Utah calls its LIHEAP program “HEAT” — the Home Energy Assistance Target program — administered by the Utah Department of Workforce Services (DWS). HEAT helps low-income Utah households pay heating and cooling bills through direct payments to utility companies or fuel vendors. Utah’s program runs November 1 through September 30 for the general public, with priority populations (elderly, disabled, and households with children under 6) eligible beginning October 1.
Utah HEAT has a notable complementary utility credit: HEAT-qualified customers who designate a portion of their HEAT benefit to Enbridge Gas (formerly Questar Gas, formerly Dominion Energy) receive an automatic $109 Energy Assistance Credit on their bill for the year, plus an exemption from the monthly Energy Cost Adjustment (ECA) fee.
What Does Utah HEAT Cover?
Heating and Cooling Assistance — a one-time payment per program year toward home heating and cooling costs, paid directly to the utility company or fuel vendor. Benefit range: $140 minimum to $800 maximum. The average Utah HEAT benefit is approximately $350 per heating season. Amount depends on household size, income, energy costs, and type of fuel. Program period: October 1 (priority) / November 1 (general) through September 30.
Heating fuels covered: natural gas, electricity, propane, fuel oil, wood, and other fuels.
Crisis Assistance — emergency help for households facing an immediate energy emergency: shutoff notice, service disconnection, or running out of fuel. Maximum: $1,500. Available year-round. Contact your local DWS office or community action agency as soon as a crisis arises.
Weatherization Assistance — free home energy efficiency upgrades (insulation, sealing, heating system improvements). Income limit: 200% FPL (more inclusive than HEAT’s 150% FPL). Year-round.
HEAT cannot be stacked with tribal LIHEAP: If a Utah household is identified as having received LIHEAP from a tribal LIHEAP program and the Utah State HEAT program in the same year, DWS will recoup the duplicate payment from the utility vendor or the customer.
Utah HEAT Income Limits 2026
Utah uses 150% of the Federal Poverty Level (FPL) for HEAT eligibility. Weatherization uses 200% FPL. Housing and utility subsidies are not counted as income.
| Household Size | Monthly Gross Income Limit (150% FPL) | 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. Confirm the current table at jobs.utah.gov/housing/scso/seal/heapstart.html.
For a national comparison of LIHEAP income thresholds, see the LIHEAP eligibility guide.
No asset limit: Utah HEAT has no asset test.
Housing/utility subsidies not counted: Government-subsidized housing payments are not counted as income for HEAT eligibility. Households in subsidized housing who pay an amount based on a percentage of household income can qualify.
Categorical eligibility: Households receiving SNAP, SSI, or TANF may automatically meet income requirements. Confirm with DWS.
Two-Tier Application Opening — October 1 / November 1
Utah’s application schedule gives priority populations earlier access:
October 1 — Priority households apply first:
- Households with at least one member age 60 or older
- Households with at least one disabled member
- Households with children under age 6
November 1 — General public applies: All other income-eligible Utah households
This two-tier structure is consistent with Georgia, Idaho, Indiana, North Carolina, and several other states in this series.
Who Qualifies for Utah HEAT
To be eligible for Utah HEAT:
- Utah residency as primary dwelling
- Income at or below 150% FPL (see table above)
- Responsibility for home heating or cooling costs — either directly or as part of rent
- U.S. citizenship or eligible non-citizen status
Both homeowners and renters qualify. If heat is included in your rent, you may still qualify.
How to Apply for Utah HEAT
Step 1 — Apply Online at DWS
Online: Apply at jobs.utah.gov/housing/scso/seal/heapstart.html — Utah DWS’s online HEAT application portal. Applications are accepted starting October 1 (priority) or November 1 (general public).
In person or by phone: Contact your local DWS office or Community Action Agency. Many households apply through their local CAA, which can also connect them to other energy and assistance programs.
DWS main line: 1-866-435-7414
For a general overview of the LIHEAP application process, see how to apply for LIHEAP. Utah DWS’s contact is in the LIHEAP phone number directory.
