Applications open for home-heating compensation: What residents need to know

Lithuanian residents can already apply for compensation covering home-heating and hot-water costs during the coming heating season. Applications can be submitted electronically or through a municipality.

The Social Security and Labour Ministry advises residents to apply early. A single application is enough for the entire heating season when submitted at least one month before the season begins or during the season itself.

Social Security and Labour Minister Inga Ruginienė said the previous winter had increased the need for support. “As specialists’ data show, last winter, although it was particularly sunny, was especially cold. Challenges linked to energy-resource prices have also not gone away. This was reflected in heating bills,” she said. The compensation system, she added, is intended to ease the burden for people most in need.

An average of about 164,600 people received heating compensation each month during the 2025-2026 season, up 2% from about 161,200 during the previous season. The state spent 69 million euros on the programme. For 2026-2027, it forecasts about 170,600 recipients and spending of more than 80 million euros.

Under the system, eligible residents should not have to spend more than 10% of their income on home heating, regardless of changes in heat prices. Support can cover centrally heated homes and those using electricity, gas, firewood or other fuels. Authorities assess income, assets and the share of household spending devoted to heating and water.

People who owe money for heating or water may also qualify if they have an agreement with the supplier to repay part of the debt, unless a court has already ordered payment. The calculation uses income after tax and deducts set amounts tied to state-supported income. In 2026, the deduction is 466 euros per family member, or 699 euros for a person living alone. Some child benefits, employment-related income and selected social insurance payments are also excluded from the income calculation.

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As specialists’ data show, last winter, although it was particularly sunny, was especially cold. Challenges linked to energy-resource prices have also not gone away. This was reflected in heating bills.