Oregon LIHEAP helps low-income households pay heating and cooling bills through the Oregon Housing and Community Services (OHCS), administered by local Community Action Agencies (CAAs) across all Oregon counties. OHCS oversees the program at the state level, but each local CAA administers its own intake process — so application policies and procedures may vary slightly by region.
Oregon operates two parallel programs under one application:
- LIHEAP — federally funded heating, cooling, crisis, and weatherization assistance
- OEAP (Oregon Energy Assistance Program) — a state-mandated program funded by a charge on Portland General Electric (PGE) and Pacific Power customer bills, providing year-round electric bill payment assistance specifically for customers of those two utilities
What Does Oregon LIHEAP Cover?
Heating Assistance — a one-time grant per program year toward home heating costs, applied directly to the energy provider on behalf of the household. Benefit range: $250 minimum to $750 maximum. Covers natural gas, electricity, propane, oil, wood, and other heating fuels. Standard application period: December 1 through March 31 (while funds last), though each CAA sets its own intake schedule.
Cooling Assistance — a one-time grant toward summer cooling bills. Benefit range: $250 minimum to $750 maximum. Available during summer months while funds last. Contact your local CAA for the cooling season dates in your county.
Crisis Assistance — emergency help for households facing an immediate energy crisis: shutoff notice, service disconnection, broken heating system, or running out of fuel. Maximum: $1,000. Available year-round. Note that regular LIHEAP heating/cooling assistance and crisis assistance are separate funding pools — a household can receive both in the same program year.
Heating System Repair and Replacement — LIHEAP may also help repair or replace an unsafe, dysfunctional, or inoperative heating system. Contact your local CAA for availability.
Weatherization Assistance — free home energy efficiency upgrades (insulation, sealing, window and door weatherstripping, heating system improvements). Income limit: 200% FPL (more inclusive than the 60% SMI standard for energy assistance). Year-round. Homeowners and renters may qualify; landlord cooperation may be required for rental units.
OEAP — Year-Round Electric Assistance for PGE and Pacific Power Customers: The Oregon Energy Assistance Program is funded by a state-mandated charge on all PGE and Pacific Power customer bills (both investor-owned electric utilities). OEAP:
- Provides year-round electric bill payment grants
- Same income eligibility (60% SMI) as LIHEAP
- Priority given to customers facing disconnection
- Administered through the same local CAAs as LIHEAP
- Apply alongside your LIHEAP application at your local CAA
Oregon LIHEAP Income Limits 2026
Oregon uses 60% of State Median Income (SMI) for LIHEAP and OEAP. For Federal Fiscal Year 2026 (October 1, 2025 – September 30, 2026), the income thresholds are:
| Household Size | Annual Income Limit (60% Oregon SMI) | Monthly Equivalent |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | ~$36,811 | ~$3,068 |
| 2 | ~$48,152 | ~$4,013 |
| 3 | ~$59,494 | ~$4,958 |
| 4 | ~$70,790 | ~$5,899 |
| 5 | ~$82,131 | ~$6,844 |
| 6 | ~$93,473 | ~$7,789 |
| 7 | ~$95,688 | ~$7,974 |
| 8 | ~$97,904 | ~$8,159 |
Source: Oregon Housing and Community Services and the LIHEAP Clearinghouse FY 2026 Oregon SMI table. Oregon OHCS notes that exact thresholds can vary slightly by CAA. Confirm current guidelines at oregon.gov/ohcs or with your local CAA.
For a national comparison of LIHEAP income thresholds, see the LIHEAP eligibility guide.
No asset limit: Oregon LIHEAP has no asset test.
Documented energy costs required: Households must have documented energy costs to qualify. If utilities are included in rent, documentation (lease, landlord letter) is required and landlord cooperation may affect the type or level of benefit available.
Even if income-eligible, assistance is not guaranteed: Oregon’s official program page notes that even if your income falls within the required limits, there’s no guarantee you’ll receive assistance — funding is limited and first-come, first-served.
No categorical automatic eligibility stated: Oregon does not explicitly list categorical exemptions for SNAP or SSI. All applicants must meet the 60% SMI income test. Confirm with your local CAA whether receipt of other benefits streamlines the process.
Priority Populations — October/November Outreach
Oregon’s standard LIHEAP application period for the general public opens December 1 each year. However, Oregon provides special early outreach in October and November to:
- Seniors (age 60 or older)
- Persons with disabilities
- Households with children under age 6
During the October–November outreach period, these priority households can begin engaging with their local CAA before the general enrollment opens. Homebound individuals (physically infirm) can request alternative application methods — such as home visits or phone applications — through their local CAA.
Additionally, some utilities like Salem Electric give priority to seniors (60+) and disabled persons with an early December start, while general applications open in January.
How to Apply for Oregon LIHEAP
Step 1 — Find Your Local Community Action Agency (CAA)
Oregon LIHEAP is applied for exclusively through local CAAs — not through OHCS directly. Each CAA serves a specific geographic area (generally one to a few counties). The application process, intake hours, and availability may vary slightly by county.
Find your local CAA:
- Visit oregon.gov/ohcs/energy-weatherization/pages/utility-bill-payment-assistance.aspx for the CAA directory
- Call OHCS at 503-986-2000 for referrals
- Dial 211 for your local energy assistance agency
For a general overview of the LIHEAP application process, see how to apply for LIHEAP. Oregon’s OHCS contact is in the LIHEAP phone number directory.
