Good news to start the season: Wyoming's heating help opened today, and there's room for you in it.
When people don't know what to do about something, they freeze. Not literally. They just don't do anything, because nobody ever showed them how. If that sounds familiar, you're in good company, and you're in the right place. We'll take it one step at a time.
The Low Income Energy Assistance Program (LIEAP) is taking applications from October 1, 2026 through April 30, 2027. It pays part of your winter heating bill, and the money goes straight to your utility or fuel company.
YCAN does not operate LIEAP. The Wyoming Department of Family Services does. We just want to help you better connect.
This may be for you
Homeowners, renters, and people living in a permanently parked RV or camper can all apply. Many working households qualify. It depends on your household size and income before taxes, so if you're not sure, apply anyway or call and ask. There's no harm in asking.
One thing to know: you apply fresh every winter, even if you were approved last year.
Two ways to apply
Pick whichever feels easier. You do not have to use a computer.
No email? No internet? Would rather talk to a person? Call. They can take your whole application over the phone.
One small step to take today
Pay something on your heating or electric bill, even a small amount, and keep the receipt.
This is new this year, and it's worth knowing early. Emergency help for a shutoff notice, an empty propane tank, or a broken furnace is for households that can show a payment in the last 60 days. One small payment now keeps that door open all winter.
Gather these first
A few minutes of gathering saves a lot of time later.
- An email address you can open, if you're applying online
- ID for everyone in the household
- Proof of income for everyone in the household
- Your most recent heating bill and electric bill, showing your name, address, and account number
- A receipt for a payment in the last 60 days
- Your shutoff notice, if you got one in the last 30 days
If you get stuck, there's a way through
Most snags have a simple fix. Tap the one that sounds like you.
"I don't have email."
Apply by phone. If you'd rather apply online, a family member or a helper can set up a free email with you. Just make sure it's one you can get back into.
"The website won't let me in."
Check your spam folder for an email from noreply-dfs@wyo.gov. If your email or password still won't work, call (800) 246-4221 and ask them to reset your account.
"Someone is helping me apply."
That's allowed, and it's a good idea. You and your helper both sign the Authorized Representative form.
"I can't get out, and I don't have cell service."
Apply by phone from a landline, or have a family member or caseworker help using the Authorized Representative form.
"I was denied because something was missing."
You can reopen it. Log in, open the denied application, click the undo arrow, add what's missing, and send it again.
"I got a shutoff notice after I applied."
Call (800) 246-4221 right away and tell them. Emergencies are handled faster.
"Someone in my home has a serious medical condition."
You may have an option for extra time. Many utilities will hold off on a shutoff when a doctor or other healthcare provider confirms that someone in the home is seriously ill or depends on medical equipment. Call your utility and ask if they offer a medical hold. It gives you more time to pay. The bill is still owed, so keep working on LIEAP and a payment plan too.
Good to know
- Regular applications can take up to 45 days, so the sooner you apply, the sooner the help arrives.
- If you're approved, you're automatically considered for free weatherization, like insulation and sealing drafts.
- LIEAP covers bills from October 1, 2026 forward. It doesn't cover older bills, late fees, or reconnect fees.
- If you disagree with a decision, you have 10 days to appeal in writing.
If a shutoff notice comes
A notice is a signal to call, and you have options. Call your utility as soon as you know you can't pay. Utilities can set up payment plans, and Wyoming has rules about winter shutoffs. The Wyoming Public Service Commission can explain them at 307-777-7427.
More neighbors who can help
Wyoming 211
Dial 2-1-1, call 1-888-425-7138, or text your zip code to 898211. They'll point you to help near you.
Energy Share of Wyoming
One-time help with gas, electric, or propane when other help has run out. Hot Springs County: Philips Help Center, (307) 864-3322. Park and Teton Counties: (307) 772-9100. energyshareofwyoming.org
One22 Resource Center
Teton County. 180 S. Willow St., Jackson, (307) 739-4500. Help in English and Spanish.
We'd love to hear from you
We hear plenty about what's broken. We'd like to hear what's working, too. If you got your heat sorted out this year, or someone helped you get there, tell us. There's even a spot to thank them.
And if you tried to get help and hit a wall, we want to hear that too. The Community Action Listening Project is open all year. It isn't an application and it isn't a complaint line. It helps us see how things really work here, so we can untangle more of them.
Do you help people apply at a library, senior center, clinic, or church? We have a short helper guide with a checklist and workarounds. Send us a note and we'll get it to you.
YCAN does not operate LIEAP. We just want to help you better connect. LIEAP is run by the Wyoming Department of Family Services. Questions about your application go to (800) 246-4221 or lieapinfo@wyo.gov.