Energy costs in the United States have risen steadily in recent years, placing significant financial pressure on low- and moderate-income households. To help ease that burden, federal and state governments offer programs like LIHEAP (Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program), which provides financial aid to eligible families for heating, cooling, and electricity bills.
If you or someone in your household applied for energy assistance, you might be wondering: How do I check if I was approved? In this article, we’ll walk you through how to check the updated list of approved applicants for energy assistance in the U.S., including tools, websites, and important tips for staying informed.
What Is Energy Assistance?
Energy assistance in the U.S. refers primarily to LIHEAP, a federally funded program that helps low-income households with energy costs. Administered at the state and local levels, LIHEAP provides grants or direct payments to help cover:
- Heating and cooling bills
- Utility reconnections
- Crisis situations (like disconnection notices)
- Weatherization and energy-efficient repairs (in some states)
There is no national list of approved applicants. Instead, each state or tribal territory manages its own application and approval process, often through local agencies or departments of social services.
Step 1: Identify the Energy Assistance Program in Your State
Although LIHEAP is the main national program, your state may offer additional local or utility-based assistance. To begin:
- Visit the official LIHEAP Map at:
https://acf.gov/ocs/map/liheap-map-state-and-territory-contact-listing - Click on your state or territory.
This will take you to your state’s LIHEAP website or contact page.
Each state provides:
- Application guidelines
- Income eligibility limits
- Contact information for your local administering agency
Step 2: Contact Your Local LIHEAP Office
After identifying your local LIHEAP administrator, you can reach out to:
- Check the status of your application
- Ask whether you’ve been approved or denied
- Inquire about next steps or documents needed
Be ready to provide:
- Your full name and date of birth
- Your application ID or case number (if available)
- Your utility account number (for electricity, gas, or other)
Note: Approval timelines vary by state, but generally range from 2 to 6 weeks.
Step 3: Check Your Online Portal (If Available)
Many states now offer online portals where applicants can log in and track the status of their benefits. Some examples include:
- New York: https://mybenefits.ny.gov/mybenefits/begin
- Texas: https://www.yourtexasbenefits.com/Learn/Home
- California: Check your county’s local energy agency or visit www.csd.ca.gov
If your state offers this option, create or log into your account to:
- View application status
- Download approval letters
- See benefit amounts and payment dates
Step 4: Monitor Your Email, Mailbox, or Text Messages
Once approved (or denied), most states notify you via:
- Mail (an approval or denial letter)
- Text message
- Phone call from your local agency
If you applied online, make sure to regularly check your email inbox and spam folder for any official updates.
Step 5: Review Your Utility Bill
In many cases, approved LIHEAP benefits are directly credited to your utility account. That means you might not receive a check — but you will see a deduction or credit on your electricity or gas bill.
Look for:
- “LIHEAP payment”
- “Energy Assistance Credit”
- “Government Assistance” or similar notations
This is often the fastest way to confirm you were approved, especially if you didn’t receive a letter yet.
Step 6: Use State or Local Hotlines
If you’re having trouble accessing your application status online or by email, consider calling your local LIHEAP office or a state energy assistance hotline. Most states have dedicated phone numbers for these inquiries.
You can also call the national LIHEAP Clearinghouse at:
📞 1-866-674-6327 (toll-free)
Be prepared for long wait times during winter or summer months when demand for assistance is high.
What If You’re Not Approved?
If your application is denied, you may be able to:
- Appeal the decision: Most states allow you to request a review.
- Submit additional documentation: Especially if your income or household size changed.
- Reapply in the next cycle: LIHEAP is often renewed annually, and criteria may change.
You can also ask about other assistance options, such as:
- Utility-sponsored programs
- State-level relief funds
- Nonprofit or church-based energy support
Final Thoughts
If you applied for energy assistance in the U.S., there are multiple ways to check if you’ve been approved. Whether it’s through your local LIHEAP office, your utility bill, or an online portal, staying proactive can help you confirm your status and plan ahead financially.
With energy prices on the rise, every dollar counts. So take a moment today to check if you or your household is among those approved to receive energy assistance — it could make a big difference this season.
