Nevada calls its LIHEAP program “EAP” — the Energy Assistance Program — administered by the Nevada Division of Welfare and Supportive Services (DWSS). Unlike most states where LIHEAP runs on an October–April heating season, Nevada’s EAP operates on a July 1 through June 30 program year — a fiscal year calendar that covers both summer cooling and winter heating in the same cycle. Applications are accepted year-round until funding is exhausted.
Nevada’s EAP is distinctive for its dual funding structure: federal LIHEAP block grant plus the Nevada Fund for Energy Assistance and Conservation (FEAC), supported by a Universal Energy Charge (UEC) assessed on all retail electric and gas utility customers statewide since August 2001. This state supplement raises approximately $10 million annually, with 75% distributed to EAP and 25% to the Nevada Housing Division’s Weatherization Assistance Program.
What Does Nevada EAP Cover?
Heating or Cooling Assistance — Nevada’s EAP covers both heating and cooling in a single combined benefit structure. One benefit per program year (July 1–June 30), paid directly to your energy provider. Benefit range: $360 minimum to $3,136 maximum. The benefit amount is calculated using an affordability formula that considers household income relative to energy costs — Nevada uses a Fixed Annual Credit (FAC) approach designed to reduce the percentage of income a household pays for energy. Program period: year-round.
Crisis Assistance — emergency help for households in an immediate energy crisis: shutoff notice, service disconnected, or a dangerous situation requiring immediate resolution. Maximum: $3,136 — same cap as regular assistance. Available year-round.
Weatherization Assistance — free home energy efficiency upgrades (insulation, sealing, heating/cooling system improvements), administered by the Nevada Housing Division’s Weatherization Program using 25% of the UEC FEAC fund plus DOE weatherization grants. Maximum: $10,000. Year-round.
Fixed Annual Credit (FAC) affordability formula: Nevada’s benefit calculation uses the FAC approach — calculating the amount needed to reduce a household’s energy burden to an affordable percentage of income. Households with higher energy burden relative to income receive higher credits. This formula, combined with the FEAC supplement, makes Nevada’s per-household benefit meaningfully higher than a flat income-tier table would produce.
Nevada EAP Income Limits 2026
Nevada uses 150% of the Federal Poverty Level (FPL) for EAP eligibility. Weatherization uses 200% FPL.
| Household Size | Monthly Gross Income Limit | Annual Gross Income Limit |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | $1,881 | $22,590 |
| 2 | $2,546 | $30,570 |
| 3 | $3,213 | $38,550 |
| 4 | $3,878 | $46,530 |
| 5 | $4,544 | $54,510 |
| 6 | $5,209 | $62,490 |
| 7 | $5,875 | $70,470 |
| 8 | $6,540 | $78,480 |
| Each additional | +$666/month | +$7,980/year |
Based on 150% FPL. Nevada DWSS updates the table when new federal poverty guidelines are released. Confirm current figures at dss.nv.gov/Energy or by calling 800-992-0900.
For a national comparison of LIHEAP income thresholds, see the LIHEAP eligibility guide.
No asset limit: Nevada EAP has no asset test.
Categorical eligibility: Households receiving SNAP, SSI, or TANF may qualify automatically. Contact DWSS to confirm.
Nevada’s Universal Energy Charge (UEC) — A State-Funded Supplement
Nevada’s LIHEAP supplement is one of the most structured state-funded energy programs in this series:
- The Public Utility Commission of Nevada (PUCN) has collected the UEC from all retail electric and gas utility customers since August 2001
- PUCN retains up to 3% for administrative costs; the rest goes into an interest-bearing account managed by DWSS
- 75% of the UEC fund goes to DWSS for EAP (supplementing federal LIHEAP)
- 25% goes to the Nevada Housing Division’s Weatherization Assistance Program
- Interest earned on the account balance also supplements the programs
- Total UEC revenue: approximately $10 million annually
This state supplement means Nevada’s EAP can reach more households and provide higher benefits than federal LIHEAP alone would support — reflected in the $3,136 maximum benefit.
Program Year: July 1 Through June 30
Nevada’s EAP operates on a July 1–June 30 program year rather than the October–April heating season used by most states. Key dates:
| Period | Status |
|---|---|
| July 1, 2026 | New program year opens |
| Year-round | Applications accepted until funding exhausted |
| June 30, 2026 | Program year closes |
Reapplication notice: If you are currently enrolled in EAP, DWSS mails a reapplication notice when it is time to renew. New applicants submit a completed application at any time.
