(DailyAnswer.org) – Indoor temperature control during extreme weather or seasons has become a necessity. Heating your home during winter or cooling it on hot summer afternoons keeps you comfortable and healthy. However, this comes at a cost. You pay for the energy used to warm or cool your home.
The energy bills can become a challenge, especially if you struggle to meet other necessities like food. If you or a loved one struggle to meet their heating and cooling needs, the LIHEAP Energy Assistance program can help. But what is LIHEAP Energy Assistance? We will help you understand the program, eligibility criteria, and the application process.
What is LIHEAP Energy Assistance Program?
The Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) is a need-based federally funded program that helps households keep their houses warm during cold seasons or cool them when it gets hot. Since its establishment in 1981, LIHEAP has provided millions of Americans with financial support that helps them meet their energy costs. LIHEAP acknowledges eligible households require more than assistance in paying their energy bills. This safety net program ensures eligible members remain comfortable and healthy regardless of season changes by:
- Helping the households pay energy bills.
- Providing home weatherization assistance that improves homes and apartments to make them energy efficient.
- Assist with minor home repairs related to energy
- Offering emergency assistance with utility bills when an eligible household suffers utility shutoff.
Although LIHEAP is a federal program, eligible households receive energy-related assistance at the state, territory, or tribe level.
Who is Eligible for LIHEAP Energy Assistance?
LIHEAP is a need-based program, meaning the program does not benefit everyone. Households that receive energy assistance must meet the eligibility criteria to benefit from the program. Eligibility is based on the energy needs of the applicant and their income.
Homeowners or tenants living in subsidized housing programs may qualify for energy assistance. Households receiving government assistance from other federal programs, such as Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF), and Supplemental Security Income (SSI), also qualify for the LIHEAP.
However, all other applicants must meet specific income limits set by their state. In most states, the income must not exceed 150% of the federal poverty guideline or 60% of a state’s median income (SMI). Slight variations in income limits may exist between different states, particularly when the 60% state median income is applied.
The state may not set its income levels lower than set lower than 110 percent of the federal poverty income guidelines. Potential applicants may check the state income limit to know whether they qualify for the program. The assistance is temporally and lapses when the beneficiary exceeds the state income limit.
How to Apply for LIHEAP Energy Assistance Program?
Needy households should apply for energy assistance through their local LIHEAP office. The state office will provide specific details about qualification and income limits. It will also guide the applicant on the documents required to complete the application process.
The approval process takes about 30 days, and the assistance is sent 15 days after the approval. Applicants should expect to receive the energy assistance grants about 45 days after application. However, applicants receive their emergency assistance within 48 hours after approval.
Need Help with Your LIHEAP Application? Contact Us
Heating and cooling allow you and your loved ones to remain comfortable and healthy even during extreme weather. However, energy bills may be out of reach for low-income earners. These low-income earning households can apply for the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) to ease the burden.
If you are interested in LIHEAP, contact us to learn more about the program and the application process.
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