Jump to: Overview, Eligibility, Tips for Students, How to apply, What to Expect After Applying,  Outside Help.

Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP)

LIHEAP Montana is a federal benefit program that assists low-income households with heating bills, home appliance repairs, and emergency assistance during the heating season (Oct 1 - Apr 30).

Eligibility

LIHEAP eligibility is set at 60% state median income for up to 9 household members. For households with more than 9 members, eligibility is set at 150% of the federal poverty level (FPL). See the table below for 2023 income levels.

LIHEAP serves Low-income households that use significant portions of their income towards home heating. The program prioritizes households where 4.3% or more of household income goes toward home heating and cooling. For example, if your home heating is $100 per month, the household would have to make less than $2,325 monthly to be prioritized. Households may still be eligible for LIHEAP even if they are not a priority group.

LIHEAP is available for individuals who own or rent their dwelling if they pay for heating costs and have the appropriate documents, see below for a list of required documents.

Number in Household

Upper Income Limits for LIHEAP Eligibility 60% State median

1

$28,136

2

$36,793

3

$45,450

4

$54,108

5

$62,765

6

$71,422

7

$73,046

8

$74,669

9

$77,025

10

$84,105

Student Specific Tips

Households containing a dependent of an out-of-state resident (generally a parent living in a different state) are ineligible.

Households in which all members receive SNAP are categorically eligible for LIHEAP and are very likely to receive benefits; and

Households with young children and adults over the age of 60 are priority households. When LIHEAP serves these households, the State receives increased program funding. Households containing individuals from these demographics are likely to be prioritized for benefit recipience.

Examples of potentially Eligible Students

Example student 1: A household with two parents and a child making less than $36,000 and paying their heating bill which can be included in the rent is likely to be eligible.

Example 2: A household where no member is claimed as a dependent and where all members are receiving SNAP is likely to be eligible.

The Application Process

LIHEAP applications can be submitted through apply.mt.gov, or by paper through the OPA. Make sure that during the application process, all household members are present and have access to:

  • Housing and utility payment info (ie. Utility bills, Utility Contract, lease agreement)
  • Income documentation (ie. Tax returns, Pay stubs)
  • Social security Number
  • Financial Aid Info
  • Landlords contact information.

What to Expect After Applying

After applying expect the OPA to reach out within 45 days to accept or reject benefits. Additional interviews may be necessary if the OPA has any doubts or additional questions regarding the information provided on the application.

Outside Resources

The Basic Needs program can help with how to apply question, but does not determine eligibility, Basic needs staff can be reached at basicneeds@montana.edu

To test your eligibility, try the Benefit Finder. This resource does not guarantee eligibility, but it can be useful in estimating which benefits you may be eligible for.