Indiana Energy Assistance Program Guide 2025 to 2026 How to Get Up to 1000 Toward Your Heating and Electric Bills

If you live in Indiana and your winter plans mostly involve worrying about the next utility bill, the Energy Assistance Program (EAP) is absolutely worth your time.

This is not a loan. It is a one time annual benefit that sends money directly to your heat or electric company, typically between 150 and 1,000 dollars depending on your fuel type, bill, and household situation. For some households, it also includes crisis help when you are close to disconnection or nearly out of bulk fuel (propane, fuel oil, etc.).

Will it cover every penny you owe all winter? No. But it can shave a big chunk off your bill, help you stop playing “which bill do I skip this month,” and, crucially, it can give you shutoff protection during the coldest months if you apply in time.

Program Year 2026 (yes, they call it that even though applications open in 2025) has clear dates and rules. If you understand those, gather your documents early, and apply the right way through your Local Service Provider (LSP), you dramatically increase your chances of getting approved before the snow hits.

This guide walks you through what EAP is, who qualifies, how much you might get, how crisis help works, and how to apply without losing your mind in paperwork.

EAP at a Glance

What This Program Actually Offers You

Think of EAP as a seasonal pressure valve for your heating and electric costs.

First, there is the core winter benefit. This is a one time payment applied to your utility account. The exact amount varies, but generally falls between 150 and 1,000 dollars, with larger benefits often going to the coldest fuel types and the tightest budgets. Your LSP calculates the amount using a formula that considers your fuel type (gas, electric, propane, fuel oil, etc.), income, and sometimes vulnerability factors such as age, disability, or young children.

The key thing: you never see the money yourself. It goes straight to the utility or fuel vendor and shows up on your bill as a credit. That means fewer questions from landlords, no temptation to use it for something else, and a direct hit to the balance you owe.

For certain households whose utilities are included in the rent, EAP can still help. In these cases, there is usually a “direct pay” or rent‑related benefit that may be mailed to the tenant or landlord, but you need a lease or tenant verification statement that clearly states utilities are bundled into your rent. This is where a lot of people miss out because they assume “I don’t have a separate utility bill, so I can’t apply.” Not true.

Then there’s crisis assistance. If you have:

• A shutoff notice
• Already been disconnected
• Propane/fuel oil at or below about a quarter tank
• Bulk fuel you’ll run out of in 10 days or less

you may qualify for faster help and an additional crisis benefit. EAP rules require LSPs to take “mitigating action” quickly for serious situations — generally within 48 hours for heating crises, and within 18 hours if there’s a life‑threatening situation in the home (for example, someone with serious medical needs, no heat, and extreme cold).

Does that automatically mean they approve your whole application overnight? No. But it does mean they must do something concrete quickly — such as contacting your utility, arranging a partial payment, or taking steps that avoid immediate harm.

Finally, the Moratorium is a huge piece of protection. From December 1 through March 15, regulated utilities in Indiana cannot shut off service for anyone who is eligible for and has applied for EAP. That doesn’t erase your bill, but it gives you breathing room in the coldest months while your application is in the pipeline and your benefit is being calculated.

Who Should Apply (and Realistic Eligibility Scenarios)

EAP is built for low‑ and moderate‑income households who are struggling with heat and electric costs. If your gross household income (before taxes) over the last three months is at or below 60 percent of the Indiana State Median Income, you’re in the target zone.

The state publishes a detailed income chart by household size, but here’s the idea:

• A single person household has a three‑month gross income limit a little over 8,300 dollars.
• A four‑person household is allowed around 16,000+ dollars in gross income over three months.
• The larger the household, the higher the allowed amount.

Income counts from all household members: wages, Social Security, unemployment, certain benefits, and so on. Your LSP will tell you exactly what counts and what doesn’t, but assume most regular income is included.

You’re a strong candidate if:

• You pay for your own heat or electric, either directly or through your rent.
• Your income took a hit recently (job loss, reduced hours, health issue).
• You live paycheck to paycheck and winter bills regularly throw you off.
• You’re responsible for kids, older adults, or someone with medical needs, and losing heat or power is a serious risk.

A few concrete examples:

• Single renter, electric heat: You rent a small apartment, your name is on the electric account, and your hours at work drop every winter. Your last three months of gross income are under the one‑person limit. You almost certainly should apply.

