Energy costs can add up for any household, and a tough stretch can make the next propane bill feel heavier than usual. The good news is that help may be available, and many programs operate year-round, not just in winter. Several propane assistance programs, such as the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP), exist to help qualified households — renters and homeowners alike — manage home energy costs. Knowing where to look makes them easier to use. 

• What Is LIHEAP and How Do I Apply? – LIHEAP is a federally funded, state-administered program that helps qualified households pay heating and cooling costs, including propane, and you apply through your state's LIHEAP office, where eligibility and funding vary. 

• Are There Senior Propane Discounts? – Senior citizens may qualify for help through LIHEAP, or the Eldercare Locator, a free public service provided by the U.S. Administration for Community Living (ACL) that connects older adults to essential support programs and resources. 

• Propane Discounts for Veterans – Ferrellgas offers the Military Heroes Discount Program, a per-gallon propane discount for active, reserve, and veteran U.S. military members and their spouses. Verification of service is required. 

• Where Else Can I Find Help Paying My Propane Bill? – Beyond LIHEAP, you can contact your state utility-assistance office or reach out to local community and nonprofit organizations for energy help. 

• Other Ways to Lower and Manage Propane Costs – Ferrellgas programs like Budget Billing and fixed-price plans can make costs more predictable, while simple energy-saving habits can lower how much propane you use overall. 

• How to Safely Stay Warm During Winter – Use only propane appliances rated for indoor use, keep cylinders outdoors and well away from buildings, and install UL-certified gas and carbon monoxide detectors. 

What Is LIHEAP and How Do I Apply? 

The cornerstone of propane assistance programs is LIHEAP. It is federally funded and administered by individual states, and it can help qualified households pay heating and cooling bills, including propane. Some households also use it for weatherization or energy-related home repairs. Because funding is limited, benefits are not guaranteed. Some programs pause once funds run out, so applying early is best. 

• Funding is available year-round. LIHEAP can help with both summer cooling and winter heating, so it is worth checking any time of year. 

• Eligibility and funding vary by state. Each state sets its own income guidelines, benefit amounts, and application windows. 

• You apply through your state. Because LIHEAP functions as a block grant, all state, tribal, and territorial agencies have the flexibility to design and manage their programs within federal guidelines. They tailor operations to their specific budgets, administrative setups, and the unique needs of their local populations. Consequently, program practices at the state level feature extensive variations across the country. The best step is to contact your state's LIHEAP office directly with questions about qualification and funding.  

To get started, use the official LIHEAP eligibility and state-search tool from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, or visit the Office of Community Services’ LIHEAP program page. When a household is approved, the government typically sends payment for the customer's fuel directly to the provider, who applies it as a credit to the account. 

Although Ferrellgas does not determine eligibility or distribute LIHEAP funds, we help point customers in the right direction, encouraging them to contact their state directly. When a customer is approved for LIHEAP assistance, the funds are typically sent to Ferrellgas and applied as a credit to the customer’s account. 

Are There Senior Propane Discounts? 

Senior citizens in the U.S. have several assistance options worth exploring, and in some states they may receive priority consideration for energy assistance. 

Where seniors and their families can look: 

• LIHEAP: Older adults may qualify based on income, and some states give priority to households with a senior member. Start with your state's LIHEAP office. 

• Eldercare Locator: The Eldercare Locator, a service of the U.S. Administration for Community Living, connects older adults to local services like the Area Agency on Aging (AAA) for help with utilities and home energy.  

• Local and community resources: Dialing 211 connects you to local assistance referrals, including energy help. 

Propane Discounts for Veterans 

This is where Ferrellgas offers direct support. If you are looking for veteran propane assistance, our Military Heroes Discount Program provides a propane discount of $0.10 per gallon off open market pricing to active, reserve, and veteran members of the United States military and their spouses. It is available to both current and new Ferrellgas customers and is separate from government assistance programs like LIHEAP. The Military Heroes Discount Program is a commercial discount, not a need-based assistance program. 

