Paying the bills every month is a difficult expense to manage these days.
However, if you do feel this applies to you, know you’re not the only one going through it.
This problem is very common, so the government made programs to help those struggling.
One of these is the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program, which is still going under the radar for plenty of people.
This article will aim to introduce you to LIHEAP and help you better understand the benefits from this program.
How does LIHEAP work?
This program was meant specifically for eligible Americans with a low income.
The US Department of Health and Human Services manages it, although it does have local and state offices.
These are tasked with handling and enforcing the program on a local and state level.
Currently, those that can benefit from LIHEAP are those that need help with:
- Bill payment
- Cooling energy costs
- Heating energy costs
- Energy crisis support
- Energy-related home repairs
Despite this, the program actually offers far more support than what was listed above.
Although LIHEAP doesn’t typically assist those that require help with sewage and water bills, there can be exceptions to this rule.
How to qualify for support?
Unfortunately, not just anyone in need can qualify for this type of assistance.
Much like any other program, LIHEAP also includes a number of requirements.
However, they have additional ways of acquiring eligibility.
One good example is that if a person is receiving benefits from certain other programs, they automatically qualify for LIHEAP.
These programs include:
- Supplemental Security Income
- Temporary Assistance for Needy Families
- Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program
On the other hand, you can still qualify for the program even if you’re not part of any listed above.
The one thing to take note of is your income.
If it’s too high, you won’t be eligible for LIHEAP.
This is why you must stay within annual income boundaries to maintain your eligibility status.
You can always find out more by contacting the managing agency that is in your area.
Applying for LIHEAP
Much like the majority of other government assistance programs, the application process for LIHEAP can vary from state to state.
The best way to get up-to-date information on how the process works in your area is to contact your local LIHEAP office.
However, if you’re finding it difficult to get in touch with them, the next best thing is your state’s LIHEAP office.
LIHEAP FAQ
Whenever a person hears they can get support from a program, a number of questions come to mind.
If you need any additional context or clarification, you may want to look at the following.
Can LIHEAP reduce my energy bills down the line?
By providing assistance for weatherization repairs, LIHEAP can be able to help applicants save money on their energy bills.
Most commonly, these repairs are related to a home’s energy efficiency and include fixes to leaky doors and windows, installment of insulation, and repairs or replacement of broken heating and cooling devices.
Can LIHEAP pay my total utility bill?
Usually, LIHEAP cannot pay for your total energy bill.
The program simply wasn’t designed with this type of support in mind.
LIHEAP is usually only able to help with the main source of heat for your home.
This means that if you’re using a gas-powered heater, LIHEAP will help cover a portion of the gas bill but not the electricity bill.
Other programs
Aside from LIHEAP, you can receive benefits from plenty of other programs as well.
Those listed below also qualify you for LIHEAP benefits if you are eligible and they are:
- Supplemental Security Income
- Temporary Assistance for Needy Families
- Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program
Supplemental Security Income
The Social Security Administration makes the SSI program available.
It helps provide support for individuals that have low income or no income at all.
In order to qualify, besides the financial portion of it, a person must either be elderly or have a qualifying disability.
Through SSI, the program’s users receive money that they can use to cover their food, housing, and clothing.
Temporary Assistance for Needy Families
Each state and territory manages this program separately.
The federal government distributes funds to state and local agencies which then use them to help those in need.
Regardless of where they’re functioning, TANF‘s main goal is to help low-income families reach financial stability.
An additional requirement is that the family in question has at least one child.
The support is then sent out in the form of financial assistance, child care, work assistance, and much more.
Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program
SNAP focuses on an issue that LIHEAP doesn’t address.
With rising food costs, the average cost of groceries has become increasingly difficult for families to handle.
By applying for SNAP, qualifying recipients get an EBT card that the program’s administration transfers funds to every month.
By using this card, the program’s beneficiaries can buy food items at participating stores.
Of course, this is only applicable to select items and you cannot use it to buy liquor, tobacco, luxury items, and other non-necessary items.
Conclusion
The Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program is only one among many other support programs for you to explore.
Each one has its own focus, and LIHEAP’s focus is affordable energy efficiency.
It can help recipients with their heating and cooling energy costs, bill payments and even offer energy crisis support.
Of course, in order to begin receiving benefits from this program, you must first apply.
To do so, the best way to start the application process is by contacting your local LIHEAP office.
If this isn’t possible at the time, you can also reach out to your state’s LIHEAP office.
Do keep in mind that eligibility and the application process may vary based on what state you’re in.
You may also qualify for the program if you’re already receiving support from SNAP, TANF, or SSI.
However, the only true way to confirm whether or not you can benefit is by submitting an application.
Luckily these applications are free so you don’t have to worry about any financial risks when applying!