LIHEAP (Low-Income Heating Energy Assistance Program) DEADLINE to APPLY is this SATURDAY, April 30th
- How To TBI
- Apr 27, 2022
- 4 min read
Updated: Oct 5, 2022
LIHEAP (Low-Income Heating Energy Assistance Program) DEADLINE to APPLY is this SATURDAY, April 30, 2022!
Image courtesy of: https://www.acf.hhs.gov/ocs/low-income-home-energy-assistance-program-liheap
LIHEAP is a U.S. federally-funded program that provides one-time seasonal grants to help those who are low/no income be able to pay for their energy bills (heating during the winter months, as well as seasonal grants for energy cooling in certain geographic regions during the summer months).
The LIHEAP program is sometimes called the “Fuel Assistance” program.
The winter application cycle starts at the beginning of November and runs through the end of April, annually.
If awarded LIHEAP funding, you will need to re-apply/re-certify status for future LIHEAP seasons, in due course as they occur.
While the program is federally funded, the actual application to apply for funding, the cutoff criteria and the amount awarded varies by state. In Massachusetts, for instance, the income cutoff criteria is for those at or below 60% of the state’s median income, based on household size. There are state and tribe contact listed on the DHHS LIHEAP website if you have questions.
Often, the actual application process is submitted through a third party local nonprofit organization that handles collecting, verifying & submitting all the required documents, & it is this third party local nonprofit in your geographical area that you will be working directly with.
This program is for renters regardless of whether or not heat is included in the cost of rent, as well as for homeowners.
If you receive SNAP, SSI &/or TANF, or reside in certain types of subsidized affordable housing, you likely qualify for LIHEAP Fuel Assistance.
Do you think you &/or someone you know might be eligible? If so, please let them know to apply ASAP!
How to Get Started:
1.) Visit the LIHEAP website directory listing the local agency partners for your state or tribe on the ACF (Agency for Children & Families) section of the U.S. Department of Health & Human Services Website (DHHS)
-or-
Contact Your Local Energy Fuel Utility Supplier (electric, gas, oil, etc.) & ask them for a referral to a local LIHEAP nonprofit agency that can help you apply, FOR FREE (there should be no charge)
2.) Check to see if you meet the maximum income eligibility requirements based on your Household Size for your state.
3.) If you meet the requirements, apply!
4.). Mark your calendar for a recurring event at the beginning of November, annually (recommend November 1st) so thst you can keep an eye out for and submit re-verification paperwork,
DOCUMENTS YOU WILL NEED:
-prior paystubs documenting your recent income
-statement of low or no income, if applicable
-statement documenting how you are able to afford the cost of your rent or mortgage if not immediately clear from your paystubs
-energy bill information
-if renting, landlord contact information who can verify tenancy, cost of rent, household size, whether or not heat is included in rent, etc. They will need to fill out and fax back a form to the third party nonprofit in order to be received in time for the deadline.
-you will also need to fill out an actual LIHEAP application form asking about demographics & other info on the type of building you reside in. Some demographics asked include questions asking about health insurance type status, veteran status, disability status, highest level of education attained, if any.
By law, the nonprofit agency that processes and submits your LIHEAP application has 30-45 days to respond as to whether or not your application is accepted.
Additional supporting documentation may be requested. Talk to your local LIHEAP nonprofit agency administrator for further details, specific to your circumstance.
If approved, your energy supplier will receive payment directly if heat is included in the cost of rent, or else payment will be sent to you if heat is not included in cost of rent so that you can use it to help defray energy costs.
Additionally, participation in the LIHEAP program is one of the criteria that also demonstrates eligibility for reduced energy utility rates, year round, as well as eligibility towards discounted or free broadband internet service, and depending on other participating providers, a free or reduced cost internet-compatible device (smart phone &/or tablet &/or refurbished computer through other, non-LIHEAP, non-affiliated programs.
Resources for More Information:
Find Your Local LIHEAP Office, by state or tribe:
from the LIHEAP Local Office Directory Search Website listed immediately above:
National Energy Assistance Referral (NEAR)
If you need help finding your local Low-Income Energy Office call the National Energy Assistance Referral (NEAR) hotline toll-free at 1-866-674-6327. You can also email NEAR at energyassistance@ncat.org.
NEAR is a free service for people who want information on where to apply for the Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP), which may pay a portion of the energy bills for low-income households. Please include your city, county, and state in your email message.
Weatherize Your Home to Reduce Future Energy Bills Your local Low Income Energy Program office can help you improve the energy efficiency of your home through the Weatherization Assistance Program. The U.S. Department of Energy provides additional information about how to apply for weatherization assistance to reduce energy bills in the future.
For more ideas and tips on how to weatherize your home visit https://www.ncat.org/residential-efficiency-measures/
The Emergency Rental Assistance Program is Also Available to Help with Rent & Energy Bills Your local Emergency Rental Assistance Program may also be able to help renters pay for rent and/or utilities. If you're looking for additional support with rental and utility payments, visit this page to learn more.
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