Senator Edward J. Markey (D-Mass.) and Congressman Jamaal Bowman (NY-16) earlier this month reintroduced the Heating and Cooling Relief Act to invest in and expand the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) to help Americans, especially underserved families, and individuals, afford high home heating costs this winter.
In a statement, the lawmakers said the LIHEAP Act allows states to use funds to invest in climate adaptation, such as switching from fossil fuels to renewable energy, which is essential for long-term energy cost reduction and climate change-related severe weather.
Read on to know how to apply for this LIHEAP program.
The National Energy Assistance Directors’ Association (NEADA), the primary educational and policy organization for state directors of the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP), wants congressional leaders to add another $5 billion to the Build Back Better Act so that LIHEAP can help Americans cover rising energy-related costs.
LIHEAP 2023 Program Explained
Marca said the LIHEAP program is a one-time yearly benefit that may aid individuals if they are separated from the grid and at the expense of their home electricity.
This program also serves as an application form that low-income households in the United States can fill out to apply for assistance with their home heating or cooling costs.
LIHEAP is a federally-funded program that helps eligible households pay for energy bills, energy crisis assistance, energy-related home repairs, and weatherization services. The application process and eligibility requirements can vary by state or territory.
However, the program won’t fully cover their heating and electricity expenses. Please make an effort to keep making timely payments on your invoices.
Families who earn 60% of the state median income or less—to use Indiana as an example—will be eligible for these benefits. But understanding additional information regarding application and rollout is the most crucial aspect of this.
LIHEAP Program Eligibility
To be eligible for LIHEAP assistance, you must meet certain income requirements. The specific income limits vary by state, so it’s best to check with your state or local LIHEAP office to find out the income limits in your area.
US Department of Health and Human Services said households with incomes at or below 150% of the federal poverty level are eligible for LIHEAP assistance. In addition to income requirements, LIHEAP also takes into account factors such as household size, energy costs, and the type of fuel used for heating.
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Application Process
To apply for LIHEAP assistance, NCOA said you will need to fill out an application form. The application process and the type of form required may vary by state or territory, but generally, you can obtain the application form by visiting your local LIHEAP office, downloading it from the state or local LIHEAP website, or calling a toll-free LIHEAP hotline. Some states also allow you to apply online.
When filling out the application form, be sure to provide all of the required information, such as your name, address, household size, income, and the type of fuel used for heating. You may also be required to provide additional documentation, such as a copy of your energy bill, proof of income, and proof of residency.
Once you have completed the application form and submitted all of the required documentation, the LIHEAP office will review your application and determine if you are eligible for assistance. If you are approved for LIHEAP assistance, the amount of assistance you receive will depend on a variety of factors, such as your income, the number of people in your household, and the cost of energy in your area.
When to Apply For This Program?
The same Marca report mentioned that the first day of the application was on October 3, 2022. But the applications will be closed on May 15, 2023. You won’t be eligible for these advantages if your application is submitted after that time. LSPs may send mail-in applications to homes that don’t meet the criteria for at-risk status. Benefit notifications to applicants and suppliers as well as in-person appointments commenced on November 1, 2022. A month later, the energy moratorium went into effect, prohibiting the disconnection of qualifying EAP customers from heating and electricity.
On March 15, 2023, the protection provided by the energy moratorium will come to an end. Finally, on May 15 at 5:00 PM Eastern Time, the EAP application period will close. Local service agencies may take up to 55 days to decide whether you qualify for this benefit after you have submitted an application. Please continue paying your utility bills at that time until the benefit is credited to your account. Keep in mind that this benefit is a one-time payment of $1,200 for the full year. Be wise with it.
The application process can be a bit overwhelming, but it’s important to know that there is help available if you are struggling to pay your home energy bills. By filling out the LIHEAP application form and providing all of the required information, you can apply for financial assistance to help pay your energy bills, energy crisis assistance, energy-related home repairs, and weatherization services. If you need assistance with your LIHEAP application or have any questions, be sure to contact your local LIHEAP office for more information.
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