How To Apply for the Energy Assistance Program

Applying for energy assistance can be a daunting task for some people, and it doesn’t just cover electricity, but there are several programs that include help for your fuel, heat, and utilities.  There are state funded programs and Federal programs such as HEAP and LIHEAP that can be applied for, and with both, State and Federal, the same basic information they need is similar.

Whether you are applying for state or federal assistance, your local government agency can assist you in filling out the proper forms, or you can find the forms for your local, state, and federal assistance programs right online.  You can have someone assist you in filling out the forms, and your local social service agency can actually fill out the forms for you and help you through the entire process.

Before sitting down to fill out any of the paperwork you should be sure that you have all the information that will be required.  You will need a list of your assets such as your bank accounts, vehicles, properties, income or wages, and anything of value to list.  You will need a list of your expenses to include such things as rent, daycare, insurance, medical bills and anything really that you pay each month.  Be prepared to list all household members, regardless if they are related to you or not, and include their relationship to you as well as birthday and social security numbers. Be prepared to bring in, or include copies, of verification of your lease agreement, utility bills, your bank statements, paystubs, and if self-employed a copy of your taxes return from the previous year.

Getting all the necessary documentation together as well as having all the birth dates and social security numbers of all household members, will save you a great deal of time, and make the application process quick and non-complicated.

Keep in mind that applying for the right program is essential.  HEAP is Home Energy Assistance Program and available to anyone that wishes to apply, whereas LIHEAP is Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program and available to those which are classed as strictly low income or section 8 recipients.  It is important to determine which program you meet the requirements for so that you don’t end up having to apply twice.

Talk to your local social service agency to see which programs that you qualify for and remember that they can also assist you in completing any of the application processes.