What is LIHEAP?
Heating and Cooling header graphic LIHEAP is federal money given to each state to assist low-income families with energy costs. In Michigan, the LIHEAP block grant is used for the following programs: • Home Heating Credit • State Emergency Relief (SER) • Weatherization Assistance Program (WAP) Home Heating Credit Basic maintenance benefits for LIHEAP are issued through the Home Heating Credit to all low-income households. The Michigan Department of Treasury determines eligibility and makes the payments. You do not need to file a state income tax return to receive the Home Heating Credit. You may apply for the Home Heating Credit only. Eligibility is based on income, number of exemptions and household heating costs. For more information refer to the Home Heating Credit web site. State Emergency Relief The LIHEAP crisis intervention program is coordinated with Michigans State Emergency Relief (SER) program.
What kinds of services are available? LIHEAP stands for the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program. LIHEAP is a federally funded block grant that provides money to help low income households make home heating more affordable, avoid shutoff of utility services during the winter, and maintain a warm, safe, and healthy environment for households with young children, the elderly, and the disabled. The LIHEAP Act requires that the highest level of assistance be provided to the lowest income households with the highest energy consumption, taking into account family size. Energy Assistance Program (EAP) services include: Payments made to energy companies in most cases, or directly to clients to help pay a portion of home heating costs. Client education and furnace repair/replacement are also offered. Weatherization (Wx) services include: Installation of weatherization materials and minor home repairs that are made in the homes of low-income people.
The Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) is a federally funded block grant administered by the Iowa Department of Human Rights/Division of Community Action Agencies. It is designed to help eligible low-income Iowa households in the payment of a portion of their non-business residential heating costs for the winter heating season. The state contracts with community action agencies throughout the state for local program delivery. The LIHEAP payment is made directly to energy suppliers for households who heat with natural gas, electricity, liquid propane, fuel oil, wood, and coal. Five-percent of program funds are allocated under the Energy Crisis Intervention Program (ECIP). These funds can be used for emergency fuel delivery, emergency service reconnection, repair or replacement of furnace/heating system, temporary shelter, and purchase of blankets and/or heaters, fans and air conditioners. Up to five percent of program funds may be allocated to conduct assessment and reso