LIHEAP Cooling Help 2026: Seasonal Windows Have Ended

Where cooling help stands now

The federal LIHEAP Clearinghouse table of planned dates for federal fiscal year 2026 (last updated November 25, 2025) shows every seasonal cooling window ending by September 30, 2026. Oklahoma Human Services, for example, stopped accepting summer cooling applications at the close of business on July 17, 2026. Actual dates can vary with the funding available.

The same table lists cooling help as year-round in Arizona, California, the District of Columbia, New Mexico, North Dakota, Oregon, Texas and Utah, and in some territories, and many states list crisis help year-round. Oklahoma, for example, says life-threatening energy crisis help is available throughout the year for households with a member who needs lifesaving medical equipment or during extreme temperatures. When we checked on October 12, 2026, the table did not yet show dates for fiscal year 2027, which began October 1, 2026.

What cooling help may cover

Depending on the state, LIHEAP may help with an electric bill, an energy crisis such as a shutoff notice, weatherization, or minor energy-related home repairs. The federal LIHEAP program overview lists those uses and says LIHEAP does not provide direct grants to individuals or charge a fee for a benefit, and the federal LIHEAP office search says eligibility varies by state. Some state programs also offer cooling equipment or repair help, but that is not available everywhere.

How to check your state today

1. Open the official LIHEAP Clearinghouse program-dates table and find your state or territory.
2. Use the federal LIHEAP contact search to find the state or local office.
3. Ask whether cooling, heating or crisis applications are open now, and what documents are needed.

If you receive a shutoff notice, contact the listed local agency as soon as possible. Assistance may be worth checking, but it is not guaranteed.

Related guides

• LIHEAP energy assistance
• SNAP eligibility
• Medicaid eligibility