📚 Community Safety Net

Don't face a shut-off notice
alone.

Federal and state assistance programs exist to protect your community — but most people don't know about them or where to start. We've compiled every active program, with deadlines, and will guide you through eligibility for free.

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7 States: MD, IL, PA, DE, NJ, VA, NY
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$0 to Apply — Free Navigation
Federal & State Programs
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Community-First Approach

LIHEAP Closing Dates Are Here

Once LIHEAP funding runs out, the window closes until next season. These deadlines are real — don't miss them.

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Apr 10
Regular HEAP — Passed
New York HEAP
Regular HEAP closed April 10. Emergency HEAP still open year-round for shut-off notices and crisis situations.
Emergency Apply →
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May 8
2026 Deadline
Pennsylvania LIHEAP
Heating grants $200–$1,000. Crisis assistance for shut-off notices. Apply immediately — funding is first-come, first-served.
Apply Now →
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Jun 30
Emergency LIHEAP
New Jersey LIHEAP
Emergency LIHEAP closes June 30. USF monthly bill credits available year-round for income-eligible NJ households.
Apply Now →
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Jun 15
Cooling Season Opens
Virginia EAP Cooling
Cooling Assistance opens June 15 through August 15, 2026. EAP also covers fuel and crisis intervention year-round.
See VA Programs →
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Aug 15
2026 Deadline
Illinois LIHEAP
Help Illinois Families program open through August 15, 2026. Benefits applied directly to your utility account — no cash.
Apply Now →
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Mar 31
Heating Closed — Emergency Only
Delaware DEAP
Heating window closed March 31. Max benefit $2,464. Emergency assistance still available for active shut-off notices.
Emergency Apply →

Maryland MSAP solar grants open through June 5, 2026. OHEP arrearage retirement up to $2,000. See Maryland programs →

Programs That Can Help You Right Now

These are real, active government programs. Most people who qualify have never applied — because no one told them they could.

LIHEAP — Energy Assistance

Federal

Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program. Helps cover heating and cooling bills for eligible households. Benefits applied directly to your utility account. PA closes May 8 · IL peaks Apr 15 · DE closes Mar 31.

✅ Income-based eligibility  ·  Apply annually  ·  All 7 states

Illinois Solar for All (ILSFA)

State — IL

Free or deeply discounted solar installations for income-eligible Illinois residents, small businesses, and non-profits. Guaranteed 50% savings on electricity bills. Zero upfront capital — this is a grant.

✅ Illinois residents  ·  Income + location-based  ·  See IL programs →

Maryland Solar Access Program

State — MD

Open through June 5, 2026. Grants for income-eligible households and qualifying organizations. Houses of Worship and 501(c)(3)s are expressly targeted. OHEP/MEAP also provides Arrearage Retirement grants up to $2,000.

✅ Maryland residents  ·  Deadline June 5, 2026  ·  See MD programs →

Weatherization Assistance

Federal

Free home energy upgrades — insulation, air sealing, heating system improvements — for eligible households. Average benefit over $6,500 in improvements. Available in all 7 states.

✅ Income-based  ·  Homeowners & renters eligible

NJ SuSI — Solar Incentive Program

State — NJ

Homeowners and eligible organizations earn $85 per SREC-II generated for 15 years. Plus Universal Service Fund (USF) monthly credits for income-eligible households.

✅ NJ residents  ·  See NJ programs →

NY-Sun Solar Incentive

State — NY

Upfront solar rebates up to $0.80/watt (capped at $20,000) for low-income customers. Regular & Emergency HEAP prevents utility shut-offs. Available through NYSERDA.

✅ NY residents  ·  See NY programs →

Virginia EAP — Energy Assistance

State — VA

Virginia's Energy Assistance Program covers fuel, crisis intervention for shut-off notices, and cooling assistance. Plus Virginia Energy Sense rebates for solar and efficiency upgrades.

✅ VA residents  ·  See VA programs →

Community Solar Subscriptions

7 States

Subscribe to a local solar farm and receive credits on your electric bill — no roof installation required. Available to renters and homeowners in all 7 states. Save 10–20% on electricity.

