Low Income Energy Assistance Program

(LIHEAP)- provides assistance with energy costs for households who are income eligible and responsible for home heating costs. Thereare two phases to the LIHEAP program.

LIHEAP Phase I

The first phase is the Subsidy Component that begins in early November and ends in the middle of December. In order to qualify for this assistance an application must be completed, then eligibility is determined. The information needed to complete the application includes proof of income for all household members for the previous month, Social Security Cards for all household members and your most recent heating bill with account number shown. If heat expense is included in rent, applicant must have a letter from landlord or letter from housing authority manager stating that heat expense is included in rent.

LIHEAP Phase II

The second phase of LIHEAP is called the Crisis Component. This phase begins the first week of January and normally ends March 15th, unless funds are expended earlier. To qualify for this phase of the program an application must be completed to determine eligibility. Information needed for this application includes proof of income for all household members for the previous month, Social Security cards for each household member, the original disconnect notice or final notice from the electric or gas company, or if you are heating with bulk fuel, you must be within four days or less of being without heat in the home. If heat expense is included in rent, applicant must have an eviction notice from the County Attorney's office.

For more information on the LIHEAP Program contact us at 606-337-3044 or 606-549-3933 or stop by your nearest Bell-Whitley office.