Laundry Machine in Kitchen With Laundry Basket

How to Get Free Appliances

ByLaurie Blank

With winter on its way, I thought it was a good time to share information about how to get free appliances. Ok, not everyone will be able to benefit from this, as not everyone will qualify.

Keep reading to see if you qualify.

LIHEAP: Program To Get Free Appliances

There is a government assistance program known as LIHEAP, short for Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program.

This long-standing government program helps low-income and disabled citizens stay safe and healthy through initiatives that assist individuals and families with energy costs.

The LIHEAP program was initially started in 1980 as LIEAP to answer concerns about the rising energy costs of the 1970’s.

The program is run today by the Department of Health and Human Services and provides energy assistance to low-income and disabled families.

According to the HHS website, the LIHEAP Program is available in all 50 states and more and abides by the following guidelines:

Who is Eligible for Free Appliances?

 All 50 States, the District of Columbia, five territories, and about 153 tribes and tribal organizations receive LIHEAP grants each year.  

State and federally recognized tribes (including Alaska Native villages) may apply for direct LIHEAP funding.

Target Population

The federal income eligibility range within which grantees may provide assistance is based on a household’s income.

Your income must not exceed the greater of 150 percent of the federal poverty level (FPL) or 60 percent of the State median income.  

Grantees may not set income eligibility standards below 110 percent of FPL.

Program Benefits

Among the benefits of the energy assistance program eligible participants can receive include:

  • Help with payment of heating or cooling bills
  • Home weatherization
  • Energy-related home repairs such as insulating water heaters
  • Replacement of certain energy draining appliances, such as refrigerators

If your income level meets the program guidelines and you need help with energy-related costs, it may be worth checking out the amount of available LIHEAP funds in your area.

Below is the contact information for program directors in all 50 states, DC, the five territories, and 150+ tribal communities in which the program is available.

For direct contact information for each state, territory and tribal community that participates in the LIHEAP program, click here. 

Ways to Minimize Energy Costs During the Winter Season

Even if you don’t qualify for energy assistance, there are ways to be proactive in managing your budget so that you can more comfortably pay your energy and other bills during the winter season and all year around.

Here are some tips for stretching your dollar to go further:

Create a Realistic Budget

Living within your means by way of a realistic working budget will help ensure you have the money to pay your bills when they come due.

Make a List of Your Financial Priorities and Goals

When you’re unaware of what you’re spending your money on, it’s easy to find your cash sneaking out the door on little, seemingly inconsequential expenditures.

By making a list of your financial priorities and goals, you’ll better be able to stick with the budget you’ve created and avoid unnecessary or wasteful spending.

Track Your Spending

This life-changing money management tip is what has made the difference for our family in terms of financial success and failure.

When we started to write down every dime we spent, we had a big-picture assessment of where our money went each month.

We had the information we needed to find and stop budget leaks in our spending that were not in line with our true financial priorities.

Conduct Weekly or Monthly Financial Check-Ins

Another way to ensure your money stretches through the end of your month is to conduct regular check-ins of your financial situation.

This helps you to be sure you’re staying on track with your weekly goals and spending and to make adjustments as necessary.

By staying on top of spending and budgeting, you can be sure that the financial plan you’ve put in place is working.

Look for Ways to Earn Extra Cash

There are dozens of ways to earn extra money to help ensure you have enough money to pay the bills and live comfortably.

Work to Pay off Debt

Another way to create a more secure financial situation is to work to pay off any debt you may have. This way, the less money going toward debt payments, the more money you can use for things like appliances.

Summary

As you can see, LIHEAP is one of the best ways to get free appliances, but only if you qualify.

We hope this information helps you save money on your appliances, even if you do not qualify for free appliances.

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99 Comments

    1. Maybe you could check craigslist in your area. Many times when people upgrade appliances they will give their old stuff away for free so that they don’t have to hassle with it.

