South Carolina Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) is designed to help low-income South Carolina families meet their energy costs during tough weather. The program also encourages eligible households to reduce their energy usage by optimizing their home for minimum energy requirements so that such households won't need LIHEAP assistance.

South Carolina LIHEAP is available in all counties of the state. However, assistance is only provided when funds are available. Applicants can submit applications for heating from October 1 to April 30. To apply for assistance with cooling costs, applicants can file application between May 1 and September 30. Crisis Assistance is available throughout the year. Households will have to meet specific requirements for receiving Crisis Assistance. For LIHEAP Weatherization, applicants can apply any time they need the assistance.

South Carolina LIHEAP is dedicated to reach households that it hasn't covered in the past. The program also targets to reduce energy usage for such household through counseling and small grants through LIHEAP Weatherization. Similarly, the program assists households that need to repair heating and cooling equipment to reduce their energy costs. Households with higher energy costs but low income will receive preference because LIHEAP provides aid to those who really need it. The program will require applicants to verify their income before they can receive assistance.

Eligible households can receive assistance only twice a year. They can receive any of the two or the same assistance twice out of these three types.

1. Direct Assistance (DA)

2. Emergency Crisis Intervention Program (ECIP)

3. Project Share (PS)

The maximum amount a household can receive through DA is $1000 while eligible residents can receive a maximum sum of $500 under ECIP.

Applicants will need to have their income below maximum income level the South Carolina LIHEAP. Applicants will have to verify their income. In case, an applicant is self-employed, he or she will need to provide most recent Fed tax forms. If an applicant was self-employed recently and doesn't have last year records to show, he or she can provide quarterly tax report. If the income for a household has decreased dramatically during the last year due to termination of a business, its proof must be provided. In case, an applicant has zero income, he/she must fill a form for Zero Income Declaration. Similarly, if someone else is paying for your household energy costs, you will add that in your household income. It will fall under miscellaneous or cash contributions for the purpose of tax.

Eligibility Requirements

In order to receive assistance through South Carolina LIHEAP, you will have to meet eligibility criteria for the program.

• You must be a citizen of U.S or a qualified alien

• You must be a resident of South Carolina

• Your household income must be at or below 60% of the state median income

Income eligibility

Your household income should be at or below 60% of the state median income.

Number of people in Household Annual Income Limit

1. $16,245

2. $21,855

3. $27,465

4. $33,075

5. $38,685

6. $44,295

7. $49,905

8. $55,515

If you have more people in the household, please add $6,545 for each additional personal.

LIHEAP Application Instructions

In order to apply for South Carolina LIHEAP, you will have to visit your county office for LIHEAP. You can find your office by visiting this link.

When applying for LIHEAP, make sure you take recent copies of your utility bills with you. You will also need to take income proof such as payroll stubs to verify your income. If you have received final notice of disconnection, you should bring the notice with you. You will also need to provide proof of your citizenship or residence. If you are a qualified alien, you should bring the relevant certificate with you.