Arizona Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP)

Quick Facts

• Administering agency: Arizona Department of Economic Security (DES) in partnership with Community Action Agencies (CAAs) and tribal governments.
• Funding sources: Federal LIHEAP, state general funds, utility donations, and American Rescue Plan allocations dedicated to extreme heat mitigation.
• Benefit structure: Regular assistance pays past-due or current energy bills; crisis assistance prevents disconnection, restores service, and provides repair/replacement of cooling equipment.
• Priority groups: Households with seniors (60+), people with disabilities, children under six, or life-support equipment. Homeless individuals transitioning into housing receive expedited help.
• Cooling focus: Special “Heat Relief” deployments offer same-day assistance for non-functioning air conditioning during National Weather Service heat warnings.
• Coordination: Works alongside Weatherization Assistance Program (WAP) and utility-funded conservation programs to improve long-term energy efficiency.

Program Overview

Arizona’s LIHEAP is designed for a desert climate where extreme heat can be life-threatening. The program pays electric and gas bills, fills propane tanks, and funds repairs for air conditioning systems. Community Action Agencies across all 15 counties manage applications, while tribal nations administer funds for their members. DES monitors statewide demand, shifting funds to regions facing heat waves or fuel shortages.

In 2025 Arizona expanded LIHEAP’s crisis component to respond to prolonged heat events. Households without functioning cooling systems can receive portable AC units, box fans, or hotel vouchers while repairs occur. DES also partners with utilities like SRP and APS to offer bill forgiveness when customers complete energy education workshops. Families with medical equipment requiring electricity receive priority scheduling to ensure continuity of care.

Why LIHEAP Matters in 2025

Arizona recorded record-breaking heat streaks, with Phoenix enduring more than 30 days above 110°F. High cooling costs strain household budgets, especially for seniors on fixed incomes. LIHEAP prevents heat-related illnesses by ensuring continuous power for air conditioning and refrigeration. The program also supports rural households relying on propane or wood stoves during cooler months, offering year-round safety.

Eligibility Breakdown

1. Income: Household income must be at or below 60% of state median income (approximately $69,180 for a family of four in 2025). DES calculates eligibility using the previous 30 days or 12 months of income, selecting the lower average.
2. Residency: Applicants must live in Arizona and provide proof such as a lease, utility bill, or tribal enrollment documentation.
3. Energy responsibility: Applicants must have an energy bill in their name or proof of payment responsibility to landlords. Renters with utilities included can qualify if they provide documentation of energy costs built into rent.
4. Citizenship: Citizenship is not required for every household member. At least one member must have a valid Social Security number or Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) for reporting purposes.
5. Crisis criteria: Shutoff notices, service disconnections, lack of cooling/heating, or life-threatening medical conditions trigger crisis prioritization.

Application Roadmap

1. Locate your CAA: Visit DES’s Energy Assistance page and enter your ZIP code to find the local agency or tribal LIHEAP office.
2. Schedule appointment: Many agencies require appointments due to high demand. Call early in the morning when slots open; some offer online scheduling.
3. Gather documents: Photo IDs, Social Security numbers or ITINs, proof of residency, income documentation (pay stubs, unemployment statements, benefit letters), and current utility bills or shutoff notices.
4. Attend intake: Intake may be in-person, virtual, or by phone. Complete the application, sign consent forms, and authorize release of information to utilities.
5. Energy education: Some CAAs require a brief energy education session covering thermostat settings, maintenance, and budgeting. Completion can unlock additional utility credits.
6. Await determination: Agencies typically process applications within 15 business days. Crisis cases receive same-day or 48-hour decisions.
7. Payment and follow-up: Approved funds go directly to utilities or fuel vendors. Keep receipts and monitor your account to confirm credit postings.

Maximizing Assistance

• Combine with utility programs: APS Energy Support, SRP Economy Price Plan, and TEP Lifeline reduce rates for LIHEAP recipients. Provide proof of approval to enroll.
• Use crisis repairs: LIHEAP funds HVAC repairs or replacements up to program caps. Report non-functioning units immediately to avoid dangerous heat exposure.
• Access cooling centers: DES partners with municipalities to open hydration and cooling centers. LIHEAP clients receive information on nearest centers during extreme heat alerts.
• Plan for propane/oil refills: Schedule deliveries before tanks drop below 25%. Vendors prioritize LIHEAP-funded orders to avoid emergency fees.
• Request payment plans: After LIHEAP credits your account, contact utilities to set up balanced billing or extended payment arrangements to prevent future arrears.

Special Populations

• Tribal communities: Nations like Navajo, Hopi, and Tohono O’odham administer their own LIHEAP funds. They may offer wood/coal vouchers, weatherization, and culturally specific outreach.
• Veterans: Partner agencies collaborate with the Arizona Department of Veterans’ Services to secure additional grants for veterans facing medical hardships.
• Medical needs: Submit physician statements for individuals using oxygen concentrators, dialysis equipment, or refrigeration-dependent medications. LIHEAP prioritizes these households for rapid intervention.
• Homeless or transitional housing residents: LIHEAP can pay deposits to establish new utility service when moving into permanent housing. Provide housing verification from shelters or transitional housing programs.
• Agricultural and rural residents: Cooperative utilities participate in LIHEAP. Keep membership numbers handy and request remote intake if you live far from agency offices.

Staying Eligible and Prepared

• Reapply annually: Even if you receive assistance midyear, plan to reapply the following fiscal year (starting July 1). Set reminders for your agency’s intake schedule.
• Track energy usage: Use utility portals to monitor consumption. Implement energy-saving tips (shade screens, smart thermostats) to maximize LIHEAP impact.
• Maintain documentation: Keep copies of income statements, IDs, and utility bills in a binder or digital folder. This speeds up future applications and crisis requests.
• Engage with weatherization: Agencies often refer LIHEAP clients to weatherization services for insulation, duct sealing, and appliance upgrades, reducing long-term costs.

Crisis Playbook

Complementary Resources

• Heat Relief Network: Map of cooling centers and hydration stations statewide.
• Weatherization Assistance Program: Coordinated upgrades to improve efficiency and indoor comfort.
• Arizona Utility Bill Assistance (UBCares, Wildfire, Chicanos Por La Causa): Nonprofit funds that supplement LIHEAP when grants are exhausted.
• 211 Arizona: Statewide hotline for emergency shelters, rental aid, and transportation to cooling centers.
• Arizona Complete Health and AHCCCS: Medicaid plans providing care managers who can submit medical necessity letters for energy support.

Timeline Checklist

Final Thoughts

Arizona’s LIHEAP is a lifeline for households battling extreme heat and unpredictable energy costs. By building a proactive relationship with your Community Action Agency, keeping documentation organized, and combining LIHEAP with utility discounts and weatherization, you can maintain safe temperatures, protect your health, and stabilize your budget year-round. Treat the program as part of a broader resilience plan—stay informed about heat alerts, maintain cooling equipment, and reach out at the first sign of trouble. Your diligence ensures LIHEAP can deploy resources quickly when your family needs them most.