Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP)

Medium

Public Comment Draft FFY 2024 LIHEAP State Plan

What is LIHEAP?

The Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) helps eligible families with home heating and weatherization costs.

The program partially pays the cost of natural gas, electricity, propane, fuel oil, coal, wood, or other fuel sources.

The program also covers:

  • Weatherization services (insulation, weather stripping around doors and windows, etc.)
  • Furnace cleaning, repair, and replacement
  • Chimney cleaning and inspection
  • Emergency assistance

Application Assistance

If you need help with the application process, Community Options can assist.

Learn more

Medium

    How Do I Apply for LIHEAP?

    LIHEAP applications for the new heating season (Oct. 2023 - May 2024) will be accepted starting October 1. However, households whose income is solely from a fixed income source(s) may apply now. The following income types are considered a fixed income source: pension payments, railroad payments, social security payments, SSI payments, annuity payments, or IRA distribution payments.

    If you have an energy related emergency (shut-off or disconnection notice, out of deliverable fuel, minor repairs), please contact the Customer Support Center.

    Medium

    Apply Online

    Submit an application in the Self-Service Portal (SSP).

    Apply online

    Apply Locally

    Print an application and return it to the Customer Support Center or in person at your local Human Service Zone office.

    Print an Application

    Apply by mail

    Submit a request to have an application mailed to you and return it to the Customer Support Center.

    Request an application

    Medium
    What do I need to apply for LIHEAP?

    Documents to have when you apply:

    • Completed LIHEAP application
    • Verifications of any income you received in the prior month, current month and what is anticipated in the following month
      • If you want LIHEAP to help going back to October (start of current heating season), you will need to provide all income going back to October to current month.
      • If you want to be reimbursed for bills you PAID, you MUST also include proof of paid heating bills along with your income for those months you are requesting reimbursement.
    • Verifications of expenses you have paid from June 1 to current
      • Medical expenses
      • Childcare expenses
      • Child Support/Alimony
    • Copy of your heating bill
    • Copy of your lease if you rent

    Download the LIHEAP Application Checklist

    Get Started in the Self-Service Portal (SSP)

    You can use the SSP to apply online, complete a review and much more for LIHEAP and other financial help programs. Getting started is easy.

    1. Click here to go to the SSP.
    2. Create a North Dakota login. If you already have one, you can skip this step.
    3. Link your case to your North Dakota login.

     

    If you need help, videos and step-by-step instructions can be found on the SSP Help page.

    Need help? We're here for you.

    If you need help applying, a Community Options outreach worker can come to you and help with the LIHEAP application process. Call Community Options at 1-800-823-2417 for assistance.

    The Customer Support Center can also help you with the following:

    • report changes to your case
    • answer questions about your case or programs

    This is also where you will send documents related to your case either by email, fax or mail.

    Contact the center at:
    Email
    : applyforhelp@nd.gov
    Phone: 1.866.614.6005 or 701-328-1000; 711 (TTY)
    Fax: 701.328.1006 
    Mail: Customer Support Center P.O. Box 5562 Bismarck ND 58506

    If you need help using the SSP, find videos and step-by-step instructions on the SSP Help page.

    Medium

    Additional LIHEAP Services

    If you are approved for the most recent heating season (Oct. 2022 - May 2023) you may also get help with the following:
    (Click each topic to learn more.)

    Medium
    Cooling Assistance

    Eligible households can receive help with the cost of purchasing and repairing air conditioners and other cooling devices. 

    If you received LIHEAP this past heating season, you can contact your local Community Action Partnership North Dakota (CAPND) agency directly for help with a cooling device. You will need to provide your LIHEAP approval letter.

    If you did not receive LIHEAP this past heating season, you will need to apply and be approved first, before contacting your local CAPND agency for cooling assistance.

    Find ways to apply in the section above titled "How Do I Apply for LIHEAP?"

    For help completing and submitting a LIHEAP application call 800-823-2417.

