ADVISORY: DOEE is not accepting in-person appointments at this time and the Taylor Street and MLK Energy Centers are closed to the public until further notice. DOEE is accepting applications via the online application and the postal service. Please find further instructions below.
If you are a homeowner in the District of Columbia 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.
LIHEAP provides important services in Washington, D.C. Here are interviews with direct beneficiaries of the program & program administrators. This video also includes an introduction from Gene Sperling, White House Coordinator for the American Rescue Plan.
On June 1, 2020, as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, DOEE began providing emergency utility assistance payments to qualifying residents who owe $250 or more on a utility account. 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, or for residents fifty-five or older, have received a disconnection notice. This is a one-time payment to a single utility and the payment will equal the amount owed, rounded up to the nearest dollar, up to $750.
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.
Additionally, residents may 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.
How to apply online:
ALERT: The online application is experiencing a technical upgrade to support the Fiscal Year 2023 submissions. The link to submit your online LIHEAP application may be unavailable to users. If your gas or electric service has been disconnected or if you are out of home heating oil, and you cannot access the online application, please complete this application along with copies of the documents listed below and e-mail it to [email protected].
Submit the following documents:
- 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.
How to apply via the mail:
Print and complete this application along with copies of the documents listed below (translated applications attached below).
Mail the application to:
Attn: Utility Affordability Administration
1200 First Street NE, 5th Floor
Washington DC, 20002
Submit the following documents:
- 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 (or a copy);
- 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.
LIHEAP Income Guidelines for FY22 (October 1, 2021 - September 30, 2022)
| Household Size | Maximum Annual Income |
|---|---|
| 1 | $42,920 |
| 2 | $56,126 |
| 3 | $69,332 |
| 4 | $82,538 |
| 5 | $95,744 |
| 6 | $108,950 |
| 7 | $111,426 |
| 8 | $113,902 |
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 |
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.