✅ All utility customers  ·  No credit check  ·  No installation

Delaware LIHEAP 2026

⚠ Closes Mar 31

Applications close March 31, 2026. Maximum heating benefit $2,464. DEA solar incentives often bundled with weatherization for qualifying households. Apply immediately.

✅ Delaware residents  ·  See DE programs →

PA SRECs & LIHEAP

⚠ Closes May 8

Pennsylvania LIHEAP closes May 8, 2026. Heating grants $200–$1,000. PA also has an active SREC market for solar income plus deregulated energy brokerage to reduce supply rates.

✅ PA residents  ·  See PA programs →

Lifeline Program

Federal

FCC program providing monthly discounts on phone and internet service for qualifying low-income consumers. Up to $9.25/month discount, more for Tribal lands.

✅ Income or program-based eligibility  ·  Renew annually

Emergency Utility Assistance

Federal / State

State-administered emergency utility and rental assistance for households facing shut-off or eviction. Availability varies by state — we'll identify and help you apply for your state's specific programs.

✅ Eligibility varies by state  ·  Crisis situations prioritized

Your State's Programs, Deadlines & How to Apply

Select your state — see exact 2026 deadlines, benefit amounts, and direct application steps for energy assistance, Lifeline, and Weatherization.

⚠ Nearest Deadline
Apr 10, 2026
Regular HEAP closes April 10, 2026. Emergency HEAP available year-round for shut-off notices and crisis situations. Don't wait — regular funding runs out fast.
Apply Now →
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HEAP Energy Assistance
State+Federal
Regular HEAP DeadlineApril 10, 2026
Emergency HEAPYear-Round
Income Limit60% of SMI
Benefit TypeDirect utility credit
Who QualifiesSNAP/SSI/HEAP recipients
Apply at OTDA.ny.gov →
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Lifeline Phone & Internet
Federal
Monthly DiscountUp to $9.25/mo
NY Broadband BonusConnectALL
Income Limit135% FPL
Auto-Qualify ViaSNAP, Medicaid, SSI
RenewalAnnual recertification
Apply at LifelineSupport.org →
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Weatherization (WAP)
Federal+State
Avg. Benefit Value$6,500+ in upgrades
Income Limit200% FPL
Renters Eligible?Yes, with landlord OK
Administered ByNYSERDA + local CAAs
Services IncludedInsulation, air sealing, heating
Apply at NYSERDA.ny.gov →

New York residents: Regular HEAP closes April 10 — that's very soon. Emergency HEAP stays open all year for crisis situations.

Get My Free Eligibility Check
⚠ Nearest Deadline
May 8, 2026
Pennsylvania LIHEAP closes May 8, 2026. Heating grants $200–$1,000. Crisis assistance for shut-off notices available within funding. First-come, first-served — apply now.
Apply Now →
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LIHEAP Energy Assistance
⚠ Closes May 8
Regular DeadlineMay 8, 2026
Heating Grant Range$200 – $1,000
Crisis Assistance$25 – $1,000
Income Limit150% FPL
ApplicationLocal CAO or online
Apply at DHS.pa.gov →
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Lifeline Phone & Internet
Federal
Monthly DiscountUp to $9.25/mo
PA Bonus ProgramPA PUC CAP + Lifeline
Income Limit135% FPL
Auto-Qualify ViaSNAP, Medicaid, SSI
RenewalAnnual recertification
Apply at LifelineSupport.org →
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Weatherization (WAP)
Federal+State
Avg. Benefit Value$6,500+ in upgrades
Income Limit200% FPL
Renters Eligible?Yes, with landlord OK
Administered ByPCAN — PA Community Action
Services IncludedInsulation, sealing, HVAC
Apply at PCAN.net →

Pennsylvania residents: LIHEAP closes May 8 — limited funding, first-come first-served. Crisis assistance is available now for active shut-off notices.