  2. I’m disabled so I don’t have a refrigerator or dryer and as of yet I haven’t found any help though this program in Alabama. It said nothing of help with appliances.

    1. LIHEAP is a federally funded program, so it is not state specific. The best bet is to contact them directly and let them know about your particular situation.

  3. I’m looking for a free refrigerator and a queen and box spring set, please. I really need it. My apartment flooded and I’m in need of this free stuff. May God bless you.

  4. My husband is a disabled veteran and is on disability due to heart attacks and heart disease. Our water heater burst and our landlord is refusing to replace it. We need help!

  5. I need a laptop, please. I have 3 young children who are in school and most of the time their homework is required to be done online. But, I have no laptop or computer for them to use.

    1. Many public schools now have programs that offer laptops to students in middle school. You should speak to the principal and see whether your children’s schools offer them. they usually give them out at the beginning of the school semester and they must be returned in June. But it’s better than not having one at all. Check it out!

      1. Some community buy/sell Facebook and websites have free sections too. So does Craigslist. All of these ideas are worth checking out. Thanks for your comments, Rachel!

      2. I’m a service-connected veteran with type 1 diabetes. My refrigerator went out & my insulin & other meds will go bad. How & who can I receive help from? Please I’m really desperate.

  6. I am a single man with 3 small children all under the age of 7. I suffer from scksoaffective disorder. I receive a disability check, but it barley covers the bills. I need a washer and dryer.

    1. I feel for you. Its got to be hard with three kids. God bless your heart. I also need a washer and dryer, Ill pray for you. If you ever need to talk or need advice about the kids tell me Ill talk with you..

  7. I’m looking for a free refrigerator. I am going thru breast cancer and can’t work. I’m waiting on disability and I still have a 3 yr old son. I’m having to move and have no refrigerator. I’m needing help with anything else anyone can provide. I’m trying to turn my electric on, etc. I have surgery Sept 14 and I’m just really struggling with everything. God Bless everyone. Thank you.

  9. Hi,
    I’m in need of a refrigerator and I have been looking on the internet since I had to put it out – it was making my food spoiled. So, if anyone can help me…I’ve been trying…It’s for my son. I do appreciate it so much.
    Joyce

  10. I am in need of a refrigerator. I had an heart attack in September. I can’t afford to get one. I’m on medication that has to be refrigerated. Please help me.

  11. I hope it’s not too late. I need an electric washer and a refrigerator. My refrigerator has been leaking for the last year. I pour out 1/2 gallon of water everyday and I had to pull the crisper drawers out to put down towels. My washer broke for 4 weeks ago. I’m on disability and get $782 per month for me and my husband. He can’t work because he had his toes amputated. If there’s any help out there, please help. I don’t need brand new stuff, I just need them working. Thank you and God bless. I hope we all get some kind of help.

  12. I need a dryer. I’m on social security. Mine went out. I don’t know how to fix it. Please help. I’m raising my 16 year old granddaughter. Thanks. God bless.

  13. I’m in desperate need of a stove and fridge for me and my son. I am on disability and have a 14 year old son. I’m also a single mom.

  14. Im on a fixed income and disabled and have a 15 year old daughter. We cant afford a refrigerator and ours is not working properly. It just went bad.

    1. I’m sorry to hear that. That’s exactly what this post is about and why I wrote it. Check out the information here to get help: acf.hhs.gov.

  15. Hi, my name is Michelle, and I work for a Medicaid program in Flint Michigan. I know a single mom with 4 children all under the age of 6. They are in desperate need of a washer and dryer. Do you have any suggestions?

    1. Yes, I do have a suggestion. That is just what this article is for. Try following the link in the article for help. I hope she qualifies and can get help.

  16. I’m looking for a new, free, heavy duty washer and dryer for my family. My husband and I are raising 5 grandchildren ages 17, 14, 12, 10 and 2. We are living in a 3 bedroom home that is really crowded at this time. Our washer and dryer is very old and always needs repairing.

