The LIHEAP Program is designed to assist eligible households with very low income, who pay a high portion of household income for home energy to meet their immediate home energy need. Assistance is provided beginning November 1st through September 30th year round or until funds are exhausted.  This applies to Regular Energy Assistance as well as Emergency Crisis Assistance.

Due to the federal government shutdown, 2026 LIHEAP funding has not been announced. Until THDA receives notice of the funding award amount, we are unable to award such funding to local LIHEAP agencies across the state.

Regardless, local LIHEAP agencies may begin accepting LIHEAP applications electronically on November 1, 2025 at 8:00 AM and households are encouraged to complete the application process online at that time. Local LIHEAP agencies will place eligible applicants on a waiting list until federal funds are released and made available to Tennessee.