The Hawaii HEAP program is a federally funded program that is structured to help Hawaii residents to offset their electricity, heating and other energy related bills. This program realizes the importance of energy required for heating in homes , and is in touch with the economic reality of our times, as such it has designed a comprehensively structured system that ensures every Hawaii household is able to afford their heating and energy bills.

At the federal level, the Hawaii HEAP program is administered by the U.S Department Of Health and Human service which provides federal money aimed at facilitating the activities of the program. Applications to the Hawaii HEAP are received in the month of June, with eligible applicants receiving a onetime deposit made directly into their utility bills. This deposit is used to pay for the shut-off or regular electricity, heating and other energy related bills. It however should be noted that the maximum amount allocated for the shut-off bill is $100.

In order to qualify for the Hawaii HEAP, applicants need to meet a set of eligibility requirements as provided by the Hawaii Department of Human Services (DHS), which is responsible for overseeing the program at the state level. These program eligibility requirements are mainly income and categorical in nature.

If you meet the basic eligibility requirements, you should go ahead and apply for the program. Applying for the program is a fairly easy and convenient process that can be done in two steps. First you need to contact your nearest Hawaii HEAP office and schedule an appointment for interview and then show up for the interview.

Upon successful completion of the process, you will start enjoying the benefits of the program.

Eligibility Requirements

Eligibility to the Hawaii HEAP program is mainly based on the income and residence of the applicants. Individual applying for the program are eligible for the regular HEAP benefits if they:

• Meet the specified Hawaii HEAP income eligibility requirements that are based on the household size and the gross monthly income before tax. A comprehensive program income guide is available on this link: http://otda.ny.gov/programs/heap/program.asp (Hawaii HEAP Income guidelines).

• Receive benefits from SNAP, TANF , SSI and other social programs

• Are Residents of the state of Hawaii and US national or qualified legal aliens

The amount of benefits provided under the normal Hawaii HEAP program are highlighted on this link: http://otda.ny.gov/programs/heap/program.asp (Hawaii Heap benefit amounts)

Applicants to the Hawaii HEAP are eligible to the emergency benefits of the program if they meet the following additional eligibility requirements:

• Applicants are eligible for the Hawaii HEAP emergency benefits if their electricity is used for the heating g system or thermostat and it is either shut off or scheduled to be shut off.

• Applicants are eligible for the emergency benefits if their electricity or natural gas heat is scheduled to be shut off

• Applicants are eligible for the program emergency benefits if they have run out of fuel. or they have less than a quarter tank of kerosene or propane or less than a 10 day supply of wood, wood pellets, corn or any other deliverable source of heat.

• The applicants heating and/or electric bill should be in their names

• The applicants should meet the maximum Hawaii HEAP resource threshold which is less $2000 or $3000 if one or more members of the household is aged 60 or older

The Hawaii HEAP, emergency heat benefits are highlighted on the following link: http://otda.ny.gov/programs/heap/program.asp (Hawaii, HEAP Emergency benefits)

LIHEAP Application Instructions

Applying for the Hawaii HEAP program is a fairly easy process that can be done by following these steps:

• Locate and contact your nearest Hawaii HEAP local office and setup an appointment for an interview. You can ask for information on your local office by calling the following toll free number: 1-866-674-6327

• Appear for the interview. On the day of the interview , you should remember to carry your important verification documents such as proof of identity, income and residence which are highlighted on this link: http://www.acf.hhs.gov/programs/ocs/resource/liheap-brochures (Hawaii HEAP important verification documents)

Upon successful completion of the process you will start receiving the benefits of the program. You can use the contact information available on this link: http://www.acf.hhs.gov/programs/ocs/liheap-state-and-territory-contact-listing (Hawaii HEAP state contact information) to obtain more information on the Hawaii HEAP program.