Last Updated on August 28, 2023 by Lori Pace
While you might be familiar with the LIHEAP energy assistance program, many people are unaware of the full scope of programs and impacts. We’ll explain what LIHEAP is and who is qualified for help from this federal initiative in the sections below.
What Is The LIHEAP Energy Assistance Program?
LIHEAP stands for Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program. It seeks to support low-income individuals and families with their home energy bills. Individuals who qualify for assistance may be eligible for different forms of help. For instance, they help with bill payments, cooling, and heating bill reductions, energy disaster assistance, and, in some cases, home maintenance.
LIHEAP distributes state block grants to local governments, which provides short-term support to those in the community who need it the most. This federal initiative has enabled forces like local businesses, electric utilities, and social service organizations to band together to provide relief for home energy bills across the country.
What Are The Program Requirements?
Individuals who need financial aid to cover the cost of their home energy bills may be eligible for LIHEAP. If you already receive assistance from programs like SSI, TANF, or SNAP, you might be exempt. Your State or Local LIHEAP Office will check eligibility. Veterans may also be eligible for LIHEAP assistance in certain situations.
The Low Income Energy Assistance Program helps low-income households in all 50 states and territories, regardless of race or religious affiliation.
Families or individuals who want to apply for LIHEAP must demonstrate a financial need. The household’s income must meet the state and local LIHEAP offices’ income thresholds. They base this on the current state median income guidelines and federal poverty levels.
How To Sign Up
You can call the National Energy Assistance Referral (NEAR) office at 1-866-674-6327 for help with your application or send an email to energy@ncat.org once you’ve obtained confirmation that you’re qualified for LIHEAP assistance.
Make sure you have the following items with you before going to your nearest LIHEAP office:
- Copies of Utility bills (3 month period)
- Proof of income
- Verification of other income when applicable
- Proof of residence
- Evidence of family members residing in your family home and their Social Security Cards (or numbers).
- Proof that you are a U.S. citizen or have legal permanent residency.
Applicants should fill out applications at their local or state Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program Offices, where they will help you. For more information on other forms of help with paying your electric or water bills, follow the appropriate links.
As you can see, the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program can support those in need at a crucial time. We hope this information has shown you how and where to apply for support if you need it.
How Much LIHEAP Will I Get In PA?
An enrollment period for LIHEAP Subsidy run from November 7, 2022, through December 16, 2022. The program is designed to help offset the cost of a household’s heating bill on a first-come, first-serve basis.
The Cash Grants can vary from $300 to $1000 based on household size, region, income and fuel type.
