The federally funded Low Income Energy Assistance Program (LIEAP) provides energy assistance to households with income under 130 percent of the federal poverty level (see poverty guidelines, page 84). People with disabilities, elderly persons, and families with children are the primary groups assisted. Applicants must prove they have made heating fuel payments during two of the three months prior to applying for assistance. Applications for the annual benefit are accepted January through March. The 2006 LIEAP benefit averaged $557 per household.
| Low Income Energy Assistance Program | |
| Households Served | 41,788 |
| Actual Expenditures---SFY 2006 | $25,714,171 |
"I need help paying my utility bills. How and when can I apply for LIEAP?"
SRS mails applications to those who received LIEAP benefits in the prior year and to persons who received cash or food stamp assistance in December. Applications are available and accepted at local SRS service centers statewide. Applications are also available from fuel vendors, helping agencies, and by calling toll free 1-800-432-0043. The applications are accepted from mid-January through the end of March.
*The FY 2006 $25,714,171 Expenditure total represents $23,261,625 issued in the 2006 LIEAP program and $2,452,546 issued as supplemental payments from the 2005 LIEAP program.