What are the benefits and how to apply

The Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program provides money to help low-income homeowners and renters pay for heating costs. The LIHEAP program is not intended to pay for all heating costs, but to assist in paying the heating bills. If you cannot afford to heat your home, pay electric bills, or would benefit from energy improvements such as new insulation, a new heating system, or energy efficient appliances, help may be available.

Am I eligible?

The amount of assistance you may get from LIHEAP is based on your household size and income, energy costs, and other factors. If your heat is included in your rent, you may still apply for LIHEAP. Additional help may be available if you have less than one-eighth tank of heating fuel or are in danger of having utility services disconnected and you have no means to pay your energy company. LIHEAP may send funds to your vendor so that you will stay safe and warm.

How do I apply?

Use the 800 number to apply for LIHEAP and to be automatically considered for the Low Income Assistance Plan and the Appliance Replacement, Weatherization and Central Heating Improvement programs. Applications for LIHEAP are accepted from August 15-April 30 of each year.

At the time of application, you should be prepared to provide:

Names and social security cards of all people living in your household.

Proof of gross household income for the last three or 12 months. (Household income includes, but is not limited to: wages, social security, unemployment, pension, and disability payments.)

Proof of present address (for example, lease).

Recent copies of your energy and utility bills.

The type of fuel used to heat your home (natural gas, heating oil, propane, wood, wood pellets, biobricks, coal, corn or kerosene).

Office locations:

South Paris, 17 Market Square

Lewiston, 240 Bates Street

Wilton, 284 Main Street

For more information, call 800-866-5588.