Alaska LIHEAP — known locally as the Heating Assistance Program (HAP) — helps low-income Alaska households pay their winter heating bills. The program is federally funded and administered by the Alaska Department of Health’s Division of Public Assistance (DPA). Unlike most other states, Alaska uses a point-based system to determine benefit amounts, factoring in your income, household size, home type, location, and actual heating costs — not a flat payment schedule.
Alaska’s heating costs are among the highest in the nation, and HAP benefit amounts reflect that: the maximum heating benefit in Alaska is $6,125 — one of the highest LIHEAP benefit caps in the country.
Alaska HAP/LIHEAP — What It Covers
Alaska’s HAP program provides three types of energy assistance:
Regular Heating Assistance — a one-time payment per season (October 1 – April 30) sent directly to your heat utility vendor as a credit on your account. Benefit range: $350 minimum to $6,125 maximum, calculated using Alaska’s point-based formula. One benefit per heating season.
Crisis Assistance / SRHUD — emergency heating help for households facing an immediate crisis such as no heat, a shutoff notice, broken heating equipment, or an emergency fuel situation. Applications accepted through June 30, 2026. Emergency “no-heat” cases are handled first and expedited.
Electric Bill Split — when you apply, you can request that up to 25% of your heating grant also go toward your electric bill. Check “Yes” on Question 21 of the application, fill out Question 23, and include a copy of your electric bill. This election must be made at application — it cannot be changed after your grant is issued.
Weatherization Assistance — a related program providing home energy efficiency upgrades (insulation, window sealing, heating system improvements). Income limit: 200% FPL. Year-round.
Alaska’s Point-Based Benefit System
Alaska calculates HAP benefit amounts differently from most states. Rather than a fixed payment by income tier, Alaska uses a point-based formula that considers multiple factors:
- Income — the lower your income relative to FPL, the more points you receive
- Location — households in rural areas of Alaska where heating costs are higher receive more points
- Type of dwelling — the size and type of your home affects heating cost estimates
- Actual heating costs — what you spend on heat is a factor in the calculation
For FY 2026, the rate is $175 per point. Households with higher heating costs, more extreme locations, and lower incomes receive more points — and therefore higher benefits.
Prioritization add-on: Households that include a member who is elderly (60+), disabled, or a child under 6 receive one additional point added to their income-adjusted heating cost points, increasing their benefit.
Alaska LIHEAP Income Limits 2026
To qualify for Alaska HAP/LIHEAP, your household’s gross monthly income must be at or below 150% of the Federal Poverty Level. Alaska uses FPL guidelines adjusted for Alaska’s higher cost of living — the Alaska poverty level figures used are higher than the contiguous 48-state figures. For a national comparison of income limits by state, see the LIHEAP eligibility guide.
Additionally, your household must have a minimum of $200 in annual out-of-pocket heating costs.
| Household Size | Monthly Gross Income Limit (Alaska FPL) |
|---|---|
| 1 | ~$2,428 |
| 2 | ~$3,282 |
| 3 | ~$4,135 |
| 4 | ~$4,988 |
| 5 | ~$5,842 |
| 6 | ~$6,695 |
| 7 | ~$7,548 |
| 8 | ~$8,402 |
| Each additional | +$854/month |
Alaska applies its own higher poverty guidelines — confirm exact 2026 figures at health.alaska.gov/dpa or call 800-478-7778.
What is NOT counted as income:
- Alaska Permanent Fund Dividend (PFD)
- Senior Benefits payments
- LIHEAP/HAP payments received (don’t count toward other programs)
Categorical eligibility: Households receiving SNAP, SSI, or TANF are likely categorically eligible and meet the income requirement automatically. Bring your most recent benefit award letter.
No asset limit: Alaska HAP has no asset test.
Alaska HAP Program Dates 2026
| Program Type | Operating Period |
|---|---|
| Regular Heating Assistance | October 1 – April 30 |
| Crisis Assistance | October 1 – June 30 |
| Weatherization | Year-round |
Early priority window: Applications from elderly (60+) and disabled individuals are accepted and processed starting in September — before the general October 1 opening. If you or a household member is elderly or disabled, you can apply early.
No-heat emergencies are prioritized year-round during the program period — contact DPA immediately if your heat is out.
Who Qualifies for Alaska HAP
To be eligible for Alaska HAP, your household must meet all of the following:
- Alaska residency: You must live in Alaska in a permanent dwelling
- Income: Household gross monthly income at or below 150% Alaska FPL
- Minimum heating cost: At least $200 in annual out-of-pocket heating costs
- Not in subsidized housing where heat is included in rent: Households in subsidized housing who pay their heating costs as part of their rent are not eligible. Renters who pay heat separately (even if not directly named on the utility account) may still qualify.
- Not experiencing homelessness: Households without permanent housing are not eligible for HAP
Priority households — processed and served first:
- Households with members aged 60 or older
- Households with members with disabilities
- Households with children under 6
- Households facing a heating emergency
How to Apply for LIHEAP in Alaska
Step 1 — Get the Application
A new HAP application is posted each year after October 1 at health.alaska.gov/dpa. The same application form is used for Regular Heating Assistance, Crisis Assistance, and SRHUD. Download, print, and complete it — or pick up a paper copy at any DPA office. For a general overview of the application process across all states, see how to apply for LIHEAP.
If you need an application mailed to you: Call DPA’s Virtual Contact Center at 800-478-7778 and press option 4 for a HAP/LIHEAP representative — or find state-specific numbers in the LIHEAP phone directory.