• Family of five, gas heat, overtime hours: Maybe on paper your annual salary looks decent, but your income has been inconsistent and your most recent three months are tight. Because EAP looks only at the last three months of income, you might be eligible even if your “annual” income sounds high.

• Senior with utilities included in rent: You pay one rent amount that covers heat and electric, but the building has had steep rent hikes “because of energy costs.” You still may qualify for EAP as a tenant whose utilities are bundled; you’ll just need a lease or tenant verification form.

You should also know: citizenship and immigration details are more flexible than many people assume. The key requirement is usually valid Social Security numbers or Taxpayer Identification Numbers for household members whose income is counted. If you’re unsure how that applies to your family, your LSP can walk you through it confidentially.

Insider Tips for a Smooth and Successful EAP Application

This is not a highly competitive grant like a scholarship where only the “best essay” wins. If you meet the income and eligibility rules and funds are still available, your odds are good. The trick is avoiding delays and denials caused by technical issues and missing documents.

Here’s how to give yourself the best chance:

1. Apply Early in the Season

Applications open October 1, 2025 and close April 20, 2026 at 5:00 PM Eastern. If you apply in October or early November:

• You’re in the queue before the coldest weather hits.
• Funds are far less likely to be exhausted.
• Your Moratorium protection kicks in earlier (once you’ve applied and are eligible).

Waiting until February when your pipes are already threatening to freeze is a stressful way to live, and it gives you less room to fix problems if your first application has issues.

2. Treat Documentation Like a Checklist You Must Aced

Most delays happen because something is missing. For a basic application, plan to provide:

• Proof of income for the last three months (pay stubs, benefit letters, unemployment records, etc.) for each adult in the home.
• Current utility bill or account statement for your primary heating and/or electric service.
• Lease or Tenant Verification Statement if your utilities are included in rent.
• Social Security numbers or Taxpayer IDs for everyone whose income is being counted.

If your situation is more complex (roommates, informal rental, recent move, self‑employment), your LSP may ask for extra proof. Do yourself a favor and bring more than you think they’ll need: bank statements, letters from employers, landlord letters, anything that helps them see your real situation.

3. Keep Paying Something While You Wait

Processing can legally take up to 55 days for non‑appointment applications, plus about 30 days for the utility to apply your benefit. That’s potentially almost three months before you see a credit.

During that time, keep paying what you can. Even small payments stop the balance from ballooning and show your utility you’re cooperating. EAP is not designed to replace every payment; it’s there to pull you out of the deep end, not to swim the entire season for you.

4. Use the Right Online System for Your County

For Program Year 2026, a new system called LITT is used for Adams, Blackford, Huntington, Jay, Randolph, and Wells counties. Everyone else uses the standard online portal.

Using the wrong portal is a great way to send your application into limbo. Start at the official site, click your county on the map, and follow the link it gives you. If you live in one of those six counties, make sure you are in the LITT system; if not, use the regular one.

5. If You Are in Crisis, Say So Clearly

If you have a disconnect notice, are already shut off, or are almost out of bulk fuel, tell your LSP immediately and show proof (the disconnect letter, fuel gauge photo, vendor statement, etc.).

Why it matters: in crisis situations, LSPs must take a mitigating action within 48 hours, or within 18 hours for life‑threatening crises. If you act like everything is fine, they may process you on the slower “regular” schedule.

6. Check Your Approval Letter Carefully

When your application is decided, you’ll receive notification. Read it closely:

• Confirm your benefit amount.
• Confirm which utility or vendor is getting the payment.
• Note the approval date so you know when to start counting if you’re waiting for a direct‑pay check.

If something seems off, you have appeal rights (more on that below).

Application Timeline You Can Actually Follow

Let’s break the year into a realistic plan, working backward from the April 20, 2026 deadline.

Late August – September 2025: Prep Stage

• Gather last year’s tax return or income records so you know where you roughly stand.
• Make a list of all income sources in your household.
• Find your latest utility bill and your lease or tenant statement if utilities are included in rent.

October 1, 2025: Applications Open

Online applications open to the general public at 8:00 AM Eastern.

• If your documents are ready, apply in the first two weeks of October.
• If online isn’t your comfort zone, call your Local Service Provider and ask about mailing options or in‑person help.

November 1, 2025: In Person Appointments Begin

LSPs can now start in‑person appointments. These are helpful if:

• You have complicated income (self‑employment, gig work, multiple part‑time jobs).
• You’re not comfortable uploading documents.
• You want someone to look over everything in real time.

