If you participate in the Low-Income Home Energy Assistance program (also known by the acronym LIHEAP), you may also be eligible for an Obama Phone. Let’s briefly review how the program works, who qualifies for it, and how you can enroll.
The Low Income Energy Assistance Program is a federally funded program that is designed to provide financial assistance to individuals to offset the cost of heating, cooling and other energy related costs. The program provides assistance for home energy bills, an energy crisis and for weatherization and energy-related minor home repairs. It is intended to reduce health and safety complications that may arise when families utilize unsafe heating and cooling practices or do without these basic necessities. Additionally, qualifying for the Low-Income Home Energy Assistance program, or any other government program described on this site, also qualifies you for Lifeline Assistance Obama Phone program.
Program Information
The Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program runs from November 1st through the end of April each year or until all funds are exhausted. Cooling assistance is provided during the summer months if funds are available. The qualifications for cooling assistance are the same as for heating assistance. Financial assistance is provided in the form of a check made out to the utility company identified on the individual’s energy bill. The amount of assistance provided depends on the applicant’s annual household income, the number of people living in the home and the amount of the energy bill.
In addition to offering assistance with your energy bill, the program offers assistance with completing home improvements that will lower the ongoing cost of energy for the home. Approved improvements include installation of ceiling insulation, windows, caulking and weather-stripping. These services are provided by local non-profit organizations.
Do you qualify for the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program?
LIHEAP offers assistance to low-income individuals in all 50 states, as well as the District of Columbia, Indian tribes or tribal organizations and in all U.S. territories. Regular energy assistance is available to households with an annual income that is at or below 60 percent of the median income level for the state that they live in. The person applying for assistance must be a legal U.S. citizen or a legally admitted alien. They must also be the primary person responsible for paying the energy costs on the home.
Those living in subsidized housing are not eligible for the program if their energy costs are included in the cost of their rental payment.
Crisis assistance is available in extreme circumstances. Assistance is typically provided within 48 hours of submitting an application or within 18 hours during a life-threatening situation. Crisis assistance doe not typically pay the bill immediately, but it does provide financial assistance while an individual’s eligibility is being determined.
In order to qualify for weatherization assistance, your household income must be at or below 200 percent of the poverty level.
How to enroll in the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program
Although LIHEAP is a federally funded program, administration is handled locally through community organizations that are approved to dispense funds. You must call the National Energy Assistance Referral (NEAR) line to obtain a list of nearby organizations that can dispense LIHEAP funding to households. NEAR is a free service and can be contacted via phone at 1-866-674-6327. You can also contact their state’s Division of Family and Children Services for a list of approved organizations.
If you are homebound or elderly, you can submit energy assistance applications starting on November 1st of each year. If needed, a representative can visit your home to complete an application. All other applications for energy assistance are not accepted until December 1st of each year.
In addition to an application, you must also submit proof of income, household information and the energy bill that you are requesting assistance with. Other documents that are needed during the application process include:
- A recent payroll stub or other proof of gross income
- Proof of income from Social Security, Unemployment Insurance, Pension Funds, disability, etc.
- Utility Termination Notice for those who have received a shut-off notice
- Proof of address
- Proof of all individuals living in the household, such as birth certificates.
- Social Security cards, or numbers, for everyone living in the household.
- Proof of U.S. citizenship