(DailyChive.com) – Energy bills are recurring expenses that take a more significant share of income from low-income consumers. With energy prices expected to continue rising by 4%, paying utility bills can be overwhelming for low-income households. It becomes even more challenging when you need more heating and air conditioning during the colder and warmer months.
On the flip-flop, living in a dangerously warm or cold house puts your family’s health and well-being at risk. If you’re struggling with your utility bills, you may find relief through the Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP). Here is everything you need to know about LIHEAP energy assistance.
What is LIHEAP?
LIHEAP is a federally-funded program that helps low-income families meet their energy needs. More than 6.7 million households utilize the LIHEAP grant to stay cool in the summer and warm in the winter. Through LIHEAP, households receive allowances that pay a portion of their energy bills.
While they may be categorized as luxuries, failing to adequately heat or cool your home can affect your health and safety. Therefore, receiving a LIHEAP grant helps ensure adequate cooling or heating at your home, preventing the risks arising from unsafe conditions.
What Types of Assistance Does LIHEAP Provide?
The LIHEAP energy assistance program provides heating and cooling assistance to low-income households. Specifically, it can offer aid in managing costs such as:
- Energy bills such as electricity and natural gas
- Weatherization to make your home more energy efficient
- Energy-related repairs, such as faulty heating or cooling equipment
- Energy crisis support for those who don’t have heating or cooling
Generally, LIHEAP can provide support for various energy-related costs to eligible individuals and families. However, the program doesn’t usually help with water and sewage bills.
Who is Eligible for the LIHEAP Energy Assistance Program?
Eligibility for the LIHEAP grant depends on several factors, such as household income, size, and heating costs. Individual states set their own eligibility requirements per the government guidelines. Your local LIHEAP agency can help you determine the eligibility requirements for the program. You may automatically qualify if you receive other benefit programs, including SNAP, SSI, and TANF.
How to Apply for the LIHEAP Program?
While LIHEAP is federally funded, it’s administered locally at the state or territory level. Therefore, households interested in the program can apply at their nearest LIHEAP office. Alternatively, an individual can also apply for energy assistance benefits through tribal programs.
The application process varies with each state. You can schedule an appointment with the local LIHEAP office to receive more information on the program. This can include eligibility criteria, how to apply, and the documentation you need. You should be ready to provide the following when filling out the program:
- Proof of identity
- Social Security number
- Bank statements
- Recent utility bills
- Proof of income
- Evidence of other government assistance benefits
The approval process takes approximately 30 days. However, emergencies are usually handled within 48 hours after your application. If approved, the funds are paid directly to customer accounts with the utility. LIHEAP uses factors such as your household’s size and specific energy needs to determine the amount of assistance you can receive.
If your application is denied, you can appeal for consideration. Keep in mind that LIHEAP is not the only energy assistance program available. Therefore, you can consider other alternatives, such as the Emergency Rental Assistance Program.
LIHEAP aims to make energy costs more affordable for those in need. Eligible households can receive partial, short-term assistance that lowers their utility bills and helps them save more. Therefore, don’t spend another summer or winter worrying about spiking utility bills. Check your eligibility and apply for the LIHEAP energy assistance program.
Copyright 2023, DailyChive.com
