ADVISORY: Effective Friday, September 8, 2023, the Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) will close for the fiscal year 2023 program. As a result, DOEE will not accept or process energy assistance applications submitted after Thursday, September 7, 2023. Residents may apply for LIHEAP assistance for the fiscal year 2024 program beginning October 1, 2023.
DOEE assists income-eligible District households with heating and cooling energy costs through the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP). Eligible households may receive energy bill assistance between $250 and $1,800 as a one-time regular energy assistance benefit. This benefit is based on household size, total household income, heating source, and type of dwelling.
DOEE also provides emergency utility assistance payments to households that are disconnected from utility service, have an oil tank at 5% or less of capacity, are of age fifty-five or older, and have received a disconnection notice. This is a one-time payment to a single utility and the payment will equal the amount owed, up to $750.
Residents seeking emergency electric or gas assistance must provide documentation from PEPCO and/or Washington Gas that states their service has been disconnected when applying for assistance.
Residents may also apply for the Utility Discount Program in order to receive a reduced rate on their utility costs. To learn more, please visit the Utility Discount Program.
Additionally, if you are a homeowner in the District and have fallen behind on your mortgage and utility payments, you may qualify for monetary assistance through the DC Homeowner's Assistance Fund. Get more information and apply for assistance.
How to apply:
Residents seeking energy assistance must provide the following documentation with their application:
- Your service disconnection notice or a letter from the utility company that states the service has been disconnected (if applicable);
- Your most recent utility bills;
- A government-issued photo ID;
- Proof of income for everyone in your home who receives income; and
- Social Security cards for everyone in your home.
- Apply online >>
ALERT – DOEE is the SOLE entity authorized to accept and process LIHEAP applications. You MUST submit your LIHEAP application to DOEE directly to sign up for LIHEAP. DOEE has become aware that third parties may be accepting LIHEAP applications. DOEE cautions that you should NOT provide your LIHEAP application to any other entity, including a utility or government agency other than DOEE, as they are NOT authorized to accept and process LIHEAP applications. Providing LIHEAP applications to an entity other than DOEE may put the confidentiality of your personal identifiable information at risk.
How to apply via the mail:
Print and complete this application along with copies of the required documents (translated applications attached below).
Mail the application & documents to:
Department of Energy & Environment
Attn: Utility Affordability Administration
1200 First Street NE, 5th Floor
Washington DC, 20002
How to apply via fax:
Residents may fax their completed and signed application to 202-671-0802 if you live in Wards 1-6 or 202-673-6725 if you live in Wards 6,7 & 8.
The video above interviews beneficiaries of the LIHEAP program & program administrators. It includes an introduction from Gene Sperling, White House Coordinator for the American Rescue Plan.
LIHEAP Income Guidelines for FY23 (October 1, 2022 - September 30, 2023)
| Household Size | Maximum Annual Income |
|---|---|
| 1 | $47,437 |
| 2 | $62,033 |
| 3 | $76,629 |
| 4 | $91,225 |
| 5 | $105,821 |
| 6 | $120,417 |
| 7 | $123,153 |
| 8 | $125,890 |
LIHEAP Income Guidelines for FY24 (October 1, 2023 - September 30, 2024)
| Household Size | Maximum Annual Income |
|---|---|
| 1 | $49,814 |
| 2 | $65,141 |
| 3 | $80,469 |
| 4 | $95,797 |
| 5 | $111,124 |
| 6 | $126,452 |
| 7 | $129,325 |
| 8 | $132,199 |
Office Locations:
|
1207 Taylor St., NW
|
2100 Martin Luther King, Jr. Ave., SE
|
Additional Resources
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Video Tutorial: How to Apply for LIHEAP Online
- If you disagree with DOEE's decision on your LIHEAP application, please see your appeal rights.
- For more information, please contact the DOEE Energy Office by calling 311.