Senior Service Agencies: Local Senior Service Agencies can also assist with the Oregon LIHEAP application process for older adults.
Step 2 — Gather Required Documents
Standard Oregon LIHEAP documentation includes:
- Proof of identity and Oregon residency
- Social Security numbers for all household members applying for benefits
- Proof of U.S. citizenship or qualified alien status
- Proof of gross household income — pay stubs, SNAP/SSI/Social Security award letters (income is counted before any deductions)
- Most recent energy/utility bill showing your account number and address
- Rental/utility agreement (if utilities are included in rent or landlord cooperation is needed)
- For heating system repair/replacement: documentation of the broken or unsafe system
Step 3 — Apply In Person or by Alternative Method
Most Oregon CAAs require an in-person intake appointment. Contact your local CAA before showing up to confirm hours, appointment availability, and any walk-in options. Homebound individuals can request a home visit or phone application.
For OEAP (PGE or Pacific Power customers): Apply through your local CAA at the same time as your LIHEAP application. OEAP is year-round, so contact your CAA even outside the December–March heating season if you need help.
Step 4 — Follow Up on Your Application
Once approved, benefits are applied directly to your energy provider. Each CAA has its own processing timeline. To follow up, contact your local CAA directly or see general guidance at how to check your LIHEAP application status.
Oregon Utility Assistance Programs
HEAT Oregon — a statewide fund designed to prevent utility disconnection during inclement weather, providing bill payment assistance in emergency situations. HEAT Oregon works with social service agencies across the state to screen requests from customers of Pacific Power, PGE, and West Oregon Electric Cooperative. Find a local contact through your CAA or at heatoforegon.org.
PGE Match My Payment — PGE matches customer payments toward past-due balances up to $1,000 to help reduce arrears. Stackable with LIHEAP and OEAP grants.
PGE Income-Qualified Bill Discount — tiered monthly electric rate discount for PGE customers, up to 60% or higher for the lowest-income households. Can be received alongside LIHEAP grants.
NW Natural / Cascade Natural Gas / Avista Low-Income Programs — state utility restructuring legislation requires gas utility income-qualified bill discount programs. Once enrolled, customers receive a percentage off monthly gas bills for up to two years.
HEAT Oregon / Oregon Energy Fund — Pacific Power and NW Natural provide crisis grants through the Oregon Energy Fund for customers facing disconnection.
Community Energy Project (CEP) — PGE-funded nonprofit providing energy conservation services and weatherizing materials to low-income seniors and people with disabilities in the Portland area. 503-284-6827.
Oregon LIHEAP Funding 2026
Oregon received $40,482,105 in federal LIHEAP funding for FY 2026. Oregon also received approximately $7.8 million from the 3% Public Purpose Charge (PPC) on the state’s two investor-owned electric utilities (PGE and Pacific Power), earmarked for low-income weatherization through the state weatherization agency network. Browse LIHEAP funding by state to compare Oregon with other states.
Federal funding delay note: In late 2025, a federal government shutdown delayed Oregon’s FY 2026 LIHEAP grant agreement from HHS, temporarily pausing new assistance. Oregon’s $41 million in FY 2025 LIHEAP funding was nearly exhausted while the delay was ongoing. OHCS worked with local CAAs to resume services once funding was received.
Additional Resources for Oregon Families
Oregon SNAP: Check Oregon SNAP income limits and see how to apply for SNAP in Oregon.
Oregon Medicaid (Oregon Health Plan): Check Oregon Medicaid eligibility and income limits.
WIC: For families with a pregnant woman, breastfeeding mother, or child under 5. Check Oregon WIC income eligibility.
211: Dial 211 for referrals to local energy assistance, food, housing, and other programs across Oregon.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the income limits for Oregon LIHEAP?
Oregon uses 60% of State Median Income — approximately $70,790/year ($5,899/month) for a household of 4 in 2026. There is no asset limit. Even if income-eligible, assistance is not guaranteed due to limited funding. Confirm current limits at oregon.gov/ohcs.
What is OEAP?
The Oregon Energy Assistance Program (OEAP) is a state-mandated year-round electric bill assistance program for customers of Portland General Electric and Pacific Power. It’s funded by a charge on all those utility customers’ bills and uses the same 60% SMI income threshold as LIHEAP. Apply through your local CAA alongside LIHEAP.
Can I receive both regular LIHEAP and crisis assistance?
Yes — regular heating/cooling assistance and crisis assistance are separate funding pools. You can receive both in the same program year if you have a qualifying emergency.
When does Oregon LIHEAP open?
Standard heating applications open December 1 for the general public. Priority outreach to seniors, disabled persons, and households with children under 6 occurs in October and November. Cooling and crisis assistance periods vary by CAA.
Do I apply at OHCS or at my local CAA?
Apply at your local CAA — not at OHCS. OHCS oversees the statewide program but takes no direct applications. Find your CAA at oregon.gov/ohcs or by calling 503-986-2000.
For current Oregon LIHEAP information and to find your local CAA, visit oregon.gov/ohcs/energy-weatherization/pages/utility-bill-payment-assistance.aspx or call OHCS at 503-986-2000.