LIHEAP in Mississippi
Mississippi LIHEAP is available for heating, cooling and crisis support. LIHEAP works by providing money to the utility companies that serve customers with electric and gas used as the primary heating or cooling source in the home. Payments are made directly to the utility companies, but customers have to apply for LIHEAP benefits before payments are made. Utility companies working with LIHEAP in Mississippi include:
- Alcorn County Electric Power Association
- Atmos Energy
- Columbus Light and Water
- Entergy
- Mississippi Power
- Mississippi Valley Gas
- Tupelo Water and Light
Mississippi LIHEAP Assistance
Assistance for Mississippi LIHEAP is funded by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. Funding for the 2012 calendar year is about $23 million. In 2011, Mississippi LIHEAP helped more than 66,000 households by providing funds for heating and cooling assistance. Applications for Mississippi LIHEAP must be received between October 1 and April 30 for heating assistance and May 1 and September 30 for cooling assistance. Crisis applications are accepted year-round.
The crisis program is designed to help households facing disconnection of primary heating and cooling utilities. Applications are processed faster than general LIHEAP applications and funds are sent to utility companies to stop the disconnect. You must bring documentation of the impending disconnection to qualify for crisis benefits.
The average heating and cooling benefit received by qualified applicants in Mississippi is around $450. This is not the maximum benefit, however.
LIHEAP Application & How to Apply
Applications for LIHEAP are controlled by the Mississippi Department of Human Services. You can choose to visit a local community action agency or contact the Department of Human Services by phone at 1-800-421-0762. Applicants are required to meet income qualifications, prove family size and submit a current heating or cooling bill during the application process. Acceptance into LIHEAP can take more than 30 days. Applicants are responsible for all heating and cooling costs before the application is approved and after benefit funds have been exhausted. There is a limited amount of funds available in LIHEAP, so not all applicants will be approved.
To qualify for Mississippi LIHEAP, applicants cannot earn more than 60% of the state median income adjusted for family size.
LIHEAP Eligibility – Am I Eligible?
Eligibility for LIHEAP is determined by income. Income levels are adjusted for family size.
Family Size | 60% of the State Median Income |
1 | $17,412 |
2 | $22,770 |
3 | $28,128 |
4 | $33,485 |
5 | $38,843 |
6 | $44,201 |
If more than six persons currently live in your home, you can add 3% to the gross income limit for each additional person. The state median income for the 2012 LIHEAP season is estimated at $55,809. 60% of $55,809 is $33,485. A family of six can earn 132% of $33,485 or $44,201 and qualify for LIHEAP. Each additional family member accounts for a 3% increase in total earnings allowed. Therefore, a family of seven could earn 135% of $33,485 or $45,205.