    1. I’m sorry to hear that you are having such a rough time. Try the link in the post. They may be able to help.

  17. I need a washer and dryer and a fridge. I watercolor and I am disabled. I live with my daughter add her 2 babies and we are barely making it. We could use the help. Thank you. Anna Hi Senate

    1. I’m sorry to hear of your troubles. This post is for you. There are several places in the post you can click that have links with more information. Check them out!

  18. My husband and I were recently married and we’re living in our RV on a piece of land. We are looking at a washing machine. Our water quit, and we’ve spent all he’s made on buying everything new to fix our well and just can’t afford one. I’ve been all through Craigslist but they are so far away and our truck is broke down with no breaks. We just can’t seen to get a break. We’re do I turn for just a little help? Thank you for your time and may God bless you all.

    1. This post is for you! Try going to the link listed in the post to see if you qualify for help with appliances.

  19. Hi, I’m sending this for my daughter, who has a learning disability, and two sons who are in high school. One of them has Autism, ADHD, is bipolar, and also has a learning disability. My daughter is having to move out really soon because the owner wants to sell the house. She found a place, although she doesn’t have a refrigerator, stove, or a washer and dryer. She does not have the money to buy any of these items. Anything would be greatly appreciated.

    1. This post is for her, then. Try clicking on the link in the post for more information on how to get help with those items. I wish her luck.

  20. I have multiple sclerosis. I just moved into my new apartment and I am in desperate need of a washer. The apartment came with a dryer. I also need a microwave and a Keurig machine. I had everything stolen from me and I am trying to start over again. I also lost all of my clothes as well. Please help me as much as you can.

    1. There are a number of resources you can use to help you. One is, of course, this post. Try using the site listed for help with appliances. You can also contact churches in your area for help with food or clothing. We have a post on our site where you could get free clothing as well. I wish you luck.

    1. Then this post is for you! Check out the links in the article to see if you qualify for help with the items you need. Good luck!

  22. Please help. We have 4 in our family. We have no money. Can you help us get a refrigerator?

    1. Check out the links in this post to see if you can get the help you need. Hopefully you will have a refrigerator with cold food in it soon!

  23. My husband is disabled and has had a leg amputation. He just had a toe on the other foot amputated and it’s very difficult for us to get in and out to go to a laundromat because we just had a car accident resulting in a total loss of our only car. The washer and dryer we had recently broke. We are in desperate need of a washer and dryer of any type. We live in the pass Christian Mississippi area. Any help would be greatly appreciated. Thank you.

    1. Hopefully this post will help you out, then. Try the links in the post to see if you qualify for assistance to get free appliances. I wish you luck.

  24. I’m a mother of 2 and my daughter has heart problems. I’m unemployed. I go day to day begging for food and things for my family. We are in need of a fridge and a washing machine. Please help!

    1. This post was written with you in mind. Follow the links in the post to see if you qualify for assistance because it sounds like you might. I wish you luck. 🙂

  25. I desperately need a washer and dryer. I have been game washing and wearing dirty clothes. Please help if possible. Thanks and have a great day.

    1. If you need a washer and dryer, try out the ideas in this post to get one. You might also want to check out our posts about side jobs and side hustles, surveys, and other means to make more money so you can buy a set. It’s possible, depending on your circumstances, that you might qualify for government assistance as well. We have a post about that you might want to check out. All of these post have links you can go to that could help you get what you need. 🙂

  26. Good morning. I have had some minor set backs. I am separated form my husband and I work a seasonal job. Saturday I came home and started washing clothes and found water all over the place. I don’t have the funds and my job will end in April. I will be on unemployment. If I can qualify for the program it would be a blessing.

