LIHEAP crisis utility help.
Emergency, or crisis LIHEAP, provides grant money to pay utility bills to keep the electricity, heat or gas on. The funds are often provided immediately, sometimes the same day or today. Most states offer a crisis assistance component through their Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) to low-income families, seniors or the disabled. Find where to apply for crisis LIHEAP grants near you below.
This will provide a qualified applicant with a grant for paying their heating, air conditioning or utility bills in less time than alternative solutions. Applications can be done online or through a state agency or community action. While the specifics of each states individual emergency LIHEAP program will vary slightly, in general crisis or emergency assistance works as follows.
Free government money from LIHEAP emergency program
Hardship funds from a LIHEAP crisis grant and financial assistance for paying utility bills will be made available during the winter or summer to help individuals who are out of options and who are therefore in a crisis situation. There is immediate electric bill help for senior citizens, disabled people, and others, such as single moms with no money or the sick or chronically ill.
In general, LIHEAP funds are offered ASAP to people may be about to have their utility, gas or heating service disconnected, they may have run out of heating fuel during the winter, are faced with extreme summer temperatures, or have some other emergency. Or there may be crisis funds to fix an air conditioner or to pay even for one or to pay a light bill. The goal is to help a family keep their service on while they apply for other, longer term help. Some of the crisis LIHEAP programs focus on seniors, the disabled, or families with young children.
Qualify for crisis assistance
In order to qualify for help from the federal government and/or state government funded LIHEAP crisis assistance program near you, some or all of the following must typically be met. Find how to get an application for an emergency LIHEAP grant near you below.
- The applicant needs to be threatened with disconnection of their utility, electric or heating service. They may have also received a shut-off or disconnection notice from their utility or gas provider.
- Or the low-income families applying for financial help from the free government crisis LIHEAP program must currently have their heating or utility service disconnected, or lack heat in their home or apartment. In these cases, they will need help in reactivating their utility or heating service.
- If someone is running out of fuel during the winter, whether heating oil, kerosene, propane, firewood or other sources, than the emergency assistance program may be able to help in those situations. Usually the individuals must have less than a 10-day supply of bulk fuel left.
- The family or individuals must have either broken, inoperable or unsafe heating equipment in their primary residence.
Financial help from LIHEAP crisis or emergency program
The amount of money from the LIHEAP crisis grant will vary. This will depend on the specifics of your state governments Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program. Another key factor is the level of funding that may be made available at the state and federal government level.
If you apply and meet the criteria, eligible households will receive free government assistance from the crisis component of LIHEAP to prevent their service from being interrupted or to restore service to the home. In addition, other forms of Crisis Assistance provided by LIHEAP may include:
- Funds to pay a heating or utility bill in order to prevent disconnection of service. This is always a better option as it is pro-active.
- The program may provide a grant for the payment of utility or heating security deposits. In other words, some states allow free LIHEAP crisis grant money to turn the heat or electricity back on.
- Replenish primary heating oil for the applicant.
- Purchase of portable space heater or a can to keep a senior citizen cool during the summer. Or money may pay for an air conditioner, and learn more LIHEAP air conditioning programs.
- Provide for the repair or replacement of primary heating equipment, such as a furnace, hot water tank, or fireplace. Or the government money will pay for the provision of supplemental heating equipment/maintenance and HVAC tune ups.
- If the individuals or family is facing unlivable conditions, the crisis assistance can provide for the payment for emergency shelter for the individuals.
Apply for crisis funds from Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program
The program is run at the state and local government level. Your best option is to contact the local community action agency in your area for an LIHEAP crisis grant. Or find contact information by state below. They will be able to provide information and/or process applications to the program. Click here to find a listing of non-profits, government agencies, and community action agencies that you can apply for LIHEAP crisis assistance from. Find emergency assistance from community action agencies.
Some of the states and their main public phone numbers to apply for LIHEAP emergency funds near you are below. Many states also have online applications. These agencies may also have information or referrals to intake sites. However the processing of applications for emergency energy bill assistance, furnace repairs, and disconnection prevention is usually outsourced to local non-profit agencies.
Phone number for crisis LIHEAP application
Applications are accepted by each state, either online, in person, or over the phone. Find how to apply for LIHEAP emergency grant money near you below. In general, the money is issued with a few days, and sometimes it may be as short as 24 hours to people with a disconnection notice.
Alabama Department of Economic and Community Affairs, Community Services Division, 1-800-392-8098. Find other details on Alabama LIHEAP program.
