Oklahomans Can Now Apply for Help to Beat the Summer Heat

As temperatures soar, Oklahoma residents struggling to pay their electricity bills can now apply for help through the Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP). The program aims to keep homes cool and safe by covering air conditioning costs for qualifying households.

Created by Congress in 1981, LIHEAP helps low-income families manage high utility bills in both summer and winter, covering costs for cooling and heating directly.

Who Runs LIHEAP?

Though funded by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, LIHEAP is managed locally by state and tribal governments. The Oklahoma Department of Human Services (OKDHS) began accepting applications for its summer program this week.

Typically, more than 100,000 households benefit from LIHEAP in Oklahoma each summer — with similar numbers receiving winter assistance.

Who Qualifies?

Eligibility is based on household income and size. A household is defined as anyone using one utility meter or energy source. To qualify, monthly gross income must fall below the following limits:

LIHEAP Monthly Income Limits:

1 person: $1,632
2 people: $2,215
3 people: $2,798
4 people: $3,380
5 people: $3,963
6 people: $4,546
7 people: $5,129
8 people: $5,712

How to Apply

Eligible residents can apply online at OKDHSLive.org. Be ready to provide:

Your most recent cooling bill
Government-issued ID
Social Security number
Proof of income

Funding is limited, and applications are accepted on a first-come, first-served basis.

Tribal Assistance Available

If you live in a tribal service area and have a Certificate Degree of Indian Blood, you may qualify for tribal LIHEAP. However, households may only receive summer cooling assistance from one source, either state or tribal.

Federal Uncertainty, But State Program Stable

Despite earlier threats from the Trump administration to cut LIHEAP, the program’s funding has remained steady. However, in April, the entire federal LIHEAP staff was dismissed, raising concerns about future stability.

Still, an OKDHS spokesperson reassured that Oklahoma’s LIHEAP program will continue as planned:

“The funding level for LIHEAP is consistent with previous years. The allocation for FFY 2025 will support all our programs, including summer cooling,” the agency stated.

For many Oklahomans, this assistance is a lifeline to stay safe and cool through the state’s sweltering summer months.

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