LIHEAP Overview

• The LIHEAP program helps households with the lowest incomes meet home energy needs. Instead of providing energy assistance directly to the public, LIHEAP funds are available to those in need through community programs. LIHEAP block grants are awarded to all 50 U.S. states, Indian tribes, tribal organizations and U.S. territories based on the area's weather and low-income population. Energy assistance offered through LIHEAP can help reduce health risks and safety problems resulting from the inadequate heating or cooling of a home. In addition to energy bill payment assistance, LIHEAP can also provide energy crisis assistance to those facing a termination of energy services. Individuals can find the agency that provides LIHEAP assistance by contacting the electric or natural gas company or the local Community Action Partnership organization in their community.
  
  

LIHEAP Eligibility

• Households eligible for LIHEAP assistance are those whose incomes are lower than 150 percent of the poverty level or 60 percent of the state's median income. LIHEAP grantees are allowed to give assistance priority to households whose home energy needs or costs are greater in relation to income, according to the Department of Health and Human Services. When applying for LIHEAP assistance, individuals must provide recent copies of utility bills, proof of income, any utility termination notices, proof of address, proof of the total number of people living in a household, a Social Security number for each member of the household and proof of U.S. citizenship or legal residence. Proof of the total number of individuals in a home can be in the form of birth certificates, Social Security cards or school records for each individual. Proof of address can come in the form of a rent receipt, deed, lease or property tax bill.
  
  

Weatherization Program Overview

• The Weatherization Assistance Program helps low-income families make their homes more energy-efficient, thus permanently lowering their energy bills. The U.S. Department of Energy's website states that the most advanced technologies in the housing industry are used to improve the energy performance in the homes of needy families. WAP funds are given to local governments which, in turn, fund nonprofit organizations and community action agencies that provide weatherization assistance to local residents. The goal of WAP is to improve the health of low-income families, improve the safety of homes, decrease the cost of energy and help reduce dependence on foreign oil through the installation of energy-efficient windows, insulation and energy-efficient appliances.
  
  

Weatherization Program Eligibility

• Required to meet the same citizenship requirements and income guidelines as LIHEAP, WAP applies to families living in single-family homes and mobile/manufactured homes. Multifamily dwellings, such as apartments, are also eligible to receive WAP assistance as long as they contain five to 25 dwellings. Those wishing to receive WAP assistance for a multifamily dwelling must have rental procedures developed before applying to the program.