Energy assistance through the LIHEAP are still available.

A household is eligible to receive assistance once per calendar year (Nov 08 to Sept).

Limited assistance is available for emergency or shut-off situations

Contact CAC for information on fund availablity

What is the LIHEAP
The Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) helps pay the winter heating bills or summer cooling bills of low-income and elderly people. During extreme weather conditions, people living in poverty and low-income elderly should not have to choose between buying fuel to heat or cool their homes and buying food or getting medical assistance for themselves and their families.

LIHEAP is funded by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services and the State of Washington. In Whitman County, Energy Assistance is provided by the Community Action Center.

The LIHEAP will provide a one-time benefit to eligible households to be used for energy bills. The amount of payment is determined by income, household size and fuel type. An overdue bill or cut-off notice is not required.

Program Eligibility
You may be eligible to receive assistance under the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) if your household’s combined income is at or below the following levels shown on the chart below. If you rent, and your heat and/or electric is included in the rent, then your rent must be greater than 30% of your income in order to be eligible to receive benefits. These are the new income requirements as of 2009.

*Note: Income levels are guidelines only.  Contact CAC to evaluate your eligibility.

How to Apply
First Step: Application
Contact Community Action Center and tell them you want to apply for the Energy Assistance Program. The staff member who takes your application will help you to understand:
     The program requirements
     The type of assistance available
     Your rights under the program

Second Step: Notification
The agency will determine if you are eligible based on the information provided. You will be notified of eligibility status within seven days. If you are eligible, you will be informed of the amount of assistance you can receive.
Once assistance is received the participant should notify their energy provider of participation in the program.

Third Step: Payment
If you are eligible, the local agency will make the appropriate payment to your energy provider on your behalf.