LIHEAP Oregon

LIHEAP in Oregon

Residents of Oregon that need assistance with heating expenses can benefit from LIHEAP. This federally-funded program provides heating expense assistance as well as assistance when crisis situations arise. The program allocates funs to state agencies as well as community action agencies and utility companies. The funds are then distributed to qualified residents. In 2010, Oregon LIHEAP assisted 133,500 residents. Additional funding and discounts are available through your local utility company. The participating utility companies include:

• Avista Utilities
• Blanchly-Lane County Co-op
• Canby Utility Board
• Cascade Natural Gas
• Central Electric Co-op
• Central Lincoln PUD
• City of Ashland Utilities
• City of Cascade Locks Utilities
• City of Drain Utilities
• City of Forest Grove Utilities
• City of Milton-Freewater Utilities
• Coos-Curry Electric Co-op
• Columbia River PD
• Consumers Power
• Douglas Electric Co-op
• Emerald PUD
• Eugene Water and Electric Board
• Hood River Electric Co-op
• Idaho Power
• Lane Electric Co-op
• McMinnville Water and Light
• Monmouth Power and Light
• NW Natural
• Oregon Trail Power and Light
• Pacific Power
• Portland General Electric
• Salem Electric
• Springfield Utility Board
• Tillamook PUD
• Umatilla Electric Co-op
• West Oregon Electric Co-op

Oregon LIHEAP Assistance

When residents need an efficient way to apply for LIHEAP in Oregon, two of the resources available are the Oregon Department of Housing and Community Services and Oregon Energy Assistance Agencies. Due to the limited amount of funding received by Oregon, you will need to apply as soon as possible. The agencies will not have the ability to seek out every individual or families that need Oregon LIHEAP assistance. Once you apply for benefits, you will receive an approval or denial letter. Upon approval the expected heating benefits are $250 (minimum) and $550 (maximum). Households in crisis situations are eligible for payments throughout the year.

If your household only qualifies for a limited amount of Oregon LIHEAP benefits, you can contact your local utility company for additional benefits. Utility companies also offer discounts and tips to reduce your heating expenses.

LIHEAP Application & How to Apply

LIHEAP in Oregon applications are accepted throughout the year. The heating benefits are distributed December 1 through June 30. Senior and disabled residents receive benefits between October 1 and June 30. Crisis benefits are available throughout the year, if funds are available.

When applying for LIHEAP in Oregon, utilize the resources available that provide the quickest turnaround time. The agencies are the Oregon department of Housing and Community Services and Energy Assistance agencies. You can find additional information regarding the Oregon LIHEAP process by contacting the Administering Agency at 1-800-453-5511.

LIHEAP Eligibility – Am I Eligible?

In order to qualify for LIHEAP in Oregon, households must meet the minimum income guidelines set by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. Households must be at or below 60% of the state poverty level. The following are the income guidelines, as of 2011:

In the event your household has more than six members, you will add an additional 3% to the total income limit for each additional member. The median state income for the 2012 is at $72,093; 60% of $72,093 is $43,255. A household with six members can earn 132% of $57,098 and qualify for LIHEAP in Oregon. Each additional household member accounts for a 3% of allowable income. For example, a household of seven could earn 135% of $58,396.

Call local utility providers, community action agencies or the Oregon Department of Housing and Community Affairs if you fall within the set income guidelines for LIHEAP in Oregon.