LIHEAP stands for the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program. This government energy and utility assistance program provides state funding for home heating and cooling bills, weatherization and energy equipment repair or replacement, and assistance to avoid utility shut-offs.
You must qualify according to your state’s local guidelines. This includes individual and household considerations, such as the presence of children, the disabled or the elderly.
Tips and ideas
Mind your budget. Save up for the coming year’s seasons. If you’re in a winter state, this may also mean that you need to start storing heating resources for the colder times. If you’re in a more temperate region, it’s best to make sure you aren’t in trouble with your utilities.
Ask your bank if you can set up an account that can maximize your energy savings. You can also open an Individual Development Account, so you can get money that will match what you’ve saved.
Finally, find out if your local utility companies have winter moratorium programs. Find out all the details even if you feel you won’t need to take the option.
Be prepared. Now would be the time to buy equipment such as flashlights, emergency radios and food supplies. You should also check your first aid kit to see what you have to replenish. If you don’t have a first aid kit, then it’s time to by one. Finally, you should get familiar with your local area’s evacuation plans for severe weather conditions.
Use your credits. If you will buy new materials or appliances for your home, make sure that you can claim energy tax credits for them. For example, you can get a 30% credit with a cap of $1,500 on purchased biomass stoves, windows, doors and insulation. You can get the same amount of credit, but with no cap, on purchases of geothermal heat pumps, wind turbines and solar energy systems. You should also find out if the appliances you will buy pass the Energy Star guidelines, and if you can get tax credits for them – some states do have programs for that.
Sign up on the box at the right for more information on LIHEAP, energy and utility assistance.
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