The Arizona Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) helps eligible households in Arizona afford energy costs. This includes financial help with cooling bills during hot months.
LIHEAP is a federal program funded by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services and administered in Arizona by the Arizona Department of Economic Security (DES). Applications are open now for cooling and other energy needs in 2026.
LIHEAP offers direct utility credits or payments to utility companies to reduce or cover cooling costs.
You can apply online, by mail, or with help from local Community Action Agencies designated to assist with your application.
Arizona LIHEAP Cooling Program
The Arizona LIHEAP Cooling Program is part of a larger federal assistance initiative. It provides financial help to low income households that struggle to pay energy bills.
LIHEAP benefits may be used for electricity or gas bills, including cooling costs during warmer months.
LIHEAP benefits are designed to pay directly to your utility provider. This helps prevent shutoffs and reduce energy expense burdens.
In some crisis situations, LIHEAP can pay additional funds when standard benefits are not enough.
How Much Cooling Assistance Can You Get
For 2026, Arizona LIHEAP benefits for cooling are capped at a maximum amount set by the state plan. Standard benefits range from minimum to maximum amounts set for the fiscal year.
Crisis benefits are available if you meet additional criteria such as receiving a cut‑off notice.
These amounts are reviewed each fiscal year. In 2026, Arizona LIHEAP funding and benefit guidelines are published in the Arizona LIHEAP State Plan and are current through September 30, 2026.
Who Qualifies for LIHEAP Cooling Credits in Arizona
To qualify, you must meet income limits based on state median income levels. Many households that participate in other assistance programs such as SNAP or TANF are automatically eligible for LIHEAP, subject to other requirements.
Applicants must be Arizona residents and provide proof of income, identity, and current utility bills. You must also provide documentation such as a utility termination notice if you are requesting crisis assistance.
Where to Apply for Arizona LIHEAP
The primary way to apply is through the A‑to‑Z Arizona Portal, a secure online system that manages applications for LIHEAP and other benefits.
If you prefer not to apply online, a paper application form is available from the DES site. Required information must be mailed or faxed to complete the process.
What Documents You Need to Apply
You must upload or submit several documents with your application. These include proof of identity, income records for every adult in the household, and a current utility bill that shows the account number, name, and service address. If you have a shut‑off notice, it should also be included.
Categorically eligible households may not have to provide proof of income. This includes those already enrolled in eligible DES programs such as SNAP or Cash Assistance.
Can You Get LIHEAP if You Live on Tribal Land
Yes. Arizona LIHEAP allows applicants who live on Tribal land to apply. You must first apply through the Tribal Social Service office.
If services are denied or unavailable, you can then apply through the Arizona DES portal with a Tribal Denial form included in your submission.
What Happens After You Apply
Once you apply, DES will review your application. Status updates are available in the A‑to‑Z Arizona Portal. If additional documentation is needed, you will receive a notice prompting you to provide it.
If approved, assistance payments are usually sent directly to your utility provider. If the utility company cannot be paid directly, the payment may be made to you.
What if You Disagree With a Decision
If your LIHEAP application is denied or you disagree with the decision, you can request a review or file a grievance.
Specific forms and appeal instructions are available on the DES website.
How Long Does LIHEAP Cooling Assistance Last
LIHEAP benefits are typically available once per fiscal year, which runs from October 1 to September 30.
Cooling assistance applications are generally accepted during spring and summer months, but Arizona accepts applications year‑round.
Can You Reapply If Denied
If your application is denied because information was missing or incomplete, you may reapply or correct your application with additional documents.
You can also contact the DES LIHEAP hotline if you need help completing your application.
Will LIHEAP Payments Count as Income
LIHEAP funds are not counted as taxable income for federal tax purposes.
You are not required to report these funds on your tax return.
