-737-4404 if service is disconnected or fuel is depleted.
Submit directly to DOEE
Use DOEE’s current authorized application route. The LIHEAP page warns against submitting through unauthorized third parties.
After applying
Save the confirmation and contact the utility about pending disconnection. Previous-year dollar tables should not be treated as FY27 limits.
Website screenshots
These images show the pages captured in August 2026. Website screens and rules may have changed.
Common questions
When do FY27 applications open?
DOEE announces October 20, 2026 for both programs.
Are LIHEAP and UDP the same?
No. One provides assistance; the other offers utility discounts.
Must UDP bills be in my name?
Yes, according to the current overview.
Can I give LIHEAP papers to a third party?
DOEE says applications must be submitted directly to it.
Sources and review
Content checked October 1, 2026 using DOEE LIHEAP intake; DOEE Utility Discount Program. Current eligibility and the final decision remain with the program.
Historical screenshots: source reference.