Get My Free Eligibility Check
⚠ Open Until
Aug 15, 2026
Illinois LIHEAP (Help Illinois Families) is open through August 15, 2026. Benefits applied directly to your utility account. No cash — payments go straight to your provider.
Apply Now →
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LIHEAP — Help IL Families
State — IL
DeadlineAugust 15, 2026
Emergency LIHEAPYear-Round
Income Limit200% FPL
Benefit MethodDirect utility credit
Administered ByDCEO via local CAAs
Apply at Illinois.gov →
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Lifeline Phone & Internet
Federal
Monthly DiscountUp to $9.25/mo
IL BonusConnectIllinois broadband
Income Limit135% FPL
Auto-Qualify ViaSNAP, Medicaid, SSI
RenewalAnnual recertification
Apply at LifelineSupport.org →
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IHWAP Weatherization
Federal+State
Avg. Benefit Value$6,500+ in upgrades
Income Limit200% FPL
Renters Eligible?Yes, with landlord OK
Administered ByDCEO via local CAAs
Services IncludedInsulation, windows, HVAC
Apply at Illinois DCEO →

Illinois residents: LIHEAP is open until August 15 — more time than most states, but funding runs out early. Apply now rather than waiting.

Get My Free Eligibility Check
⚠ Emergency Deadline
Jun 30, 2026
NJ Emergency LIHEAP closes June 30, 2026. USF (Universal Service Fund) monthly bill credits are available year-round. NJ has among the most robust utility assistance in the country.
Apply Now →
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LIHEAP + USF Assistance
State — NJ
Emergency LIHEAP DeadlineJune 30, 2026
USF Monthly CreditsYear-Round
Income Limit (USF)Up to 175% FPL
NJ SHARESCrisis grants available
Administered ByNJ DCA + NJ BPU
Apply at NJ.gov/DCA →
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Lifeline Phone & Internet
Federal+State
Monthly DiscountUp to $9.25/mo (FCC)
NJ Lifeline CreditNJ BPU — higher discount
Income Limit150% FPL
Auto-Qualify ViaSNAP, Medicaid, SSI
NJ ApplicationNJConsumerAffairs.gov
Apply at NJConsumerAffairs.gov →
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Weatherization (WAP)
Federal+State
Avg. Benefit Value$6,500+ in upgrades
Income Limit200% FPL
Renters Eligible?Yes, with landlord OK
Administered ByNJ DCA via local CAAs
Apply ViaNJ211 or DCA.nj.gov
Apply at NJ DCA →

New Jersey residents: USF monthly credits are available year-round — you may qualify right now without an emergency. Emergency LIHEAP closes June 30.

Get My Free Eligibility Check
⚠ Heating Window Closed
Mar 31 — Emergency Only
Regular DEAP heating window closed March 31, 2026. Emergency assistance only from here. Max benefit was $2,464 — if you missed heating season, apply for emergency now before crisis funds are depleted.
Apply Emergency →
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DEAP Energy Assistance
Emergency Only
Heating WindowClosed Mar 31, 2026
Emergency AssistanceAvailable Now
Max Heating Benefit$2,464
Income Limit200% FPL
Administered ByDHSS via local CAAs
Apply at DHSS.Delaware.gov →
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Lifeline Phone & Internet
Federal
Monthly DiscountUp to $9.25/mo
Tribal Lands BonusUp to $34.25/mo
Income Limit135% FPL
Auto-Qualify ViaSNAP, Medicaid, SSI
RenewalAnnual recertification
Apply at LifelineSupport.org →
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Weatherization (WAP)
Federal+State
Avg. Benefit Value$6,500+ in upgrades
Income Limit200% FPL
Renters Eligible?Yes, with landlord OK
Administered ByDHSS + Delaware 211
Services IncludedInsulation, air sealing, heating
Apply via Delaware 211 →

Delaware residents: Heating season has passed but emergency assistance is still available. Apply immediately if you have an active shut-off notice.

