LIHEAP in New Mexico
New Mexico has a hot, arid climate, known to produce hot summer days and cool winter nights. Heating and cooling costs can rise from affordable to extreme in just a few weeks. LIHEAP provides funds to households in need of a little extra support paying utility bills. After qualifying for a LIHEAP benefit, your utility company will receive a payment from the program. The payment is used to pay current or past due bills. Utility companies working with LIHEAP in New Mexico include:
- Public Service Company of New Mexico
- Bernalillo County
- El Paso Electric
- New Mexico Gas Company
New Mexico LIHEAP Assistance
Due to the extreme summer temperatures, LIHEAP funding for 2012 was $12.8 million. More than 100,000 applications were submitted for assistance in 2011 and about 74,000 households received LIHEAP payments. Applications for heating, cooling and crisis support are accepted between October 1 and August 31 each year. The long application period is available due to the inconsistency of weather conditions and sharp extremes in temperature. If your application for LIHEAP in New Mexico is approved, you will receive an average payment of $121. The maximum benefit for a crisis application is $560. Crisis applications are accepted when residents are facing service interruption.
LIHEAP Application & How to Apply?
The New Mexico Human Services Department is available to help New Mexico residents apply for LIHEAP. Residents can call the New Mexico Human Services Department at 1-800-283-4465. Field offices are located throughout the state so residents can apply close to home.
You may need to make an appointment to apply for LIHEAP, so called your local office ahead of time to find out the procedure followed for LIHEAP applications. You’ll need to bring:
- Proof of Income
- Proof of Family Size
- Current Utility Bill for Heating or Cooling Company
Other documentation may be needed to complete the application. Once your application is submitted, you may need to wait 45 days or longer to receive acceptance or denial of benefits.
LIHEAP Eligibility – Am I Eligible?
Before applying for LIHEAP, you may be asked to compare your current income with the following chart. You will need to supply income verification for the previous 30 days to qualify for LIHEAP. To estimate your yearly income based on the previous 30 days, multiply your monthly income by 12.
Family Size | 150% of Poverty |
1 | $16,335 |
2 | $22,065 |
3 | $27,795 |
4 | $33,525 |
5 | $39,255 |
6 | $44,985 |
7 | $50,715 |
8 | $56,445 |
Households with more than eight persons living under one roof can add $5,730 for each additional family member to the total allowed income.