Appointments are not required, but showing up in person with all your paperwork can prevent weeks of back‑and‑forth.

December 1, 2025 – March 15, 2026: Moratorium Period

• If you’ve applied and you’re eligible, regulated utilities can’t shut you off during this period.
• This is not a free pass to ignore your bill. Continue paying what you can, because once March 15 passes, any unpaid amount becomes a problem again.

October 2025 – March 2026: Processing Window

From the moment your application is considered “received” by the LSP:

• They have up to 55 days to decide if you’re eligible (14 days if you had an in‑person appointment).
• Once approved, your utility can take up to 30 days to apply the credit.
• Direct pay benefits can take up to 120 days from approval to arrive.

If you’re in a heating crisis, LSPs must take quicker mitigating actions (within 48 hours, or 18 hours if it’s life‑threatening).

April 20, 2026: Final Deadline

At 5:00 PM Eastern, the application window slams shut for PY2026. If you miss it, you’ll be waiting until the next year’s program. Don’t cut it close; aim for March 31 as your personal cutoff.

Required Materials and How to Prepare Them

Here’s what you should gather before you start the application. Having it all in one folder (physical or digital) can easily shave weeks off your processing time.

1. Proof of Income for the Last 3 Months

   • Pay stubs, Social Security award letters, unemployment benefit printouts, pension statements, or any document showing gross income.
   • If you’re self‑employed, expect to provide profit‑and‑loss or other documentation; ask your LSP what they accept.

2. Current Utility Bill or Account Statement

   • For electric, gas, propane, fuel oil, or other primary heating source.
   • Make sure the bill shows your name, address, and account number clearly.

3. Lease or Tenant Verification (if utilities are in rent)

   • Your lease should clearly mention that heat or electric is included.
   • If it doesn’t, ask your landlord to complete a Tenant Verification Statement (your LSP usually has a template).

4. Identification Numbers

   • Social Security numbers or Taxpayer Identification Numbers for household members whose income is counted.

5. Crisis Documentation (if applicable)

   • Disconnect notices, shutoff letters, a photo of your fuel gauge showing low levels, or a vendor letter stating your fuel status.

Your LSP may ask for more based on your specific situation. The general rule: if in doubt, bring it.

What Makes an Application Stand Out (In a Good Way)

EAP is mostly pass/fail: you either qualify or you don’t. But some applications are incredibly easy to approve, and others sit for weeks because nothing is clear. You want to be in the first group.

Strong applications have:

• Complete, legible documents. No missing pages, no fuzzy photos where the numbers are unreadable.
• Consistent information. The name on your bill matches the name on your ID; the address on your lease matches the address on your utility bill. If something doesn’t match (for example, a parent paying a bill for a child), include a short written explanation.
• Clear description of crisis, if any. If there’s a disconnect notice, don’t bury that detail. Mention it to the LSP and upload a copy.
• Realistic expectations. You understand this is partial help, not total bill forgiveness, and you keep paying what you can while waiting.

From the LSP’s perspective, the easiest applications to move forward are the ones where they don’t have to chase the applicant for missing pieces and they can easily see why you qualify.

Common Mistakes That Delay or Derail EAP Help

A few pitfalls come up over and over again. Avoid these and you’ll save yourself a lot of frustration.

1. Applying at the Last Minute
   Submitting in early April and needing crisis help is like asking a mechanic to rebuild your engine the night before a road trip. Technically possible, but not wise. Apply in the fall or early winter.

2. Missing Income Documentation
   People often send income proof for one adult but not the other, or skip a month because “I didn’t work much that month.” EAP needs the last three full months of income for everyone whose income counts. If you really had no income, you may need to sign a no‑income statement instead of leaving it blank.

3. Not Telling Anyone About a Shutoff Notice
   You stuff the disconnect letter in a drawer, fill out the EAP form like everything is fine, and wonder why nobody moves fast. Tell your LSP and upload the notice. That triggers different response times.

4. Assuming You Don’t Qualify Because Utilities Are in Rent
   This one, frankly, hurts. So many tenants miss out. If your rent includes utilities, talk to your LSP anyway. You may still be able to receive a benefit; you just need the right paperwork.

5. Ignoring Appeal Rights
   If you’re denied or the benefit amount looks wrong, you’re not stuck. You have 30 days from the denial letter to file an appeal with your LSP, and they must respond within 14 days. Many people never use this option even when something clearly went sideways.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does EAP pay my entire heating and electric bill for the winter?

