Q. Does my utility bill have to be listed in my name?

A. Applicants must provide documentation that they are responsible for their home energy costs.

Q. Does LIHEAP pay my bill each month?

A. No

Q. If I qualify for assistance, how are the payments made to my utility company?

A. Payments are made directly to the utility company on behalf of the applicant.

Q. Does LIHEAP pay for water, sewer or phone utility services?

A. No, the purpose of the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) is to assist low income citizens by offsetting the rising cost of home energy through direct financial assistance, energy counseling, outreach and education.

Q. How long does it take to receive LIHEAP assistance?

A. Once an application is complete, the local agency will notify the client of approval or denial within 30 days.  All client and vendor payments are made by the local agency within 15 days after approval of the client's application.  Emergency Services applications are approved within 48 hours after the application is complete.  If the disconnection has caused a life-threatening situation, the application approval and vendor notification must occur within 48 hours of the competed application.

Q. How do I apply if I'm homebound?

A. There are times when a home visit application procedure may be necessary to serve an applicant.  A home visit by the local agency's staff will be made when:

• A relative or friend cannot make application on behalf of the applicant at a regular site;

• The individual has stated the need for a special accommodation because of a disabling condition.

Q. What kind of LIHEAP assistance is available?

A. According to funding availability, local agencies will offer three types of LIHEAP assistance:

• Energy Assistance: These one-time payments will apply to all income eligible households.  Applicants must prove they are low income and responsible for their home heating costs.

• Weather Related Assistance: Under this component, funds may be used for either weather or supply emergencies that affect the entire eligible population or for emergency related situations that affect an individual household to the extent funds are available.

        In the event of a weather-related natural disaster or extreme weather conditions, the department

        will develop an appropriate response designed to eliminate the threat to life and health.  This

        assistance will be limited to energy-related crisis activities, such as pledges of payment to

        utilities, replacement of fuel tanks, heating system and water heater repair or replacement,

        purchase of fans, operation or support of local cooling centers, coordination with local social

        service agencies, air conditioners (where medically necessary), etc.

• Furnace Assistance: This will be provided t households that qualify for reconnection assistance, disconnect notices or deposits which is used to restore a vital supply of energy to the home.  These one-time payments will apply to all income eligible households.  It will be operated by Local Administering Agencies, which are uniquely situated to define and develop individualized responses to energy-related emergencies.