LiHEAP Indiana

LIHEAP in Indiana

Residents of Indiana facing financial struggle with heating and cooling bills may be eligible for Indiana LIHEAP. LIHEAP or Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program is a federal program that distributes money to each state to support low-income individuals and families during peak heating and cooling months. The money is paid directly to utility companies providing energy or gas for heating and cooling. All utility companies in the state including gas, electric, and bulk fuel (wood, propane, coal, pellet) providers accept LIHEAP contributions and are currently working with the program.

Indiana LIHEAP Assistance

Indiana LIHEAP Assistance was provided to more than 168,000 households for heating costs and 165,000 households for cooling costs in 2011 with a federal allocation of $107 million to Indiana. For the 2012 LIHEAP program season, the government has distributed more than $79 million to Indiana. Heating applications are accepted between November 1 and May 15. Indiana will only run a cooling program if there are funds remaining after the heating season. At this time, clients cannot apply for a cooling benefit. Crisis applications are reserved for individuals and families facing immediate disconnection due to an inability to pay heating or cooling costs.

LIHEAP Application & How to Apply

LIHEAP applications are available from the Community Action Agency serving your county. A list of counties and their respective Community Action Agencies can be found at www.incap.org. Applications are accepted by local Community Action Agencies throughout the state. In most cases there is one local action agency in each Indiana county. When applying for LIHEAP, you must bring proof of income and family size. You will also be asked for a recent heating or cooling bill. If you are facing disconnection for non-payment and you qualify for LIHEAP, you may receive funding from the crisis fund. If you are applying for LIHEAP, contact your utility company to let them know your application has been submitted. You will still be responsible for paying your utility bills until you are accepted into the program, but your utility company may work with you to prevent shutoff until you receive your acceptance letter. Also please be sure to call your Community Action Agency before trying to go to their office, often they will only see families by appointment.

You cannot apply for LIHEAP online, but you can contact the Indiana Housing and Community Development Authority at 1-800-872-0371 for information on LIHEAP and the application process.

LIHEAP Eligibility – Am I Eligible?

Eligibility for LIHEAP in Indiana is based on 150% of the federal poverty level. If you earn at or below the amounts listed on this chart you may be eligible for LIHEAP.

For families of more than eight members, add $5,730 for each additional member of the household.