Low Income Home Energy Assistance program (LIHEAP)

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Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program

Financial assistance is provided to income qualified people who have an obligation to pay a utility bill (heating and cooling) as funds are available.

Regular Assistance:

This program provides a once-per-program-year utility payment for eligible families. A regular bill is defined as current charges due to a utility provider. Households can apply once in a 12 month period with a current electric bill. The benefit range is $150 - $300 per household depending on family size and income. If the Department of Community Affairs makes additional funding available, funds are moved from another category, or if it becomes apparent that there will be remaining funds towards the end of the grant year, this amount will be subject to change.

Crisis Assistance:

A once-per-season utility payment is available for eligible families who have a shut-off notice, a bill that shows an amount past due or the need for a deposit for new service or additional deposit. Propane and natural gas are also eligible utility bills in the winter season only (as long as it is used for heating the home). Other energy sources used for space heating such as propane, fuel oil, or wood are also eligible utility bills. Crisis assistance households can apply for assistance up to two times per year, once between October 1 and March 31 for winter crisis, and once between April 1 and September 30 for summer crisis assistance. Households may be eligible for up to $600 for each crisis assistance.

Who is eligible for assistance?

Applicants must meet income guidelines that are based on the household’s anticipated gross annual income and number of household members.

Applications for assistance will be accepted by appointment only due to the demand for assistance. Potential clients are advised to call when they receive their bills (in the case of regular assistance), or the day after their due date (in the case of crisis assistance). Appointments will continue until the funds are exhausted. All potential clients will be pre-screened for greatest needs, eligibility, total gross household income, and amount of assistance before being given an appointment.

Clients with the greatest need are defined as follows:

• C - Children under the age of 5 years
• D - Disabled persons of any age. They must provide verifiable sufficient documentation.
• E - Elderly persons over the age of 60
• H - Persons with health conditions that may be exacerbated by cold temperatures. (Documentation from a health care professional may be requested.)

Funding Availability:

Applications are accepted year round, based on availability of funds. Customers are encouraged to contact Housing Services when they require assistance at 352-527-7530

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