LIHEAP Maine

LIHEAP in Maine

Maine is plagued by cold winters, which makes programs like LIHEAP even more important to low-income families and individuals. The Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program is federally funded and state regulated. For Maine, residents must meet income guidelines set at 60% of the state median income, unless there are special medical circumstances or children under the age of two living in the home. Those families can earn more and still receive LIHEAP support. Utility companies working with LIHEAP in Maine include:

• Bangor Hydro Electric
• Central Maine Power
• Maine Public Service Company

Maine LIHEAP Assistance

Assistance from LIHEAP helps families make it through the cold winter months without facing interruption of heating service. Heating services include electric and gas, depending on the home. In 2011, about 63,000 households received an average of $804 in credits for heating costs. For 2012, the federal government granted Maine $30 million in LIHEAP money to disburse to qualified applicants. Applications for heating assistance must be received between October 1 and April 30. If you are in a crisis situation, applications for crisis support are accepted between November 1 and March 31.

LIHEAP Application & How to Apply

Before applying for LIHEAP it is recommended that you talk with a representative from the Maine State Housing Authority. The Housing Authority can be reached at 1-800-452-4668. Community Action Programs are available throughout the state of Maine to help residents with answers to LIHEAP questions and the application process. After submitting your application, there is a waiting period before funds are delivered to your utility company. You will be responsible for account balances accumulated before the LIHEAP payment and after the LIHEAP payment. If you are in a crisis situation and you have a disconnection notice and you qualify for LIHEAP based on the income guidelines, contact the Community Action Program in your area immediately.

LIHEAP Eligibility – Am I Eligible

In the state of Maine, there are two income guidelines to qualify for LIHEAP assistance. If you have an elderly person living in your home, children two years of age or younger or you have a medical condition that makes you more susceptible to hypothermia, you can earn more and still qualify for assistance.

If there is a person in your home that may be affected by hypothermia based on state statutes as listed above, the following income guidelines are applicable.