    1. It sounds like things are not going your way right now. I hope you checked the hoses for cracks and also checked for loose connections first. If you looked at those minor things and found it really is your machine, try the links in this post to see if you can qualify for another one.
      Perhaps you can also check out some of our posts about making money from home or side hustles. That might help once your job ends in April. I hope some of those ideas help. 🙂

  27. I’m a single mom with two sets of twins and I’m on disability. I’m in need of a free working refrigerator. Mine stopped working 2 days ago. I live in Bethlehem, Pennsylvania. I’m trying to find where can I get help to receive a a refrigerator.

    1. Try the links in this post to see if you can get the help you are needing. I wish you luck!

  28. I am looking for 2 things. The first thing is a refrigerator for my son. He has 4 children and he is disabled and cant afford to buy a new one. The second thing is someone good with water pumps because his water quit working. He bought a pump but it wont pump to the house. Thank you for all your kindness.
    Worried Grandmother

    1. You, or he, should check out the links in this post. He might be able to get help to get the things he needs.

  29. My name is Dot andmy husband and I live in Mesquite, Texas. We live on a fixed income. We are in desperate need of a good working used cooking stove. At this moment only one eye works and the other is a little sick. My husband is a diabetic and needs healthy cooked meals. This is a cry for help in the name of Jesus. Amen.

    1. Dot, check out the links in this post to see if you can qualify for a stove. If that doesn’t work, you could also try to get assistance through Social Services in the are where you live. There are also ways you can make money from home. We have several different posts about it on this site so be sure to check them out. They might help you make enough to purchase one for yourself. I hope that helps.

    1. Check out the links in this post to see if you can qualify for one. Thanks for your comments.

  31. I am in desperate need of a refrigerator. It blew up and I am employed at this time. I have to have back surgery and do not know when, or if, I will be returning to work. I live in Toledo Ohio and receive medical through the state. Do you have any suggestions?

    1. You could start by checking out the links in this post. You might be able to qualify for a refrigerator that way. Good luck!

  32. I’m in desperate need of a refrigerator. Mine broke and I just went grocery shopping. I have 3 little ones and financially I can’t buy one.

    1. Then this post was written for you! Try out the links in the post to see if you can qualify for a new refrigerator. I wish you luck!

  33. Hello, all. I need a washer and I cant afford one. I am living on a fixed income.

    1. Check out the links in this site to see if you qualify for help to get one. I wish you luck!

  34. I really need a washer and dryer. I’m disabled and in an overpriced mobile home where I can’t afford to buy them.

    1. Hopefully this post can help you get them. You might also check out the posts on our site about ways to make money from home. You might be able to work in your home and make the money to buy them as well. Good luck!

  35. I am a mother of three and we were homeless for 11 months. I found an apartment, but it has no refrigerator. I need a refrigerator really badly.

    1. Check out the links in this post to see if you qualify for one! Or, you could try to start a side hustle to earn the money to buy one for yourself. We have lots of posts that can help with that too, so check them out and good luck!

  36. My family and I just went through repossession and an eviction. We are desperately in need of a fridge, 2 beds for our kids, and a washer and dryer. We have been trying very hard, but my wife is severely disabled. I was working as an electrician and we just fell on the hardest times ever. I lost my job to take care of my wife. Thanks in advance and God Bless the people that still believe in helping.

    1. Use the links in this post to see if you qualify for assistance. You might also go to the nearest social services office to see if you qualify for other types of help. I wish you luck in improving your situation.

  37. How do I get in contact with them directly? I’m in New York City and disabled. Laundry can be a bit much to carry from my fourth floor apartment. It would be great to get a washer.

    1. You just need to use the links in the post to see if you qualify. If you need extra assistance you could also contact social services in New York for food stamps and possibly other necessities. I hope you are able to get what you need. 🙂

  38. Hi. I’m in need of a washing machine and a refrigerator. I have two girls and a pile of dirty clothes that need to get washed. Going to the laundromat is draining my pockets. I just can’t afford it. Please help me find a free washer and a refrigerator.

    1. Check out the links in this post to see if you can get one. Another option is to try starting a side hustle on your own to earn the money you need. We have lots of posts that could help you out with that.

