Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP)
Low -Income Home Energy Assistance Program Overview
The Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) is a federally funded program administered by the U.S Department of Health and Human Services, Administration for Children and Families, Office of Community Services. Funding is provided to states, territories, and a nationwide network of local designated eligible entities to assist low-income households with meeting their home heating and cooling energy costs.
Low -Income Home Energy Assistance Providers in South Carolina
LIHEAP is administered by the South Carolina Office of Economic Opportunity and funding is provided exclusively to the established network of designated CSBG eligible entities, referred to as Community Action Agencies (CAAs). LIHEAP funds are not awarded to nonprofit organizations outside of this designated network. Reference SC Code of Laws - Title 48 - Chapter 52- Energy Efficiency.
LIHEAP assistance is subject to available funding. While the Office of Economic Opportunity provides the framework for LIHEAP services throughout South Carolina, to stretch resources, CAAs may set more restrictive guidelines regarding the frequency of assistance (ex. how often a household may be served) or the maximum LIHEAP benefit a household may receive (ex. providing a lower benefit than the state-approved maximum).
It is important to note that LIHEAP is not intended to pay a household’s energy costs for the month, year, or season.
LIHEAP Eligibility Requirements
LIHEAP is a needs-based grant. To be eligible for assistance, individuals/households must be income and program eligible, and at a minimum provide the following:
- Proof of U.S. citizenship (or qualified immigrants) for all household members;
- Proof of primary physical residency in South Carolina (government-issued identification);
- Gross 30-day income for all household members 18 and older; and
- Present a need at the time of application (ex. An energy bill due). Note: Energy bills must be in the name of an adult household member.
Additional items may be required by the local CAA to determine eligibility.
South Carolina determines income eligibility for LIHEAP at 60% of the State’s Median Income (SMI). HHS poverty guidelines are published annually.
| LIHEAP Income Guidelines | ||
|---|---|---|
| Persons in Household | 60% SMI Annually | 60% SMI Monthly |
| 1 | $31,993 | $2,660.00 |
| 2 | $41,837 | $3,486.42 |
| 3 | $51,681 | $4,306.75 |
| 4 | $61,525 | $5,127.08 |
| 5 | $71,369 | $5,947.42 |
| 6 | $81,213 | $6,767.75 |
| 7 | $83,058 | $6,921.50 |
| 8 | $84,904 | $7,075.33 |
The amount of assistance provided may depend on the household’s gross income, energy costs or needs at the time of application, receipt of prior assistance, availability of funds, and other possible factors.
Frequently Asked Questions
Will LIHEAP pay for my whole utility bill?
LIHEAP is not meant to pay for a household’s energy costs for the year, the season, or even the month. The amount of assistance provided may depend on the household’s gross income, energy costs or needs at the time of application, receipt of prior assistance, availability of funds, and other possible factors.
Does LIHEAP help pay for water and sewer bills?
No. LIHEAP funds can only be used to help pay to heat or cool your home.
How do I apply for LIHEAP assistance?
Contact your local LIHEAP office to learn about eligibility criteria and how to apply for assistance.
How do I know if I’m qualified for LIHEAP?
Eligibility is determined by your local LIHEAP office. However, being qualified for LIHEAP does not guarantee that you will receive help. If LIHEAP funds run out for the year, additional benefits cannot be provided until more funds are made available by Congress.
To stretch resources, the local LIHEAP office may choose to prioritize energy emergencies, limit the number of times a household may be assisted in one year, or reduce the LIHEAP benefit amount.
Can I send my LIHEAP application to the Office of Economic Opportunity?
No. The Office of Economic Opportunity (OEO) does not have LIHEAP applications, and the OEO does not accept LIHEAP applications. LIHEAP funding is provided to local LIHEAP offices to process applications, determine eligibility, and make payments to local vendors on behalf of eligible households.
More questions? Visit LIHEAP FAQs for Consumers | The Administration for Children and Families.
Your Next Step
For more information about LIHEAP, eligibility, or how to access assistance, please contact the Community Action agency serving your area.
Appeals Process
If you feel you were (1) treated unfairly or (2) denied service(s), please notify the Community Action Agency in your county of residence to appeal and request a fair hearing. Your application will be properly reviewed to determine eligibility based on the required documents provided.
If your appeal is denied by the Community Action Agency, a written appeal can be submitted to the Office of Economic Opportunity. Please send the appeal to the following address: Office of Economic Opportunity Attention: Legal Counsel 1205 Pendleton Street, Suite 355 Columbia, South Carolina 29201