There are two primary types of LIHEAP assistance

    Regular Assistance — is available for eligible households during the application period of the winter and/or summer programs. This type of assistance is a one-time payment per household per program. Subsequent applications for this assistance during the same program by the same household, or a member of a household having received a Regular Assistance benefit, will be denied.
    Crisis Assistance — is available for eligible households during designated application periods. This type of assistance is a one-time benefit per household per program not to exceed $500. Subsequent applications for this type of assistance during the same program, by the same household or member of a household, having received a crisis benefit, will be denied. The maximum allowable payment level of $500 may be reduced whenever deemed necessary by the Department of Human Services (DHS), Office of Community Services (OCS).

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%.

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