LIHEAP Montana

LIHEAP in Montana

LIHEAP, or Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program, helps pay down utility bills so heat stays on in the home during the coldest months of the year when it can be hard to control heating costs. LIHEAP does not pay money directly to applicants. During the application process, a copy of your heating bill is required. The money is then paid directly to your heating company. Utility companies working with LIHEAP in Montana include:

• Energy West
• Flathead Electric Co-Op
• Lincoln Electric Co-Op
• Missoula Electric Co-Op
• Montana-Dakota Utilities
• Northwestern Energy
• Park Electric Co-Op
• Sun River Electric Co-Op
• Vigilante Electric Co-Op

Some utility companies offer support in addition to the money provided by LIHEAP. Contact your utility company for more information on in0-house programs designed to help low-income residents.

Montana LIHEAP Assistance

Despite the cold winter months in Montana, the state receives less funding than many other states. In 2012, Montana received only $16.9 million in funding. About 27,000 households were approved for heating or crisis support in 2011. The minimum heating benefit credited to approved applicant accounts is $151 with a maximum of $3,618. The average payment was about $630 for 2011.

LIHEAP Application & How to Apply

Residents of Montana must contact the Department of Public Health to apply for LIHEAP. You can contact the Department of Public Health at 1-800-332-2272. Alternatively, you can visit one the Energy Assistance Eligibility Offices to apply for the program.

When submitting your application, you will be asked for proof of income, home size, family and current heating bills. If your application is for crisis intervention, you must have documentation that your primary source of heating will be shut off if payment is not received.

General applications for Montana LIHEAP are accepted between October 1 and June 30. Crisis applications are accepted year-round with funds distributed as available.

LIHEAP Eligibility – Am I Eligible?

Eligibility for Montana LIHEAP is based on one of two income guidelines. If your family has six or fewer members, you can earn up to 60% of the state median income. If your family has more than six members, you must follow the 150% of poverty income guidelines established by the US Department of Health and Human Services.

If your family has more than seven members you will follow the 150% of Poverty guidelines established by the Department of Human Services.

For each family member above 10, add $5,730 to the total allowed income.