In a resounding victory for Maine’s commitment to supporting its vulnerable communities, U.S. Senators Susan Collins and Angus King, together with U.S. Representatives Chellie Pingree and Jared Golden, joyously declared that the state has been granted a substantial $38 million for the Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) in 2024.
Over 45,000 Maine households rely on LIHEAP to stay safe and warm during the winter. With home heating prices set to remain at near-record levels in the coming months, it’s essential that this assistance continues to reach the families that need it most. Securing these resources has been a shared priority, and we remain committed to that mission, so hard-working Maine families have one less thing to worry about as temperatures drop.
Home Energy Assistance Program in Maine: How to Apply?
Well, LIHEAP is the name at a federal level, but in the state of Maine, the program is called Home Energy Assistance Program (HEAP). It’s shorter but it’s the same. The HEAP initiative extends its support to qualified homeowners and renters, helping them offset heating costs. Beyond financial aid for fuel, HEAP also provides assistance with emergency fuel delivery and offers eligibility-based energy-related repairs.
Households are strongly encouraged to apply for HEAP at the earliest opportunity. The application process involves both submission and an interview to accurately determine eligibility and the level of benefit. The amount of benefit a household receives varies, taking into account household size, income, and other pertinent factors.
Guidelines to Qualify for HEAP in Maine
For the 2023-2024 season, the maximum gross household income is determined by the number of people in the household. In cases where households have more than ten persons, contacting the local Community Action Agency (CAA) is recommended for specific eligibility guidelines. Additional program guidelines and requirements may apply, and CAAs are well-equipped to provide all the essential details. Take a look at the following chart:
For households paying court-ordered child support, there may be opportunities to deduct these amounts from the household’s income. Moreover, if the household income exceeds the HEAP income guidelines, there could be provisions to deduct a portion of the amount paid for medical expenses. In order to start your application, get in touch with Maine State Housing Authority, checking its website.
You can schedule an appointment or start the application process online. Find your local Community Action Agency by entering your zip code in the field below. You can view all HEAP Agency Contacts here. Remember that the program works until its resources run dry.