The Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program, commonly known as LiHEAP, is a federally funded program that assists low-income households that are struggling to pay their electrical bills. Individuals must apply for this program and provide all the required documentation. Additionally, individuals will be educated on how to budget and manage their energy needs.

Eligibility:

• 18 years or older
• California Resident
• Income Eligible
• Have out-of-pocket gas or electric cost
• Use gas, oil, wood, electricity or propane to heat your home
• Need to provide all the documents requested in the Energy Services Application and Enrollment Form

Additional Programs:

• Weatherization Services
• Senior Home Repair
• Family Self-Sufficiency
• Economic Empowerment

For additional information contact the Toll Free number (800) 655-0617.

The Low Income Home Energy Assistance program is called LIHEAP. They assist low income people and families with their heating and cooling bills. This program is therefore, a year long program that is available 12 months a year. To qualify for the LIHEAP assistance, you need to qualify. We provide the current Federal Poverty Rates nationwide below.

You are automatically qualified for LIHEAP assistance if you participate in the SNAP food stamps program, TANF Temporary Assistance for Needy Families, or the SSI program through Social Security.

Mission Statement

In partnership with the community, we provide education and supportive services to residents of Santa Barbara County resulting in improved economic security and self-sufficiency.”*

*From the Community Action Commission of Santa Barbara County website

Federal Poverty Guidelines for 2024

Persons In Family	Earnings (100% Fed Poverty Guideline)
1	$15,060
2	$20,440
3	$25,820
4	$31,200
5	$36,580
6	$41,960
7	$47,340
8	$52,720

*Alaska and Hawaii have different rates for HUD federal poverty guidelines.
These numbers above represent 100% of the Federal Poverty Rate. In order to get legal aid from some offices, they use a sliding fee scale. When they use a sliding fee scale, the 100% rate can be different than 100%. In those cases, using for example a 200% federal poverty level, you will only need double the 100% number listed above to 200%.

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