States Offering Help with Summer Cooling Costs for Low-Income Households (August 2025)
During the sweltering summer months, many people struggle to keep their homes cool, especially those with tight budgets. Thankfully, several states are offering assistance through the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) or similar initiatives this summer.
These programs provide financial help with energy bills, repair cooling equipment, or even offer free air conditioning units in some cases.
By helping people stay cool, these programs not only improve comfort and health during extreme heat but also ease the financial burden for families.
Below is a list of states where summer cooling assistance is still available in August 2025:
States with Active LIHEAP Summer Cooling Programs
1. Alabama:
Applications are open until September 30, 2025. Low-income households earning up to 150% of the federal poverty level may qualify for help ranging from $320 to $520. Assistance is provided on a first-come, first-served basis to help with cooling-related utility bills.
2. Arizona:
Assistance is available through October or November, depending on the county. Support ranges from $160 to $1,200, based on where you live. Households earning up to 150% of the federal poverty level are eligible, and applications remain open in many areas throughout August.
3. California:
California offers year-round assistance to households earning up to 60% of the state’s median income. Support varies between $288 and $990, and applications can be submitted anytime through local agencies.
4. District of Columbia:
Cooling aid is also available year-round in DC. Eligible households earning up to 60% of the area median income can receive grants ranging from $250 to $1,800. Applications remain open through August and beyond.
5. Florida:
The program runs until the end of September 2025, offering households up to 150% of the federal poverty level assistance amounts from $400 to $1,350.
6. Nebraska:
Assistance is available from June 1 to August 31, with payments or repair help up to $750 for qualified households below 150% of the poverty level.
7. Oklahoma:
Oklahoma's cooling program started on July 15, 2025, and continues while funds last. This program offers direct help with utility bills under their ECAP program, which began earlier this year.
8. Georgia:
Although Georgia’s official cooling program ended on July 31, some local agencies may still offer help in early August if funds are available. Eligibility applies to households earning up to 60% of the state’s median income.
9. Other States:
Many other states have programs that are still running or accepting applications through August, such as Nevada, New Mexico, Tennessee, Utah, Washington, West Virginia, Delaware, Louisiana, Kentucky, Mississippi, South Carolina, and Texas. Some states, like Illinois, will continue accepting applications until August 15, 2025, or until funding runs out.
Important Notes for Applicants
If you want to apply for cooling assistance, contact your local LIHEAP office or Community Action Agency to confirm the application deadlines and requirements in your area.
These programs often operate on a first-come, first-served basis, so funds may be limited.
When applying, you will likely need to provide:
- Proof of income
- Recent utility bills
- Personal identification
- Proof of residency
By taking advantage of these programs, eligible households can stay cool during the hot summer months without overwhelming their budget.
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Find out if you're eligible for more housing support here!