Merced County Community Action Agency (MCCAA) provides assistance to eligible customers through the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program, commonly known as LiHEAP. Low-income individuals that are struggling to pay their electrical bills must apply for the program and provide all the required supporting documentation.

Eligibility is based on the family size and household’s income. Priority will be given to low-income households with high energy costs, elderly, disabled and that have children 5 years and younger. 

Individuals must call (209) 723-3201 to make an appointment for an in-person interview. Phone lines are available from 7:30am to 6:00pm, Monday to Friday. Individuals must bring all the documents required to complete their application. An incomplete application will result in a delay to process the application.

Additional Services:

• Women, Infants and Children Program (W.I.C.)
• Preschool Centers,
• Homeless and Housing Services
• Utility Assistance
• Home Weatherization
• A.I.D.S Programs

Contac the office for further assistance.

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.

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%.

User questions & answers

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