LIHEAP

Applying

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Steps

1.) Gather household income information for the past three months (includes income from work and any type of non-taxable income like child support). The state agency needs proof of income to assess eligibility.

2.) Calculate gross income (amount made before taxes) to insure sum is within 200 percent of federal poverty guidelines.

3.) Contact the CEAP provider in your state and city responsible for taking and processing applications for LIHEAP funds. Use this PDF to find energy service agencies located in the state of Texas that participate in the program, or use the following contact information if patient is a Houston resident:

Neighborhood Centers Inc.

Jamie Calobrisi (713) 685-6517 jcalobrisi@shelteringarms.org

P.O. Box 271389 Houston, TX 77277 Phone: (713) 667-9400 Fax: (832) 413-5803

The state of Texas does not post LIHEAP applications online, and requires those that are interested in the program to make an appointment at one of these agencies and apply in person. Find more information on these agencies by calling the National Assistance Referral project at (866) 674-6327

4.) Contact your state or city agency and make an appointment to apply for funds. Ask the person making your appointment what information, other than income verification, you will need to bring with you.

5.) Call your fuel company to confirm that is participates in LIHEAP. Some companies do not participate.

6.) Attend your appointment and bring all requested paperwork.

• Recent copies of utility bills
• Recent payroll stub or other proof showing current gross income (refer to list):
• Social Security
• Unemployment Insurance
• Pension Funds
• Disability
• Final Utility Termination Notice (if patient has received shut-off notice from energy company)
• Proof of present address
• Rent Receipt
• Lease/Deed
• Property Tax Bill
• Proof of total members living in household
• Birth Certificate
• School Records
• Social Security Cards/Numbers for all persons living in household
• Proof of U.S. citizenship or permanent residence

There are 35 agencies in the Harris County district that can assist patients with electrical and utility needs. The following website lists each agency, their phone number, and shows a map of where the agency is located in Harris County. Additionally, by clicking the “details” button, the site provides the eligibility requirements of each agency. For example, as per the website, the first agency, AIDS Foundation Houston, Inc. provides rent, mortgage, and utility assistance for persons living with HIV/AIDS. When suggesting an agency for patients, refer to this website. For the patient’s convenience, they can also inquire about a list of agencies closest to them by calling 2-1-1 (A Texas program that connects residents with services).

Additionally, patients can also call the National Energy Assistance Referral (NEAR) Project. If the local 2-1-1 number cannot be reached, NEAR is a free national service providing information on where you can apply for LIHEAP. Call NEAR at 866-674-6327 between the hours of 7 A.M and 7 P.M.

• Roughly equivalent to extremely low- to very low-income households (0-60 percent of the area median family income);
• Households with small children (under the age of 6);
• Households with an elderly resident;
• Households with a disabled resident;
• Households with the highest energy cost and lowest income; and
• Households with high residential energy use.