Who Qualifies for Nevada EAP
To be eligible for Nevada EAP:
- Nevada residency as primary dwelling
- Income at or below 150% FPL (see table above)
- Responsibility for home energy costs — either a direct utility account or energy costs included in rent
Hospitality industry note: Nevada’s economy is heavily concentrated in hospitality, gaming, and tourism. Tipped workers, seasonal resort employees, and hourly hospitality workers may qualify during slow seasons or after employment changes even if peak-season income would not qualify them. Income is evaluated at the time of application.
Both homeowners and renters qualify, including those whose energy costs are included in rent.
How to Apply for Nevada EAP
Step 1 — Apply Online, By Mail/Fax, or In Person
Online: Apply through the DWSS online portal at dss.nv.gov/Energy — select “Energy Assistance Application.” Nevada’s Application Portal is linked from the DWSS energy assistance page.
By fax or mail — Las Vegas / North Las Vegas area: Nevada DWSS, 330 E. Flamingo Rd., #55, Las Vegas, NV 89121 | Phone: (702) 486-1404
By fax or mail — All other Nevada areas (Northern Nevada / Reno): Nevada DWSS, 2527 N. Carson St., Carson City, NV 89706 (or your local DWSS office)
Statewide phone: Call DWSS at 800-992-0900
For a general overview of the LIHEAP application process, see how to apply for LIHEAP. Nevada’s DWSS contact is also listed in the LIHEAP phone number directory.
Step 2 — Required Documents
Submit your completed EAP application with the following verifications:
- Photo ID for the applicant
- Social Security numbers for all household members
- Proof of income — pay stubs, SNAP/SSI/TANF benefit award letters, Social Security benefit statements
- Most recent energy utility bill showing account number and service address
- For renters with heat in rent: lease or rental agreement
Step 3 — Benefit Payment
Approved EAP benefits are paid as an annual one-time credit directly to your energy provider(s). Households receive one benefit per program year (July 1–June 30). To follow up on a submitted application, contact DWSS at 800-992-0900 or see how to track your LIHEAP application status.
Nevada EAP Funding 2026
Nevada received $15,633,398 in federal LIHEAP funding for FY 2026, including an additional $819,394 from the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act. Additionally, Nevada’s UEC fund contributes approximately $7.5 million annually to EAP (75% of $10 million total UEC revenue). In FY 2024, Nevada served 17,091 combined heating and cooling households, 40 crisis households, and 133 weatherization projects. Browse LIHEAP funding by state to compare Nevada with other states.
Nevada Utility Assistance Programs
NV Energy Desert Conservation Program — NV Energy offers bill assistance and energy efficiency programs for income-eligible customers. Contact NV Energy directly or apply through DWSS EAP to access connected programs.
Rebuilding Together in Southern Nevada — for seniors or disabled homeowners in Southern Nevada who have owned their home for at least one year, providing free home repairs and handicap ramps. Low-income eligibility applies.
Nevada 211 — dial 211 for referrals to local energy, food, housing, and other assistance programs statewide.
Additional Resources for Nevada Families
Nevada SNAP: Check Nevada SNAP income limits and see how to apply for SNAP in Nevada.
Nevada Medicaid: Check Nevada Medicaid eligibility and income limits.
WIC: For families with a pregnant woman, breastfeeding mother, or child under 5. Check Nevada WIC income eligibility.
211: Dial 211 for referrals to local energy assistance, food, housing, and other programs across Nevada.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is EAP in Nevada?
EAP (Energy Assistance Program) is Nevada’s name for LIHEAP, administered by the Division of Welfare and Supportive Services (DWSS). It provides a one-time annual benefit toward heating or cooling costs, with dual funding from the federal LIHEAP block grant and Nevada’s state Universal Energy Charge.
What are the income limits for Nevada EAP?
Nevada uses 150% of the Federal Poverty Level — $3,878/month ($46,530/year) for a household of 4. There is no asset limit. Confirm current figures at dss.nv.gov/Energy or by calling 800-992-0900.
When is the Nevada EAP program year?
July 1 through June 30 — Nevada’s program year runs on a different calendar than most states’ October–April heating seasons. Applications are accepted year-round until funding is exhausted.
What is Nevada’s Universal Energy Charge?
The UEC is a charge on all retail electric and gas utility customers in Nevada, collected since August 2001 by the PUCN. It generates approximately $10 million annually, with 75% supplementing EAP and 25% funding weatherization. This state fund allows Nevada’s EAP to provide benefits up to $3,136.
Does Nevada EAP cover both heating and cooling?
Yes — Nevada’s EAP covers both heating and cooling in a single combined benefit structure, reflecting the state’s extreme summer heat (Las Vegas regularly exceeds 115°F) and cold desert winters.
For current Nevada EAP information and to apply, visit dss.nv.gov/Energy or call 800-992-0900.