LIHEAP New Hampshire

LIHEAP in New Hampshire

The New Hampshire Office of Energy and Planning works with local utility companies to distribute LIHEAP funds. Applicants must supply a current bill from a heating or cooling company when they apply. If approved, funds are sent directly to the utility company. In addition to the LIHEAP funds used to ease the burden of heating and cooling costs, many utility companies offer in-house programs. Some are based on LIHEAP guidelines and others have more lenient income guidelines. Utility companies in New Hampshire include:

• Citizens Energy
• Granite State Electric
• KeySpan
• New Hampshire Electric Co-Op
• Northern Utilities
• Public Service Company
• Unitil

When all funds in LIHEAP are distributed, New Hampshire continues to support needy families with the Neighbors Helping Neighbors program. The program is similar to LIHEAP, but it is not federally-funded.

New Hampshire LIHEAP Assistance

New Hampshire LIHEAP assistance has benefited more than 45,000 households in the previous year. During the 2012 application season, the program was funded with about $19.5 million from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. Applicants are eligible to receive a minimum of $150 and a maximum of $1,125. While applicants must meet the income qualifications (125% of federal poverty) to qualify for full benefits, applicants can report up to 200% of federal poverty to be placed on a waiting list for a minimum payout as an emergency benefit.

LIHEAP Application & How to Apply

LIHEAP applications are accepted by the New Hampshire Office and Energy and Planning. Residents of New Hampshire can contact the office at 1-603-271-2155 or visit one of the local community agencies available for LIHEAP assistance.

Applicants are responsible for filling out the LIHEAP application, bringing proof of income, supplying social security cards for all members of the household and a current utility bill from the company supplying energy or gas for heating/cooling the home.

LIHEAP Eligibility – Am I Eligible?

You must earn at or below 125% of the federal poverty limit to qualify for New Hampshire LIHEAP, but residents earning more than 125% up to 200% of the federal poverty limit may be eligible for the minimum benefit.

125% of Poverty

For each additional family member above eight, add $4,775 to the total income allowed.

200% of Poverty

For each family member above eight, add $7,640 to the total income allowed.