Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP)
Program Description
What is LIHEAP, and how can LIHEAP help me? The Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) is a federal, needs-based program designed to assist low-income households with their home heating and cooling costs. Additionally, LIHEAP may provide support for home energy efficiency improvements, known as weatherization.
What kinds of services does LIHEAP provide in South Carolina?
- Payments toward heating or cooling costs on a household’s energy bill.
- Restoring energy to households that have been disconnected.
- Low-cost home improvement (weatherization) assistance to make the home more energy efficient and lower energy bills.
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, 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.
Who do I talk to if I have a complaint about my local LIHEAP office? If you feel you were treated unfairly or 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 further denied by the Community Action Agency, a written appeal may be submitted to e-mail oeo@admin.sc.gov or mailed to: Office of Economic Opportunity Attention: Legal Counsel 1205 Pendleton Street, Suite 355 Columbia, South Carolina 29201
To learn more, visit: Liheap Faq Consumers LIHEAP is a block grant funded by the Department of Health and Human Services.