Alaska Department of Health and Social Services, Division of Public Assistance, 1-800-470-3058. This crisis program is known as LIEAP in Alaska.
Arizona, Department of Aging and Adult Service, 1-800-582-5706. A major focus is on paying AC or electric bill during the summer to stop a shut off. Or find details on Arizona LIHEAP applications/
Arkansas, Division of Environmental Quality -Arkansas Energy Office, LIHEAP. Residents who need details on the crisis program, for their information the public information phone number is 501-682-0977. Continue with Arkansas LIHEAP crisis funds.
California, Department of Community Services and Development, 1-866-675-6623. LIHEAP crisis funds are also for people on Cal-Works or Cal-Fresh benefits, and find how to get a LIHEAP application in California.
Colorado, Energy Assistance Division, Colorado Department of Human Services, 1-866-432-8435. The benefit is known as LIEAP in Colorado.
Connecticut, Community, Energy & Refugee Services, Department of Social Services, LIHEAP Division, 1-800-842-1132. They process emergency LIHEAP applications for electric or gas bills and offer other aid, and more on Connecticut LIHEAP.
Delaware, Department of Health and Social Services, Division of State Service Centers, 1-800-464-4357. Get more details on Delaware LIEAP applications
District Of Columbia, Energy Affordability Division, District Department of the Environment, 202-673-6750. Social services in DC helps the low-income, and continue with DC LIHEAP.
Florida, Community Assistance Section, Office of Housing and Community Development, Florida Department of Economic Opportunity, 850-717-8450. A majof focus of the LIHEAP crisis grant money is on AC and summer electric bills, and more on emergency LIHEAP in Florida.
Georgia, Department of Human Services LIHEAP, Division of Family and Children Services. Emergency phone number is 1-800-869-1150. Applications to a crisis grant are done ASAP, and more on Georgia LIHEAP.
Hawaii, Benefit, Employment, and Support Services Division, Financial Assistance Office, 1-808-586-5740 for details on year round government utility help from the Hawaii LIEAP benefit.
Idaho, Division of Welfare, Department of Health and Welfare, 1-800-926-2588. Year round electric bill help is offered, with a focus on winter heating costs. Find details on Idaho Idaho LIEAP applications.
Illinois, Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity, Office of Energy Assistance, 1-877-411-9276. Free grant money, AC units or HVAC repairs and grant money is offered in a crisis. More on Illinois LIHEAP.
Indiana, Housing and Community Development Authority, 1-800-872-0371. The program is known as HEAP in Indiana.
Iowa, Division of Community Action Agencies, Department of Human Rights, 515-281-3861. The statewide office processes LIHEAP applications, with an online portal too. Look more for Iowa LIHEAP crisis funds.
Kansas, Social & Rehabilitation Services, 1-800-432-0043. Find details on how to get LIEAP in Kansas.
Kentucky, Department for Community Based Services, Division of Family Support, 1-800-456-3452. Emergency financial assistance for electric, light, and AC bills is available. More on emergency LIHEAP money in Kentucky.
Louisiana, Housing Corporation, Energy Assistance Department may refer residents to the Crisis LIHEAP program. Call 1-888-454-2001. Or learn more in Louisiana LIHEAP applications.
Maine, State Housing Authority, Heating Bill Program, 1-800-452-4668. Most of the free government money is paid out in the winter to the elderly, and learn more on Maine LEAP.
Maryland, Office of Home Energy Programs, Department of Human Resources, Crisis Number, 1-800-352-1446. The name of the LIHEAP emergency program is MEAP, with a focus on the working poor, low-income, seniors and veterans. Get a Maryland MEAP crisis grant.
Massachusetts, Division of Community Services, Department of Housing and Community Development. The phone number for emergency applications to get processed today is 1-800-632-8175. Or learn more on Massachusetts LIHEAP.
Michigan, Division of Family Program Policy. The phone number for LIHEAP crisis funds is 1-800-292-5650. Deposits, HVAC repairs, heating fuel and more in offered, and locate LIHEAP applications in Michigan.
Minnesota, Department of Commerce, 1-800-657-3710. Get details on LIEAP in Minnesota.
Mississippi, Division of Community Services, Mississippi Department of Human Services, 1-800-421-0762. Both electric, cooling, and heating bill grant money is offered, and get details on Mississippi crisis LIHEAP applications.
Missouri, Family Support Division, Department of Social Services, (573) 751-4815. Or get details on LIHEAP Missouri.
