LiHEAP Delaware

LIHEAP in Delaware

The Delaware LIHEAP program is slightly different from other states. Residents can earn more money and still qualify for the program, which opens up the number of people receiving support from LIHEAP. LIHEAP, or the low-income home energy assistance program, is designed to ease some of the financial burden associated with heating and cooling costs during peak months. For this reason, the program distributes payments for heating costs between October 1 and March 31; cooling costs between May 1 and September 15; and crisis payments between January 3 and March 30.

Utility companies work with the LIHEAP program to credit customer accounts with the money approved by the program. Two utilities companies working to help support customers with additional heating and cooling programs are Chesapeake Utilities and Delmarva Power (Conectiv).

In Delaware the LIHEAP program is called DEAP – Delaware Energy Assistance Program. You may also hear the term SCAP – Summer Cooling Assistance Program. These are both associated with and funded by LIHEAP.

Delaware LIHEAP Assistance

During the 2011 LIHEAP fiscal year, the program received more than $8 million to distribute to residents in Delaware. In 2011, about 21,000 payments were sent for heating costs and about 7,000 payments for cooling costs. The minimum benefit for the Delaware LIHEAP heating program is $300 with a maximum of $750. The average approved applicant receives about $516 per year. LIHEAP is a yearly program so applicants need to reapply each year for acceptance and payment.

LIHEAP Application & How to Apply

When you’re ready to apply for the LIHEAP program, you’ll need to contact the Delaware Health and Social Service department. You can contact the office by phone at 1-800-464-4357. There are also local LIHEAP agencies in New Castle County, Kent County and Sussex County.

• New Castle County: 1-302-654-9295
• Kent County: 1-302-674-1782
• Sussex County: 1-302-856-6310

When applying for Delaware LIHEAP you must first meet the income guidelines established by the state. The income guidelines are 200% of the federal poverty level.

LIHEAP Eligibility – Am I Eligible?

Before calling the Delaware Social Service Department or your local utility company for more information on the LIHEAP program, look at the income guidelines for your state. Income guidelines may change each year, but the new guidelines will be delivered with your application. You must apply for LIHEAP benefits every year.

Residents of Delaware with more than eight household members need to add $7,640 for each additional member. For instance, if there are 10 people in the household the maximum income level would be $90,540. Income must be verified with income statements. Family size must also be proven with proper documentation.