Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP)
The Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) helps keep families safe and healthy by assisting with energy costs
- Agency
- Colorado Department of Human Services
- Type
- Federal Program
- Phone
- Application Period
- Typically starts in November each year
- Income Limit
- Household income must not exceed 165% of the federal poverty level
The Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) helps keep families safe and healthy by assisting with energy costs.
The Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) helps keep families safe and healthy by assisting with energy costs.
Eligibility Requirements
Must be a resident of Colorado, need financial assistance for home energy costs
Application Process
Applications can be submitted through the Colorado PEAK website
Required Documents
Proof of income, residency, and energy bills
Images & PDFs
Affordable Energy for All: Utah Clean Energy
A guide focused on expanding energy efficiency benefits for low-income residents in Salt Lake City. It aims to promote clean energy solutions.
View Full ImageColorado Energy Office Low-Income Model Laws for Deep Decarbonization
A map showing Colorado electric utility service territories, potentially related to low-income energy assistance programs.
View Full ImageINFLATION REDUCTION ACT HOME ENERGY
An educational resource outlining principles for effective residential energy efficiency and electrification retrofits, aimed at reducing energy costs for low-income households.
View Full ImageLifting the High Energy Burden in America's Largest Cities
A report highlighting how energy efficiency improvements can aid low-income and underserved communities. It focuses on practical and supportive measures to enhance living conditions and reduce energy costs.
View Full ImageImpact Reports
LIHEAP Program Benefits: A Study of Colorado's Low-Income Households
6/15/2021 | Coverage: state
This report examines the various benefits provided by LIHEAP to low-income households in Colorado, showcasing the positive effects on participants' well-being and financial stability.
Source: Colorado Department of Human Services
Coverage Area: state
Rising Costs and Stagnant Wages: The Necessity of Energy Assistance Programs
2/1/2022 | Coverage: national
This academic paper discusses how rising living costs and stagnant wages are increasing the need for energy assistance programs like LIHEAP, positioning these aids as essential rather than optional.
Source: Institute for Economic Studies
Coverage Area: national
The Impact of LIHEAP on Community Resilience and Stigma Reduction
11/10/2020 | Coverage: national
This research highlights how LIHEAP not only assists families in need but also strengthens community ties and reduces the stigma associated with receiving government aid.
Source: National Nonprofit Energy Assistance Coalition
Coverage Area: national
Program Timeline
Emergency COVID-19 Funding
4/15/2021The American Rescue Plan provided emergency funding for LIHEAP to address the economic fallout from the COVID-19 pandemic.
Affordable Care Act Inclusion
3/2/2010The Affordable Care Act included provisions that reinforced the importance of energy assistance for low-income households, linking health and energy access.
Increased Funding Levels
12/15/2000Federal funding for LIHEAP was significantly increased in response to rising energy costs and extreme weather conditions.
LIHEAP Amendments
10/24/1990Amendments to LIHEAP were enacted to increase funding and expand eligibility, reflecting growing concerns about energy poverty.
Establishment of LIHEAP
11/30/1981The Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) was established to help low-income households manage their energy costs, especially during winter.
FAQ
The Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) is a federal program that helps low-income households pay their heating and cooling bills. In Colorado, the program is administered by the Department of Human Services, which works with local agencies to distribute funds to eligible applicants.
Reference: https://www.colorado.gov/pacific/cdhs/liheap
LIHEAP provides assistance in several ways, including cash assistance for heating and cooling bills, crisis intervention for emergency situations, and weatherization services to help reduce energy costs in the long term.
Reference: https://www.colorado.gov/pacific/cdhs/liheap
Eligibility for LIHEAP in Colorado is determined by income, household size, and the amount of energy assistance needed. Generally, households with incomes at or below 60% of the state median income qualify. Additionally, households with elderly or disabled members receive priority.
To determine your eligibility for LIHEAP, please ensure you have the following:
- Proof of income for all household members
- Social Security numbers for all household members
- Recent energy bill
- Proof of residency
- Any documentation related to disability or elderly status (if applicable)
Having these documents ready will help streamline the application process.
To apply for LIHEAP, take the following actions:
- Visit your local county human services office.
- Fill out the LIHEAP application form.
- Submit your application along with required documents.
- Follow up with the agency to check on the status of your application.
By completing these steps, you can successfully apply for energy assistance.
Reference: https://www.colorado.gov/pacific/cdhs/liheap
Eligibility requirements may vary based on local regulations and available funding.