This program is a simple way to say thank you to those who have served. To enroll, call 888-337-7355 or your local Ferrellgas team, and we’ll help verify your service. Verification of service is required. Additional terms and conditions apply. 

Veterans may also qualify for other forms of energy help, such as LIHEAP or resources through the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs and local veteran service organizations. 

Where Else Can I Find Help Paying My Propane Bill? 

Beyond LIHEAP and the options above, help can come from several directions, and it is worth exploring more than one: 

• Dial 211 or visit 211.org: This free, confidential service from United Way connects you to local resources, including utility and heating assistance. 

• State and local utility assistance offices: Many states and counties run their own energy assistance or crisis programs alongside LIHEAP. 

• Community and nonprofit organizations: Local nonprofits, community action agencies, and faith-based groups often offer emergency energy help. 

Reaching out early before a balance grows tends to result in the most options. 

Other Ways to Lower and Manage Propane Costs 

Assistance programs are for households that qualify based on need. Separately, there are cost-management tools — available to any customer — that can make propane spending more predictable or simply help reduce how much you use.  

Explore Ferrellgas resources and programs below. These are different from need-based assistance, but they can help any household keep propane costs in check. 

• Predictable payments and pricing: Ferrellgas Budget Billing spreads costs into even monthly payments. A fixed-price plan, such as Ferrell Platinum Plus, locks in your per-gallon rate. Our guide to propane price protection walks through both. Qualification and active credit status are required for Budget Billing. Additional terms and conditions apply. 

• Everyday energy savings: Small steps around the home can stretch every gallon. See 5 Ways to Save on Energy Costs and Tips on How to Lower Your Energy Bill. 

• Ongoing and limited-time promotions: A reliable propane supplier may offer special or seasonal pricing. Check current Ferrellgas promotions. 

How to Safely Stay Warm During Winter 

When funds are tight and temperatures are low, it may be tempting to improvise with heating, but shortcuts are dangerous. Below are a few safety tips to keep in mind. These tips are general reminders, not a complete guide, so always follow the manufacturer’s instructions, local codes, and guidance from qualified professionals. Contact a professional, your propane provider, or your local fire department with any concerns.  

• Use only what is rated for indoor use. Propane appliances should be well-ventilated, especially in enclosed spaces. Never use a grill or stove for heating, and only use a propane heater indoors if it is approved for indoor use. You should only use propane appliances in accordance with the manufacturer's ventilation requirements. 

• Keep propane cylinders outdoors. Small and portable cylinders should be used and stored outside, in an upright position, and at least 10 feet from buildings and combustible materials. Proper ventilation is necessary for safe operation, so do not use or store cylinders in enclosed spaces such as basements, garages, sheds, or crawl spaces. If you use Blue Rhino propane exchange cylinders, read and follow the safe-use instructions printed on the cylinder sleeve. 

• Install propane and carbon monoxide detectors. Choose models certified by Underwriters Laboratories (UL), a nationally recognized safety organization, and follow the manufacturer's instructions for placement, installation, testing, and maintenance. 

• Know the signs of a potential gas leak. Make sure everyone in your home knows what propane smells like and what to do if they suspect a leak. If you smell gas, leave the area immediately, then from a safe distance call 911 and your propane provider. Do not operate appliances, lights, or switches. 

Ferrellgas Is Here to Help 

No one should have to navigate energy costs alone. Whether you are considering LIHEAP, exploring our Military Heroes Discount Program, or simply trying to make your bill more manageable, help is available. Figuring out the next step does not have to feel overwhelming, and a good propane supplier should make that easier, not harder. 

Ferrellgas has spent more than 85 years fueling homes, and as a national propane company, we want our customers to stay safe, warm, and supported all year. Our Customer Service Professionals can answer questions and point you toward the right resources for your situation.  

This article is for general information only. Program availability, eligibility, funding, and pricing vary and can change without notice, and none are guaranteed. Contact the relevant agency or your local Ferrellgas office for details.

 

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