Step 2 — What You’ll Need
Gather the following before submitting:
- Photo ID of the applicant
- Social Security numbers for all household members
- Proof of income for the prior month — pay stubs, award letters (Social Security, SSI, SNAP, etc.), or DPA/DOL records. For seasonal or self-employed workers, a 12-month income average is used instead
- Most recent heating bill showing your account number and vendor
- Copy of your electric bill (only if requesting the 25% electric split on Question 21)
- All required signatures on the application — incomplete or unsigned applications are not processed, including those sent by email
Note: Your income is verified using the month before you sign the application. For seasonal and self-employed households, a 12-month average income is used.
Step 3 — Submit Your Application
Alaska accepts HAP applications four ways:
In person: Visit any DPA office statewide. Applications submitted to DPA offices in Anchorage are forwarded to Cook Inlet Tribal Council (CITC) for processing.
By mail: Mail your completed, signed application to your nearest DPA office. Find DPA office addresses at health.alaska.gov/dpa.
By fax: Fax to your local DPA office — include all required signatures.
By email: Email to hss.dpa.offices@alaska.gov. Your application must include all required signatures even if submitted by email — unsigned emailed applications will not be processed.
Step 4 — Contact DPA
- Phone: 800-478-7778 — do NOT select the automated system; remain on the line and select option 4 for a HAP/LIHEAP representative
- Email: hss.dpa.offices@alaska.gov
- Benefit Information Hotline: 888-804-6330 (outside Anchorage) | 907-269-5777 (in Anchorage)
Step 5 — Receive Your Benefit
Once approved, DPA sends a one-time payment directly to your heat utility vendor as a credit on your account. If you requested the 25% electric split, that portion goes to your electric company separately. You will receive a notification of your grant amount. To follow up on a pending application, see how to check your LIHEAP application status.
Grant portability: Once issued, your grant can only be moved if you switch to a new heat or electric company. If you move, contact any DPA office for help.
Power Cost Equalization (PCE) Program
Alaska’s HAP is supplemented by the state-funded Power Cost Equalization (PCE) Program, which provides economic assistance to residents of rural Alaska communities where electricity costs can be three to five times higher than in urban areas. PCE works separately from HAP — it applies a subsidy directly to rural residents’ electric bills through their local utility. If you live in a rural Alaska community, your utility company can tell you whether PCE is active in your area.
Alaska Affordable Heating Program (AKAHP)
Some Alaska tribal agencies — including CITC (Cook Inlet Tribal Council) and AVCP — also administer the Alaska Affordable Heating Program (AKAHP), a state-supplemental program with a higher income limit of 225% FPL (compared to HAP’s 150% FPL). If your income is between 150% and 225% FPL, you may qualify for AKAHP through your regional tribal agency even if you don’t qualify for HAP.
Contact CITC at citci.org or your regional tribal organization for AKAHP availability in your area.
Alaska HAP Funding 2026
Alaska received $12,158,876 in federal LIHEAP funding for FY 2026, including an additional $277,127 from the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act. In FY 2024, Alaska served 5,150 heating households, 813 year-round crisis households, and 128 weatherization households. For funding and program details in other states, browse the LIHEAP state directory.
Additional Resources for Alaska Families
Alaska SNAP (Food Stamps / Quest Card): Check Alaska SNAP income limits and eligibility and see how to apply for SNAP in Alaska.
Alaska Medicaid: Check Alaska Medicaid eligibility and income limits.
WIC: For families with a pregnant woman, breastfeeding mother, or child under 5. Check Alaska WIC income eligibility.
Alaska 2-1-1: Dial 2-1-1 or visit alaska211.org for referrals to local energy assistance, food, housing, and other programs statewide.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Alaska LIHEAP called?
Alaska calls its LIHEAP program the Heating Assistance Program (HAP). It is administered by the Alaska Department of Health’s Division of Public Assistance (DPA) and provides a one-time winter heating benefit to eligible low-income households.
What are the income limits for Alaska LIHEAP?
Your household gross monthly income must be at or below 150% of Alaska’s federal poverty guidelines. Alaska uses higher poverty figures than the contiguous 48 states — confirm the exact current figures at health.alaska.gov/dpa or by calling 800-478-7778. There is no asset limit.
How much is Alaska LIHEAP worth?
Alaska HAP benefits range from $350 to $6,125, calculated using a point-based formula that factors in your income, household size, location, home type, and heating costs. The rate for FY 2026 is $175 per point. Alaska’s maximum benefit is one of the highest in the country.
When can I apply for Alaska LIHEAP?
The regular heating season runs October 1 through April 30. Crisis assistance applications are accepted through June 30. Elderly (60+) and disabled applicants can apply starting in September before the general opening.
Does Alaska LIHEAP count the Permanent Fund Dividend as income?
No — the Alaska Permanent Fund Dividend (PFD) and Senior Benefits payments are not counted as income when determining HAP eligibility. They should still be listed on your application to help DPA understand your full financial picture, but they will not disqualify you.
Can renters apply for Alaska LIHEAP?
Yes, if you pay your heating costs separately from your rent. Renters whose heat is included in their rent payment in subsidized housing are not eligible. Other renters who have out-of-pocket heating costs of at least $200/year can apply.
What if I have a heating emergency and it’s not October?
During the program period (October 1 – June 30), DPA prioritizes “no-heat” emergency cases immediately. Contact DPA at 800-478-7778 or dial 2-1-1 for immediate assistance.
For the official Alaska HAP program and current application, visit health.alaska.gov/dpa. Income limits and benefit point rates may be updated each fiscal year — confirm current figures with DPA before applying.