Help Paying for Propane
If propane heat is hard to afford, there is help, and it’s worth asking for before the tank gets low. The federal LIHEAP program, state crisis funds, weatherization and supplier payment plans can all lower what you pay. I’ve put them in the order I’d try them, with how each one works and how to apply.
By Nathan Brooks · Reviewed Oct. 15, 2026 · Program rules from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services and state agencies
What should I do first?
LIHEAP: the main program for heating help
LIHEAP is federally funded and run by each state. It helps eligible households with heating bills, energy crises, weatherization and some heating repairs. It covers propane, heating oil, natural gas, electricity, wood and other fuels. Many people assume it’s only for utility bills; it isn’t, and propane customers qualify on the same terms.
Who qualifies?
- Income limit: federal law says your household income can’t be more than the greater of 150% of the federal poverty guideline or 60% of your state’s median income. States can set a lower limit, but not below 110% of the poverty guideline.
- Other programs: many states treat households that already get SNAP, SSI or TANF as eligible.
- Priority: states often give priority to older adults, people with disabilities and families with young children.
What kinds of help are there?
| Type | What it does | When |
|---|---|---|
| Heating assistance | A one-time payment toward your heating bill, often paid straight to your propane supplier | Usually applications open in the fall |
| Crisis assistance | Emergency help if you’re out of fuel, about to run out or have a shutoff notice | Must be acted on within 48 hours (18 if life-threatening) |
| Weatherization | Insulation, air sealing and furnace repairs so you use less fuel | Year-round, often with a waiting list |
Crisis response times are set by the LIHEAP statute. Benefit amounts, dates and rules vary by state.
How to apply
- Find your local office at energyhelp.us (the federal LIHEAP help-finder) or by calling 211.
- Gather documents: photo ID, proof of income for everyone in the household for the last month (some states ask for longer), and a recent propane bill or delivery ticket with your account number.
- Apply as early as you can. Many states accept applications from October or November, and money can run out before spring. If you think you might qualify, apply in the fall rather than wait for a crisis.
- Tell your supplier you’ve applied. Some will schedule a delivery once your benefit is approved.
Heating help in the 10 largest states
| State | Where to start |
|---|---|
| California | California LIHEAP (state profile) |
| Florida | Florida LIHEAP (FloridaCommerce) |
| Georgia | Georgia LIHEAP (state profile) |
| Illinois | Illinois LIHEAP (state profile) |
| Michigan | Michigan energy assistance (state profile) |
| New York | New York HEAP (OTDA) |
| North Carolina | North Carolina energy assistance (NCDHHS) |
| Ohio | Ohio HEAP (Ohio Department of Development) |
| Pennsylvania | Pennsylvania LIHEAP (PA DHS) |
| Texas | Texas LIHEAP (state profile) |
Other states: use energyhelp.us or the LIHEAP Clearinghouse.
Other ways to lower your propane bill
Weatherization Assistance Program
Run by the U.S. Department of Energy through local agencies, it pays for energy-saving improvements for eligible households, such as insulation, air sealing and heating system repairs. It doesn’t pay your bill, but it can cut how much propane you need every winter, which in my view makes it one of the most underused programs on this page.
Supplier budget plans and hardship options
Most propane companies offer a budget plan that splits your yearly cost into equal monthly payments. Some also offer payment arrangements if you’re behind. It can feel like an uncomfortable call, but it’s a normal question to ask. Ask directly: “Do you have a hardship or payment plan, and do you accept LIHEAP?”
Fuel funds and local charities
Local fuel funds, churches and charities sometimes cover part of a delivery in an emergency. Your community action agency or 211 can point you to what’s available near you.
Use less propane
Every gallon you don’t burn is money saved. Estimate your winter use with our propane heating cost calculator and see how insulation, a lower thermostat and a newer furnace change the bill.
The order to follow
If money is tight this winter, here’s the order that makes the most sense. First, call 211 or check energyhelp.us and apply for LIHEAP as soon as your state opens applications. Second, call your supplier and ask about a budget plan or payment arrangement. Third, ask your local agency about weatherization, because a warmer house means smaller bills every year after.
The mistake to avoid is waiting until the gauge is near empty. Help takes time to arrive, deliveries slow down in cold snaps, and a run-out can add a leak-check fee. Starting early gives you the most options. — Nathan Brooks
If you’re about to run out
- Call your supplier first and ask for the earliest delivery date. In cold snaps, deliveries can take several days.
- Ask for crisis help through your LIHEAP office or 211 at the same time.
- Know the rules after a run-out: if your tank runs empty, the supplier usually has to do a leak check before turning the gas back on, which can add a fee.
- Stay safe: never heat your home with an oven, grill or outdoor heater, and make sure you have working carbon monoxide alarms.
Quick answers
Does LIHEAP help with propane?
Yes. LIHEAP helps with home heating costs whatever fuel you use, including propane. The benefit is often paid directly to your propane supplier.
How do I get emergency help if I’m out of propane?
Contact your state LIHEAP office, local community action agency or 211 and ask for crisis assistance. Federal rules require states to act within 48 hours, or within 18 hours in life-threatening situations.
When can I apply for LIHEAP?
It depends on your state. Many states open heating applications in October or November, and some take crisis applications all year. Apply early because funding is limited.
How much income can I have to qualify for LIHEAP?
Federal law caps eligibility at the greater of 150% of the federal poverty guideline or 60% of your state’s median income. Your state may set a lower limit, so check with your local office.
Can I get help paying for a propane tank refill?
Yes. LIHEAP heating and crisis benefits can go toward a propane delivery. Some suppliers also offer payment plans or smaller deliveries if you ask.
Keep saving
Sources
HHS: Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program · Energyhelp.us: find where to apply · LIHEAP Clearinghouse: income eligibility · HHS: LIHEAP statute and regulations · U.S. DOE: Weatherization Assistance Program · U.S. DOE: programmable thermostats · CPSC: carbon monoxide safety
FuelPriceScout is an independent information site. We are not a government agency and we don’t process applications. Program rules, income limits, dates and funding change, so always confirm details with your state or local office. How we get our data.