Metro Action can't pay LIHEAP utility help yet: federal money for the year that began Oct. 1 hasn't arrived. You can still apply, but you'll be waitlisted.

Updated Nov. 5: Metro Action’s website now carries a notice that “LIHEAP utility assistance applications are being reviewed,” and it asks people to apply now for timely approval. Metro Action has not issued a new release saying whether the federal money for the 2027 program year has arrived, or whether waitlisted applicants are being paid. Call 615-862-8860 to ask about your application.

Davidson County households who apply for help with their power or gas bills will be put on a waiting list for now. The Metropolitan Action Commission said it cannot pay Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) help until federal money arrives.

Metro Action announced the delay in a release on Oct. 1, the day the new application period opened.

Why the money is not there

The Tennessee Housing Development Agency (THDA) runs LIHEAP across the state. It told Metro Action on Wednesday evening, Sept. 30, that it had not yet received the federal funds needed to start the 2027 program year, Metro Action said.

THDA is still finishing extra payments to eligible households from the program year that has just ended. Once those are done, it will decide whether any money left over can be rolled forward to cover the gap, according to the release.

Metro Action said federal limits on rollover money, together with a high number of applications, have left it uncertain whether any temporary funds will be available.

“Metro Action understands how difficult this delay is for families facing utility disconnections or already without service,” said Lisa Beverly, the agency’s director of communications and engagement.

What it means for you

  • You can still apply. THDA’s system will put every applicant on a waiting list until the federal money is released. Applications go through the LIHEAP portal linked from Metro Action’s utility assistance page.
  • Call 211 now if a shutoff is close. United Way’s 211 line has trained specialists 24 hours a day. Dial 211 or 800-318-9335, or text your ZIP code to 898-211. The online directory is at tn211.myresourcedirectory.com.
  • Keep your account active if you can. Metro Action’s program page says LIHEAP cannot pay an account that is in collections or one that needs a reconnection fee or deposit. It may still be able to help after a disconnection.
  • Have your papers ready. The program page asks for proof of income for everyone in the home who earns, a 12-month billing history from your energy company, Social Security cards for everyone in the home and your latest bill. A zero-income form is on the same page.

LIHEAP is open to Davidson County residents who meet the federal income guidelines. You do not need to own your home. It covers electric and gas bills, and propane, wood, kerosene and coal. Help is a one-time award per program year, which runs Oct. 1 to Sept. 30.

Metro Action’s customer care office is at 1281 Murfreesboro Pike. In-person hours are 8 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Monday through Friday, and the call center at 615-862-8860 is open until 4:30 p.m.

Metro Action said it will post updates as THDA releases more information. We will update this story when the funding arrives.