Step 2 — Required Documents
- Photo ID for the applicant
- Social Security numbers for all household members
- Proof of gross income for the last 30 days — pay stubs, SNAP/SSI/TANF benefit letters, Social Security benefit statements
- Most recent utility bill or fuel delivery statement
- Proof of residency (lease, mortgage statement, or utility bill in your name)
- Shutoff notice or fuel documentation (for crisis assistance)
Step 3 — Enroll in Utility Credit Programs After Approval
After receiving HEAT approval, ask your local HEAT office about:
- Enbridge Gas Energy Assistance Credit (EAC) — designate a portion of your HEAT benefit to Enbridge Gas to receive a one-time $109 credit on your bill plus exemption from the monthly Energy Cost Adjustment fee
- Rocky Mountain Power Home Electric Lifeline Program (HELP) — mention to the HEAT office when applying; they can assist in enrolling for a monthly Rocky Mountain Power bill credit
To follow up on a submitted application, contact DWS at 1-866-435-7414 or see how to track your LIHEAP application status.
Utah HEAT Funding 2026
Utah received $25,712,701 in federal LIHEAP funding for FY 2026, including an additional $652,394 from the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act. In FY 2024, Utah served 25,509 heating households and 1,335 crisis households, with 341 weatherization projects. Browse LIHEAP funding by state to compare Utah with other states.
Utah Utility Assistance Programs
Enbridge Gas Energy Assistance Credit (EAC) — HEAT-qualified customers who designate a portion of their HEAT benefit to Enbridge Gas receive a one-time $109 credit and are exempted from the monthly Energy Cost Adjustment (ECA) fee. Notify your HEAT office at application.
Rocky Mountain Power Home Electric Lifeline Program (HELP) — RMP customers who qualify for HEAT may receive a credit on their Rocky Mountain Power bill. Ask about this when applying for HEAT.
Dominion Energy REACH (Residential Energy Assistance through Community Help) — administered through The Salvation Army. Eligible households must be under 150% FPL. Contact your local Salvation Army office.
Utah SNAP (Horizon Card): Utah also operates the Utah SNAP soft drink ban — see our guide for what that means for your food benefits.
Additional Resources for Utah Families
Utah SNAP: Check Utah SNAP income limits and see how to apply for SNAP in Utah.
Utah Medicaid: Check Utah Medicaid eligibility and income limits.
WIC: For families with a pregnant woman, breastfeeding mother, or child under 5. Check Utah WIC income eligibility.
211: Dial 211 for referrals to local energy assistance, food, housing, and other programs across Utah.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is HEAT in Utah?
HEAT (Home Energy Assistance Target) is Utah’s name for the federal LIHEAP program. Administered by DWS, it provides one-time annual heating and cooling payments of $140–$800 paid directly to utility companies. The average benefit is approximately $350 per heating season.
What are the income limits for Utah HEAT?
150% of Federal Poverty Level — $3,878/month ($46,530/year) for a household of 4. Housing and utility subsidies are not counted as income. There is no asset limit. Confirm current figures at jobs.utah.gov.
When can I apply for Utah HEAT?
Priority households (elderly, disabled, children under 6) can apply starting October 1. All other households may apply starting November 1. The program runs through September 30.
What is the Enbridge Gas Energy Assistance Credit?
HEAT-qualified Enbridge Gas customers who designate a portion of their HEAT benefit to Enbridge Gas receive a one-time $109 Energy Assistance Credit on their bill plus exemption from the monthly Energy Cost Adjustment fee. Ask your HEAT office about this at application time.
Can I receive both Utah HEAT and tribal LIHEAP in the same year?
No — a household cannot receive both state HEAT and tribal LIHEAP in the same year. If a duplicate payment is identified, DWS will recoup the overpayment from the utility vendor or the customer.
For current Utah HEAT information and to apply, visit jobs.utah.gov/housing/scso/seal/heapstart.html or call DWS at 1-866-435-7414.