    Furnace Help

    Want your furnace cleaned? Contact the Customer Support Center to let them know who you would like to provide this service. If you are unsure which vendor you would like to use, the county can give you a list of vendors in your area.

    Having furnace issues? Take your LIHEAP approval notice and contact Community Action Partnership (CAP). CAP may be able to assist with furnace repair or replacement.

    Emergency Help

    If you have a heating emergency: Contact the Customer Support Center as they may be able to assist with emergency help.

    If electric is not your primary source of heat: Take your LIHEAP approval notice to Community Action Partnership (CAP) for Energy Share. CAP may be able to assist with your emergency electric costs.

     

    Weatherize Your Home

    Take your LIHEAP approval notice and contact Community Action Partnership (CAP). CAP may be able to weatherize your home to make it more energy efficient.

    Medium

    What are the Income Limits for LIHEAP?

    Eligibility is based on a household's income to ensure help goes to those most in need.

    A household’s income must be at or below 60 percent of North Dakota’s median income and within these limits.

    Medium
    Income limits for Heating Season Oct. 1. 2022 - Sept. 30, 2023

    Income limits for the 2022-2023 Heating Season (effective Oct. 1, 2022 through Sept. 30, 2023)

    Houshold Size

    Income

    Monthly Income

    1 $33,407 $2,783
    2 $43,686 $3,640
    3 $53,965 $4,497
    4 $64,245 $5,353
    5 $74,524 $6,210
    6 $84,803 $7,066
    7 $86,730 $7,227
    8 $88,658 $7,388
    9 $90,585 $7,548
    10 $92,512 $7,709
    11 $94,440 $7,870
    12 $96,367 $8,030
    Income limits for Heating Season Oct. 1. 2023 Sept. 30, 2024

    Income limits for the 2023-2024 Heating Season (effective Oct. 1, 2023 through Sept. 30, 2024)

    Houshold Size

    Income

    Monthly Income

    1 $35,724 $2,977
    2 $46,716 $3,893
    3 $57,708 $4,809
    4 $68,701 $5,725
    5 $79,693 $6,641
    6 $90,685 $7,557
    7 $92,746 $7,728
    8 $94,807 $7,900
    9 $96,868 $8,072
    10 $98,929 $8,244
    11 $100,990 $8,415
    12 $103,051 $8,587
    Medium

    Both homeowner and renter households are eligible for the program. Individual tribal LIHEAP programs serve tribal members living on reservations in the state.


    Information and Resources

    Medium
    FAQs and Publications

    If you would like to find a version of these publications that can be translated, visit the Apply for Help Publications page.

    Policy Manual
    LIHEAP Vendor Information

    For information on becoming a LIHEAP vendor, email dhsliheapsys@nd.gov or call 1.866.614.6005 and choose the option for LIHEAP.


    Vendor SSP
    Access the LIHEAP Vendor Self-Service Portal (SSP) to register and submit payments.

    Learn more about the SSP

    Medium

    Additional Services

    HHS may be able to help with more than just your home energy needs.
    Other programs you may qualify for include health care, food support and child care.
    Learn more about other services available by clicking here.

    Find other programs.

    Who can help me apply or answer questions about LIHEAP?

    For help applying, questions about eligibility, or your existing case, contact the Customer Support Center:

    Email: applyforhelp@nd.gov
    Phone: 1.866.614.6005 or 701-328-1000; 711 (TTY)
    Fax: 701.328.1006 
    Mail: Customer Support Center P.O. Box 5562 Bismarck ND 58506


    State Office Contact Information:

    Economic Assistance Policy Division
    Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program
    600 E Boulevard Avenue, Dept. 325
    Bismarck ND 58505-0250

    Phone: (701) 328-2332
    Toll-Free: (800) 755-2716 (ND Only)
    711 (TTY)

    Email: dhseap@nd.gov

    Submit an appeal request online.