Energy assistance in California
LIHEAP through the California Department of Community Services and Development is the route most households here use. Applications go through the state, not the federal government.
Where to apply
LIHEAP through the California Department of Community Services and Development is the official page for California. It is the only place that can decide whether you qualify, and the address and phone number on it are current. We checked this link on 2026-11-02 and it loaded.
What to have ready
- Proof of income for everyone in the household, usually the last 30 days or the last tax return.
- Identification for each adult, and Social Security numbers for household members.
- A recent utility bill, and the account number for the meter.
- Proof of address, such as a lease or a bill in your name.
Income limits
The federal floor is 150 percent of the poverty guideline. Many states set a higher ceiling, and several use a share of state median income instead, so a household above these numbers can still qualify. Only the state calculator decides.
| People in household | 2026 poverty guideline | 150% of guideline |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | $15,960.00 | $23,940.00 |
| 2 | $21,640.00 | $32,460.00 |
| 3 | $27,320.00 | $40,980.00 |
| 4 | $33,000.00 | $49,500.00 |
| 5 | $38,680.00 | $58,020.00 |
| 6 | $44,360.00 | $66,540.00 |
| 7 | $50,040.00 | $75,060.00 |
| 8 | $55,720.00 | $83,580.00 |
Alaska and Hawaii use separate, higher guidelines. Source: HHS ASPE, 2026 poverty guidelines.
If the application is refused
Ask which threshold was applied and whether the state uses the federal guideline or a state median income figure. A refusal is usually arithmetic, not judgement, and a corrected income statement can change the result.
Related
Electricity prices and average bills in California shows what the bill looks like before assistance, and the calculator turns your own usage into dollars.