The Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) helps keep families safe and healthy through initiatives that assist families with energy costs. We provide federally funded assistance in managing the costs associated with:
- Home energy bills
- Energy crises
LIHEAP can help you stay warm in the winter and cool in the summer through programs that reduce the risk of health and safety problems that arise from unsafe heating and cooling practices.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What is LIHEAP?
LIHEAP stands for Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program and is provided by Capital Area Community Action Agency, Inc. to assist low-income households to help pay energy expenses. The main components to the LIHEAP program are:
- Payment on behalf of qualified applicants to offset home heating or cooling costs.
- Crisis relief for emergency situations such as: running out of fuel, or the impending or actual termination of electric or gas service.
2. Do I have to own a home to qualify for LIHEAP?
No, to qualify, you may rent, own your home or live is federally subsidized housing (Section 8 or public housing).
3. Do I need to have an unpaid utility bill?
Yes, you must have a current bill with a past-due amount to receive LIHEAP assistance.
4. Do I have to be on public assistance to apply for LIHEAP?
No, you do not need to be on public assistance to qualify for LIHEAP.
5. Who is eligible?
Applicants whose gross total household income is 150% or less of the current Federal Poverty Income Guidelines qualify for this program. The income guidelines for LIHEAP are updated annually by the Federal Department of Health and Human Services.
Note: Only Priority clients will be served in the first 15 days of each month.
1) Single mothers with qualifying child;
2) Sixty years of age or older;
3) Disabled (Documentation required)
4) At least one child under age 5.
All other clients will be served for the last 2 weeks of each month.
6. What does LIHEAP not pay for?
LIHEAP does not pay for non-electric charges such as water, sewage, fire, bad check fees (NSF), collection fees, meter tampering fees, etc.
7. Question: What counties offer LIHEAP or what counties do we serve?
Calhoun, Franklin, Gadsden, Gulf, Jefferson, Leon, Liberty, and Wakulla
local county contact information.
8. How often can I apply?
Home Energy Assistance: Once every 12 months
Crisis Assistance: Once every six months
9. How can I apply?
Use the online application information on how to apply.
10. What documents are needed to apply?
You will need to bring the following information to your appointment:
1) Valid (non-expired) Photo ID or Driver’s License with birth date for ALL household members ages 18 and over.
2) Social Security Card for ALL household members.
3) Proof of disability, (documentation required).
4) Proof of Income for ALL household members:
a) Current pay stubs, 2/bi-weekly, 4/weekly, or 1/monthly
b) Social Security, Retirement, Pension, Death Benefits, VA award letters, (cannot use bank statement).
c) TANF award letter (cash assistance)
d) Food Stamp Verification Award Letter (cannot use the food stamp card)
e) Child Support Verification (Last 3 check stubs, or letter from Child Support)
f) Unemployment or Worker’s Compensation Award Letter
g) Financial Aid Award Letter
5) Most Recent Utility Bill (Utility Bill must be in the name of the person applying, and the applicant must reside in the household.)
6) Lease/Mortgage
Note: All household members must be on the lease.
*** Income must be gross income. Bank Statements are NOT acceptable.
All DOCUMENTATION MUST BE CURRENT. If you do not submit all documents, you will have to restart the process.
