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Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) in Rhode Island

Rhode Island's Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) gives a grant toward your winter heating bill, paid straight to your utility or fuel company.

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From the Rhode Island Department of Human Services (DHS)
An older woman in a warm cardigan turns up the thermostat in her hallway

The Department of Human Services runs it with local Community Action Agencies, which take applications from Oct. 1, 2026 to April 15, 2027. Households that qualify may also get a discount on their RI Energy bill.

How to apply in Rhode Island

In person
Apply through the Community Action Agency for your city or town, online or by phone. Past recipients get a renewal application in the mail.

Applying is free. Nobody should charge you to apply.

Apply on the official site

Who may qualify in Rhode Island

Who may qualify for Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP)
Gross income limit, one person (FFY 2027, required from Oct. 1, 2026)$3,617 a month ($43,410 a year) for one person (60% of state median income)
Gross income limit, two people (FFY 2027)$4,730 a month ($56,767 a year) for two people (60% of state median income)

Source: Rhode Island Department of Human Services (source 2)

What you may get

What Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) pays
Heating grantA grant paid directly to your utility or fuel company. It isn't meant to cover the whole season's heating cost, and grants may be limited by funding. No dollar range is published in the documents checked.
Utility crisis grantIf your electric or gas service is disconnected for nonpayment, you may qualify for a utility crisis grant during the season; contact your local Community Action Agency

Source: Rhode Island LIHEAP (source 3)

Dates, renewals and waiting lists

Dates and renewals
Application period (FFY 2027)Community Action Agencies process applications starting Oct. 1, 2026; the deadline is April 15, 2027. Grant notices start going out Dec. 1, 2026.
FundingDHS says federal LIHEAP money is limited and help depends on it, so apply early

Source: Rhode Island LIHEAP (source 3)

How Rhode Island is different

Where Rhode Island's rules differ from the federal rules for LIHEAP heating and cooling help.

  • LIHEAP households may get a discount on RI Energy gas and electric bills if the account is in the applicant's name.

Source: Rhode Island LIHEAP (source 3)

Good to know

  • To find your Community Action Agency, DHS's FY 2027 letter points to ricommunityaction.org (Find Your Community Action Agency).
  • LIHEAP households may also qualify for weatherization; ask your Community Action Agency.

Source: Rhode Island LIHEAP (source 3)

Free help

Free help with this in Rhode Island

More help in Rhode Island

Help with heating and cooling bills in another state

Sources

  1. U.S. Administration for Children and Families, LIHEAP Map State and Territory Contact Listing (updated Sept. 1, 2026) (official government site). Checked Oct 28, 2026.
  2. Rhode Island Department of Human Services, FFY 2027 LIHEAP Income Eligibility (Rhode Island DHS document, posted by East Bay Community Action Program). Checked Oct 28, 2026.
  3. Rhode Island LIHEAP, FFY 2027 LIHEAP application letter, August 2026 (posted by East Bay Community Action Program). Checked Oct 28, 2026.
  4. East Bay Community Action Program, Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (East Bay Community Action Program). Checked Oct 28, 2026.

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