Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP)

LIHEAP is a program that is designed to help low income households with meeting their everyday energy needs. This program has been in effect since 1982. Applicants must meet certain income eligibility. An applicant cannot exceed 150% of the poverty level or 60% of the state median income level.
On the federal level there is the Division of Energy Assistance. This office is in charge of the following:

• developing quidelines and regulations for grantees. Grants are available to all fifty states, five territories, tribal groups, and the District of Columbia.
• allots funds to grantees
• devises statistics on home energy costs and incomes of program users
• researches and evaluates statistical data
• explains federal policies and ensures compliance of grantees
• provide training and technical assistance to grantees
• reviews grantee applications and forwards to financial management

On a state level the grantees administer the funds to eligible families based on their income and their high cost of energy use. There is usually an office in each county. In Montgomery County the office is called Gateway Community Action and is located on U.S. 60.