The Federal LIHEAP program provides free government assistance for heating, cooling, appliances, to low income, elderly and disabled families in Washington. Washington State LIHEAP distributes money from a federally funded block grant to low-income households in Washington State to help pay for home heating. The goal? Keep our most at-risk neighbors safe. LIHEAP offers assistance to low-income households with young children, individuals with disabilities, and the elderly. These groups are the most vulnerable to health risks associated with inadequately heated homes. LIHEAP helps low-income households with high energy burdens. Often, households with the lowest incomes have the highest energy costs.
When people cannot pay their energy bills, they may seek dangerous alternative heating methods–like charcoal heaters or malfunctioning portable heaters and space heaters. They may also simply turn the heat down and suffer from a dangerously uncomfortable home, or worse, hypothermia. LIHEAP is federally funded to help low-income households cope with their energy costs and keep their homes safe and healthy.
Once you apply and are approved, you will be notified of your award amount. This information will be given to your utility company and the award will be applied to your bill. If your need is critical, the Department of Commerce will work with you and your utility company help to get you the help you need. Most local agencies will begin accepting applications around October, if federal funding is available. Assistance is provided on a first-come, first-served basis.
Qualification
It’s pretty simple. Your household must be living at or below 125% of federal poverty guidelines. Your local LIHEAP agency will count how many people live in your household (this includes everyone even multiple households within one house) and verify the income of each person. For an eligible household, the award amount is based on additional criterias:
- Type of housing
- Type of heating
- Annual heat costs
Awards can range from $25 to $1,000.
Find your household size below to see the maximum monthly income that will still be considered eligible for LIHEAP energy assistance. You can ask your local LIHEAP agency if you are eligible for other energy resources (besides LIHEAP) and you may also qualify for other kinds of assistance and services.
| Household Size |
Maximum Monthly Income |
|
| 1 | $1,134 | |
| 2 | $1,532 | |
| 3 | $1,930 | |
| 4 | $2,328 | |
| 5 | $2,726 | |
| 6 | $3,124 | |
| 7 | $3,522 | |
| 8 | $3,920 | |
| 9 | $4,318 | |
| 10 | $4,716 | |
| 11 | $5,114 | |
| 12 | $5,511 | |
| 13 | $5,909 | |
| 14 | $6,307 | |
| 15 | $6,705 | |
| 16 | $7,103 | |
| 17 | $7,501 | |
| 18 | $7,899 | |
| 19 | $8,297 | |
| 20 | $8,695 | |
| 21 | $9,093 | |
| 22 | $9,491 | |
| 23 | $9,889 | |
| 24 | $10,286 |
Contact
Mr. Tony M. Hanson
LIHEAP Program Manager
Department of Commerce
906 Columbia Street, S.W.
P.O. Box 48350
Olympia, Washington 98504-8350
TEL: (360) 725-2866
FAX: (360) 586-0489
E-MAIL: tony.hanson@commerce.wa.gov
WEB SITE: www.liheapwa.org