Get My Free Eligibility Check
🌞 Cooling Season Opens
Jun 15 – Aug 15
Virginia EAP Cooling Assistance: June 15 – August 15, 2026. EAP also covers fuel costs and crisis intervention for shut-off notices year-round.
Apply Now →
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VA Energy Assistance (EAP)
State — VA
Cooling Assistance WindowJun 15 – Aug 15, 2026
Fuel AssistanceYear-Round
Crisis InterventionYear-Round (shut-offs)
Income Limit130% FPL
Administered ByDHCD via local agencies
Apply at DHCD.Virginia.gov →
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Lifeline Phone & Internet
Federal
Monthly DiscountUp to $9.25/mo
VA Broadband BonusConnectVirginia
Income Limit135% FPL
Auto-Qualify ViaSNAP, Medicaid, SSI
RenewalAnnual recertification
Apply at LifelineSupport.org →
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Weatherization (WAP)
Federal+State
Avg. Benefit Value$6,500+ in upgrades
Income Limit200% FPL
Renters Eligible?Yes, with landlord OK
Administered ByDHCD + local CAAs
Services IncludedInsulation, HVAC, air sealing
Apply at DHCD.Virginia.gov →

Virginia residents: Cooling Assistance opens June 15. Crisis intervention for shut-offs is available now. EAP also covers fuel year-round.

Get My Free Eligibility Check
📚 Multiple Programs
Open Now
Maryland has multiple active programs. OHEP/MEAP for energy assistance, MSAP solar grants, and Arrearage Retirement up to $2,000. Check all options — you may qualify for several.
Apply Now →
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OHEP / MEAP Energy
State — MD
ProgramOHEP + MEAP
Arrearage RetirementUp to $2,000
MSAP Solar GrantsOpen through Jun 5, 2026
Income Limit175% FPL (OHEP)
Administered ByDHCD via local CAAs
See All MD Programs →
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Lifeline Phone & Internet
Federal
Monthly DiscountUp to $9.25/mo
MD BroadbandMD ConnectUS
Income Limit135% FPL
Auto-Qualify ViaSNAP, Medicaid, SSI
RenewalAnnual recertification
Apply at LifelineSupport.org →
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Weatherization (WAP)
Federal+State
Avg. Benefit Value$6,500+ in upgrades
Income Limit200% FPL
Renters Eligible?Yes, with landlord OK
Administered ByDHCD via local CAAs
Apply ViaMD211 or DHCD.Maryland.gov
Apply at DHCD.Maryland.gov →

Maryland residents: MSAP solar grants close June 5. OHEP arrearage retirement can clear up to $2,000 in back utility debt. Check multiple programs.

Get My Free Eligibility Check

We Handle the Hard Part

Government programs have paperwork, deadlines, and eligibility rules that can be confusing. That's where we come in.

1
Share Your Situation
Fill out our simple form — name, email, state, and which programs interest you. That's it.
2
We Check Your Eligibility
Our team cross-references your info with current program rules and identifies what you qualify for.
3
You Get a Personalized Guide
We send you a step-by-step guide with direct application links for each program you're eligible for.
4
We Support Your Application
If you need help filling out forms or understanding requirements, we're available by phone and email.

Our Community Impact

Helping communities across 7 states access the benefits they've earned.

7
States Served
$0
Cost to Apply
8+
Active Programs
48hr
Response Time

Claim What's Yours

Most people who qualify for assistance programs have never applied — simply because no one walked them through it. We will. Fill out the form and we'll handle the rest.

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100% free — no catch
We never charge for resource navigation or eligibility support. Our mission is community access.
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Your info stays private
We only use your contact info to send you resource guides. We never sell or share your data.
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Human support available
If the application process is confusing, our team can walk you through it personally.

Check My Eligibility

We'll send you personalized program info and application links within 48 hours.

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Resources Unlocked!

Check your email for personalized eligibility guides and direct application links.

The Safety Net Exists. Claim It.

LIHEAP, solar grants, utility assistance — these programs were funded for you. Most people who qualify have never applied. Don't leave money on the table.

Check My Eligibility Free Non-Profit Programs