Low-income households facing high heating bills in Los Angeles may be eligible for new financial assistance. The initiative is part of a broader energy support program designed to ease seasonal utility costs for qualifying residents. According to The U.S. Sun, eligible applicants can receive up to $1,500 through the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP), a federally backed initiative.
The support includes both direct payments and in-home services aimed at improving energy efficiency. Specific eligibility criteria apply, including income thresholds and age requirements. Applications are managed at the local level and are currently open for the 2025 cycle.
Financial Relief Available for Rising Heating Bills in Los Angeles
Low-income residents in Los Angeles, California can now apply for financial help with heating bills through the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP). The program provides up to $1,500 per household to eligible individuals and is part of a federally funded effort to reduce the energy burden for vulnerable populations.
LIHEAP not only offers direct financial assistance for energy costs, but also provides in-home services for improved energy efficiency and health and safety needs, such as HVAC maintenance, insulation, or minor home repairs.
Who Qualifies for Help Through Liheap?
According to the official program guidelines, applicants must meet three main requirements to be eligible for financial assistance through the program, which include age, identification, and income criteria that determine qualification.
- Be at least 18 years of age
- Have a valid Social Security number
- Earn a household income below a specific monthly limit
Importantly, recipients can only apply once each year. The benefits are not taxed, and any adult in the household may apply.
The program is currently active in Los Angeles, which has been one of the cities most affected by rising energy prices and inflation-related pressure on household budgets.
Income Thresholds Based on Household Size
The income threshold is calculated monthly and depends on the number of individuals living in the household. The full breakdown is as follows:
| Household Size | Monthly Income Limit |
|---|---|
| 1 | $3,170.00 |
| 2 | $4,145.41 |
| 3 | $5,120.83 |
| 4 | $6,096.25 |
| 5 | $7,071.58 |
| 6 | $8,047.00 |
| 7 | $8,229.91 |
| 8 | $8,412.75 |
| 9 | $8,595.66 |
| 10 | $8,778.58 |
“For households with more than 10 people, the income threshold is raised by $182.89 for each additional person.”
For example, a household of 12 people would qualify if its total monthly income is below $9,144.36. This adjustment is cumulative for each person beyond the tenth member.
Program Funding and Long-Term Benefits
LIHEAP is a federally funded program in California, with the state receiving $239.7 million for the 2025 calendar year. These funds are used both for direct cash assistance and for energy-efficiency improvements, designed to reduce utility costs in the long term and improve safety within the home.
While the primary focus is often on cooling or heating bills, the inclusion of in-home safety upgrades makes LIHEAP a more comprehensive resource for low-income households than traditional rebate-style programs.
The program is managed by local agencies that oversee eligibility checks, distribute funds, and coordinate the delivery of services.
Similar Support in Other States: Alaska’s PFD
Other U.S. states offer alternative forms of assistance. In Alaska, residents benefit from the Permanent Fund Dividend (PFD) — a yearly distribution funded by the state’s oil and mineral resource revenues.
“This year, Alaskans were paid $1,702 as part of the PFD.”
To be eligible, applicants must have lived in Alaska for the full calendar year and not have any felony convictions. Those who missed the deadline this year will have to wait until the next application window opens on June 1.
Although the PFD is not targeted at energy use, it provides unrestricted income, which residents often use to offset basic costs — including utilities and home heating.