Montana, Intergovernmental Human Services Bureau, Department of Public Health and Human Services, 1-800-332-2272
Nebraska, Division of Children and Family Services, Department of Health and Human Services. Dial (402) 471-3121, or learn more on LIHEAP in Nebraska.
Nevada, Division of Welfare & Supportive Services 1-800-992-0900. Government assistance is available for low-income families, with applications in Spanish too. Get Nevada LIHEAP applications.
New Hampshire, Office of Energy & Planning. Call (603) 271-2155, or more on New Hampshire LIHEAP crisis funds.
New Jersey, Department of Community Affairs, Division of Community Resources, Office of Low-Income Energy Conservation as well as emergency LIHEAP phone number is 1-800-510-3102. Applications are processed ASAP for people in a hardship, and more on New Jersey LIHEAP.
New Mexico, Work and Family Support Bureau, Income Support Division/Human Services Department, 1800-283-4465. Both summer and winter funds are provided. Apply for a LIHEAP crisis grant in New Mexico.
New York, Division of Employment and Transitional Supports, New York State Office of Temporary and Disability Assistance. Call 1-800-342-3009. A major focus is on paying winter gas and electric bills, but some year round emergency help for utilities may be offered. More details on New York HEAP.
North Carolina, Department of Health and Human Services, Division of Social Services, Economic and Family Services Section, 1-800-662-7030. Government grants pay everything from summer or winter electric bill to utility deposits and more. Get details on North Carolina LIHEAP applications.
North Dakota, Director of Economic Assistance Policy Division, Department of Human Services. Call 1-800-755-2716. Most money is paid out during the winter, and continue with North Dakota HEAP.
Ohio, Department of Development, LIHEAP emergency crisis number is 1-800-282-0880. Immediate funds will be provided to qualified low-income families, and more on Ohio crisis LIHEAP funds.
Oklahoma, Department of Human Services, Family Support Services Division-SNAP/LIHEAP Section, 1-866-411-1877. There will be year round emergency utility assistance, including during summer heat waves. More on Oklahoma LIHEAP.
Oregon, Housing & Community Services, 1-800-453-5511. Or get details on applications to LIEAP in Oregon.
Pennsylvania, Office of Income Maintenance, Department of Public Welfare, LIHEAP Crisis line, 1-866-857-7095. Both online and local applications can be processed. Learn how to get LIHEAP in Pennsylvania.
Rhode Island, Office of Energy Resources, Department of Administration. Main phone number is (401) 574-9100. Or continue with LIHEAP Rhode Island.
South Carolina, Governor's Office of Economic Opportunity, (803) 734-0673. Some local counties also use LIHEAP emergency grants for AC units or fans, but otherwise light and electric bill help is offered. Find details on LIHEAP crisis money in South Carolina.
South Dakota, Office of Energy Assistance, Department of Social Services, call 1-800-233-8503, or learn more on LIHEAP South Dakota.
Tennessee, Housing Development Agency and local community action agencies provide emergency electric, light and gas bill help. Call (615) 313-4766, or more on Tennessee LIHEAP.
Texas LIHEAP is run in partnership with Department of Housing & Community Affairs. Call 1-888-782-8477, or more on Texas LIHEAP crisis assistance.
Utah, Division of Housing & Community Development, which is part of Utah Department of Community & Culture, 1-877-488-3233. Find details on Utah LIHEAP.
Vermont, Office of Home Heating Fuel Assistance, Department for Children and Families. The main application phone for LIHEAP grant money, including for crisis assistance is 1-800-479-6151. Ore continue with Vermont LIHEAP.
Virginia, Department of Social Services, Energy Assistance Program. Be sure to refer to the crisis and/or emergency LIHEAP program for paying bils, including both winter and summer AC costs. Phone number is 1-800-230-6977. Or more on emergency LIHEAP in Virginia.
Washington, Community Services & Housing Division, Department of Commerce. Dial (360) 725-2866, or get more details on low-income energy bill help from LIHEAP in Washington.
West Virginia, Division of Family Assistance, Department of Health and Human Resources. Call 1-800-642-8589, or learn more on West Virginia LIHEAP.
Wisconsin, Department of Administration, Division of Energy Services, for information on LIHEAP heating assistance the number is 1-866-432-8947. There may be some crisis money during the summer too, and continue with Wisconsin crisis LIHEAP applications.
Wyoming, Department of Family Services. For details on the crisis program dial 1-800-246-4221. Winter heating costs are a focus, and more on Wyoming HEAP.
Puerto Rico, Department of the Family. Dial (787) 289-7600 for crisis funds.
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