No. EAP provides a one time benefit (plus potential crisis assistance) meant to ease the burden, not eliminate it entirely. You should keep paying your bills regularly. Think of EAP as a big extra payment that lands mid‑season to help you catch up or stay ahead.

How long will it take to see my benefit on my bill?

For most people:

• Up to 55 days for the LSP to decide your eligibility (less if you had an in‑person appointment).
• About 30 more days for the utility to process and apply the credit.

If you’re receiving a direct pay benefit, it can take up to 120 days from approval for the check to be mailed. During all this time, keep paying what you can on your account.

What if I get a shutoff notice or run out of fuel?

Contact two people, in this order:

1. Your utility or fuel vendor – ask about payment arrangements or emergency fills.
2. Your Local Service Provider – tell them clearly you are in a heating crisis (disconnect notice, already shut off, tank low/empty).

Crisis rules require LSPs to take a mitigating action within 48 hours (or 18 hours in life‑threatening cases).

What is the Moratorium and how do I get that protection?

From December 1 to March 15, regulated Indiana utilities cannot shut off residential service if:

• You are eligible for EAP, and
• You have applied for EAP.

You must still inform your utility that you’ve applied and are seeking EAP assistance, especially if you already have a disconnect date scheduled. Moratorium isn’t automatic forgiveness — it gives you time while your application is being processed.

Can I appeal if I’m denied or think my benefit is wrong?

Yes. You can:

• File an appeal with your Local Service Provider within 30 days of receiving your denial or benefit notice.
• The LSP must respond in writing within 14 days.
• If you’re not satisfied with that response, the letter will explain how to take a second‑level appeal, including contacting the state at [email protected] or 317‑232‑7777.

If you’re denied completely, you also have the right to submit a new application (with updated documents) 55 days after your previous submission.

I live in Adams / Blackford / Huntington / Jay / Randolph / Wells County. Does anything change for me?

Yes. For Program Year 2026, those counties use the LITT online system. The LSPs for those areas include:

• Community Action of Northeast Indiana / Brightpoint – serving Huntington, Wells, and Adams
• Interlocal Community Action Program (ICAP) – serving Blackford, Jay, and Randolph

When you start your application at the state website, click your county and make sure you’re using the LITT link, not the standard portal.

Can I apply more than once in a season?

You can only receive one EAP benefit per program year, but if you were denied and something has changed — new documents, income drop, or you believe there was an error — you may:

• Appeal within 30 days of your denial, and/or
• Submit a new application after 55 days with updated information.

How to Apply and What to Do Next

Here’s a simple, practical action plan:

1. Find Your Local Service Provider (LSP)
   Go to the official EAP page and click on your county on the map. This tells you exactly which organization handles your application and which online portal to use (standard or LITT).

2. Gather Your Documents
   Create a small folder — physical or digital — with the items listed above: last 3 months of income proof, utility bills, lease/tenant statement, and ID numbers.

3. Choose How You’ll Apply

   • Online through the state portal or LITT (for the six listed counties).
   • By mail using a paper application from your LSP.
   • In person starting November 1, 2025, by scheduling (or walking in, if allowed) with your LSP.

4. Submit Early and Track Your Application
   When you submit, note the date, any confirmation number, and which documents you sent. That way, if there’s a delay, you can talk to your LSP with specifics.

5. Keep Paying What You Can
   Until you see a credit on your bill or receive direct pay, do not assume anything is “covered.” Keep paying manageable amounts to control your balance.

6. Use Your Appeal Rights if Needed
   If the decision doesn’t match your situation, read the notice carefully and consider appealing within the 30‑day window.

Get Started

Ready to stop guessing and actually apply?

Visit the official Indiana Energy Assistance Program page here:
https://www.in.gov/ihcda/homeowners-and-renters/low-income-home-energy-assistance-program-liheap

Once there, you can:

• Click your county to find your Local Service Provider
• Access the online application portal (or LITT, if you are in Adams, Blackford, Huntington, Jay, Randolph, or Wells)
• Get contact information to ask questions or request a paper application

If you’re an Indiana household struggling with heat or electric costs, this program is not a luxury. It’s one of the most practical ways to keep the lights on and the furnace running through an Indiana winter. Apply early, come prepared, and make EAP work for you.