Low Income Energy Assistance Program (LIEAP)
LIEAP assists eligible households with the cost of home heating through direct cash payments or payments to utility companies on their behalf. A crisis component is available for households without resources facing the loss of a heating source. Eligibility for both program components is based on a combination of factors, including income, type of heating payment, and total heating costs.
The BFA Division of Family Assistance Policy (DFAP) operates LIEAP in each of the DHHR field offices for a short time each winter, usually beginning with a mail-out to targeted households. In addition, DFAP contracts with the Community Action network and with regional Agency on Aging offices to perform outreach and accept LIEAP applications at their local sites.
For more information about the LIEAP program, contact your local Department of Human Services (DoHS) office. Click here for a list of all county offices.
Low-Income Household Water Assistance Program (LIHWAP)
Applications are currently being accepted for the Low-Income Household Water Assistance Program (LIHWAP) beginning today and will continue until funds are exhausted. This federally funded program assists eligible state residents in paying water or wastewater bills.
Eligibility for LIHWAP benefits is based on income, household size and whether the household is responsible for paying water or wastewater bills. To qualify, the household must meet all program guidelines, which includes an applicant’s annual income being at or below 60 percent of the State Median Income. Face-to-face interviews in a local DoHS office are also required.
If a utility vendor provides multiple services, an itemized bill will be required. LIHWAP can only be used for water and sewer payments.
The maximum allowable gross income levels for LIHWAP Fiscal Year 2022 are listed in the chart below.
For more information, please contact your local DoHS office. Click here for a list of county offices.