Maine Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) is for low-income households in Maine failing to meet their heating needs during winter. The program offers grants directly to the energy provider after approving application for a household. However, if applicant needs emergency assistance, LIHEAP will pay directly to the applicant.

The program provides assistance with home energy bills, emergency fuel delivery, as well as home energy improvements. All the funds for LIHEAP in Maine come from U.S Department of Health and Human Services.

To receive grant through LIHEAP in Maine, applicants will have to choose a fuel supplier that participates in LIHEAP. The program provides a portion of household's total fuel costs to help them continue using heating throughout the winter. The exact amount of benefits depends on the number of people living in household, gross income of the household, and energy costs. The amount of benefits also depends on the kind of fuel a household is using for heating purpose.

In case a household is facing an emergency situation, it may qualify to receive additional help through the program. Households will qualify for emergency aid if they have less than 1/4 fuel tank or they are facing imminent threat of disconnection. The household seeking payment for emergency fuel should be in genuine need of financial aid for paying their bills.

The program also provides aid through U. S Department of Energy Weatherization program to help households repair their heating equipment. The program will provide a part of total cost needed for improving home so that it consumes lesser energy, making it more protective during harsh weather. The techniques that are covered in the program are caulking, weather stripping, and home insulation. The program helps with furnace repairing as well.

Maine LIHEAP helped roughly 70,000 households last year. The program has given preference to elderly, disabled, and children under five since it provides help to the most vulnerable. The program assists households that have income below 230% of the federal poverty level (FPL). In addition to providing assistance, the program also stresses that households maintain their heating system in order to keep their energy costs low.

To receive LIHEAP benefits in Maine, applicants will have to visit their local community action agency and fill apply for benefits. After the application is approved, LIHEAP grant will directly go to energy provider. In case of emergency fuel help, such grant will be paid directly to the household.

Eligibility Requirements

In order to receive help with energy costs, households will have to meet certain eligibility criteria for the program.

• Applicant should be a U.S citizen or a qualified alien

• Applicant should be a resident of Maine

• Applicant should be unable to afford heating and fuel costs

• Applicant should have household income below 60% of the state area media or have income below the gross income limit for the program. The lesser amount will set the limit.

Income guidelines

Maine LIHEAP uses the following income guidelines for determining household's eligibility for the program.

Number of people in household Gross annual income

Household Size	1 MONTH	3 MONTHS	12 MONTHS
1	$2,723	$8,168	$32,672
2	$3,560	$10,681	$42,725
3	$4,398	$13,195	$52,778
4	$5,236	$15,708	$62,831
5	$6,074	$18,221	$72,883
6	$6,911	$20,734	$82,936
7	$7,068	$21,205	$84,821
8	$7,226	$21,677	$86,706
9	$7,383	$22,148	$88,591
10	$7,605	$22,815	$91,260

LIHEAP Application Instructions

In order to apply for Maine LIHEAP, you will have to visit your local community agency. You can find contact information and address of local agencies using this link. When you apply for LIHEAP, you will be considered automatically for Appliance Replacement, Weatherization, and Home Energy Improvement programs.

When applying, make sure that you are taking the following documents with you to expedite the application process.

• Name and social security numbers of all the people in your household

• Proof of your residence

• Proof of your household gross income

• Copies of your recent utility bills

• Proof of fuel type that you are using at home for heating

For more information on the program, you can call at 207-624-5708.