  39. Hello, I’m a single mom on disability and I have a low income. I am really in need of a washer and dryer. Mine busted in the same week and I don’t have money for a new one.

    1. Try out the links in this post to see if you qualify to get one. I wish you luck.

  40. I am an amputee on state disability living in Amador County and I have no washer and dryer. Can I get help?

    1. John, you would need to click on the links within the post to see if you can qualify for help with free appliances. If you haven’t already, I encourage you to also seek out help with social services in your area if you have other needs, such as healthcare, food, etc.

  41. I am looking for a washer, dryer, China cabinet, and a queen or king size bed.

    1. Check out the links in this post to see if you can get some or all of what you need. In addition, we have posts on our site about ways you can make extra money so you can purchase some of what you need yourself.

  42. I am in need of a free washer and dyer due to a crushed tibia in my left leg and Degenerative Disc Disease. It’s making it very hard to go to the laundromat. Thank you.
    Lateaca

    1. I’m sorry to hear that you are having health issues. Try using the links in this post to help you get the appliances you are needing. I hope it works for you!

  43. I’m looking for a washer and dryer for a family of 4 with a baby on the way. The dryer they had caught on fire and the washer was next to it. They are losing their home, so they are moving into one of my houses, and just found out they will be having another baby. Do you know where they can get help? They cant afford much. The husband is on social security, and the wife stays home to take care of the kids. He just lost his part time job.

    1. They can try to get help with appliances using the links in this post. Other help can be found in many of our other posts. They should also try to get assistance from the social services office in their city or county.

    1. Check out the links and information in this post to see if you can get one. Good luck!

  45. Hello, my name is Jeanine McGrady and I live in Melbourne, Florida. My household consists of seven people: five adults, one teenager, and one four year old. We live off of my husband’s and youngest daughter’s disability income, as well as my son-in-law’s two pay checks from his two part time jobs. We are, to say the least, not financially well off, and just recently my son-in-law had to take time off from his jobs for major surgery reducing the income for our household drastically. I forgot to add that my oldest daughter and my son-in-law are expecting a new baby in February. Tonight our washing machine gave out and we have no money to buy another one, and no car to take laundry to the laundromat. Is there anyone out there who can help us? My family and I would so greatly appreciate it and you. God bless you!

    1. Check out the links and other information in the post to see if you can get one. You might also be able to get further assistance from the social services office in your city. Additionally, try applying for Medicaid or other other government aid for healthcare needs, especially for the expectant mother and baby on the way. I hope this information helps.

  46. I am a single mother of four children. I spent all I had to get us somewhere to stay. I need a fridge and stove. I have no money. Please help if you can. I have no more money for appliances or school clothes.

    1. Try using the information and links found in this post to see if you can get help with what you need. You might also try social services in your area to see if you can get additional help.

  47. My family needs a refrigerator. We are a family of 5. It has to be larger, but we will take whatever you have. I am a single mother with no pickup truck. I need help to deliver and remove the old one. Thank you. We live in Lake Orion, MI. God bless you for all your efforts and good will. It is deeply needed and appreciated.

    1. Unfortunately, it doesn’t work that way. You need to go the the links in this post and use them and the other information in the post to see if you can get help with what you need. In addition, you might use our other posts about ways to make money, etc. to change your situation. Finally, check with the social services department in your community to see if you can get additional assistance.

  48. I am a senior and badly in need of a refrigerator. I must drink milk with my meds. I can’t keep milk as it spoils in the heat.

  49. I am in desperate need of a refrigerator. I dont have any money to purchase one. I also need a gas stove.

  50. Liheap in Western Pennsylvania does not help with appliances, they said they haven’t for many years and have tried numerous times to have this information removed from the internet

    1. Hi Sis, Thank you for bringing this to our attention. We were able to look up on PA gov website and PA has 2020 Liheap funds available. Check out PA gov site for more info.

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