Idaho Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP)

Quick Facts

• Purpose: Reduces heating and cooling costs for low-income Idaho households through direct vendor payments, emergency crisis grants, and energy coaching.
• Administered by: Idaho Department of Health and Welfare in partnership with Community Action Partnership Association of Idaho (CAPAI) agencies and tribal governments.
• Benefit range: Most households receive $200–$800 during the heating season; additional crisis or equipment repair awards can lift total annual support above $1,200.
• Climate challenge: Idaho experiences freezing winters and increasingly hot summers. LIHEAP keeps homes safe, prevents hypothermia or heat stress, and stabilizes budgets for seniors, families, and rural residents reliant on expensive propane deliveries.
• Key timeline: Heating applications open each October and continue until funds are exhausted. A limited cooling program assists medically vulnerable households during heat waves from May through July.

Program Overview

Idaho’s LIHEAP has two main components: Winter Heating Assistance and Crisis Intervention. Regular heating benefits are calculated using a point system that weighs income, energy burden, household size, and vulnerable members. Payments are made directly to utilities or fuel vendors, reducing bills or prepaying deliveries. Crisis funds address emergencies such as disconnections, empty fuel tanks, or furnace breakdowns. Some regions also offer Energy Share of Idaho, a donation-funded supplement that can help when LIHEAP funds are depleted.

Community action agencies—including Eastern Idaho Community Action Partnership, South Central Community Action Partnership, and CCOA Aging, Weatherization & Human Services—manage intake and client counseling. Tribal nations like the Shoshone-Bannock Tribes administer separate LIHEAP allocations for members living on reservations.

Eligibility Criteria

Households qualify if their gross income is at or below 60% of Idaho’s state median income. For the 2024-2025 season, a household of three can earn up to roughly $43,000 annually. Agencies review income from the past 30 days, though they can average a longer period for seasonal workers. Applicants must:

• Reside in Idaho and occupy the dwelling as their primary residence.
• Be responsible for heating or cooling costs (including renters who pay utilities separately).
• Provide Social Security numbers for all household members or documentation of lawful presence.
• Submit identification for the primary applicant and proof of address.
• Provide the most recent utility bill, statement from a fuel vendor, or landlord verification form.

Vulnerable households—seniors, people with disabilities, and families with children under six—receive priority scheduling and higher benefit tiers. Applicants who receive SNAP, SSI, or TANF often qualify automatically but must still provide documentation.

Benefit Calculation

Idaho assigns points for factors such as:

• Income relative to poverty level.
• Energy burden (bill compared to income).
• Heating fuel type (propane and heating oil receive higher weighting due to cost).
• Dwelling type (single-family vs. mobile home vs. apartment).
• Presence of vulnerable household members.

The points convert into benefit levels. For example, 0–14 points might yield $200, 15–24 points $400, 25–34 points $650, and 35+ points $900 or more. Agencies can supplement benefits with utility-funded programs or charitable resources if the bill exceeds available LIHEAP funds.

Crisis assistance covers the actual cost needed to prevent disconnection or restore service, up to a cap (often $1,500). It can pay reconnect fees, minimum fuel deliveries (typically 100 gallons of propane or heating oil), or emergency furnace repairs. Caseworkers must verify the emergency with the utility or contractor before authorizing payment.

Application Process

1. Contact your local agency: Use CAPAI’s locator or call 211 to find the nearest office.
2. Schedule an appointment: Many agencies allow online scheduling; others require phone calls starting each October.
3. Prepare documentation: Gather proof of income, Social Security cards, photo IDs, utility bills, landlord forms, and if applicable, medical documentation for priority status.
4. Complete intake forms: Fill out household composition, consent for data sharing, and release forms. Submit them online or in person.
5. Participate in the interview: Discuss your energy usage, budget, and any crisis needs. Caseworkers can help enroll you in utility payment plans or budget billing.
6. Sign vendor agreements: Payments are sent directly to vendors. Confirm account numbers and billing addresses to prevent delays.
7. Follow up: Approval notices arrive by mail or email. Check your utility statement for the credit within two to four weeks.
8. Request crisis aid if necessary: Call your caseworker or 211 if you receive a disconnection notice or run low on fuel. Provide your LIHEAP case number to expedite service.

Strategies for Success

• Apply early: Funding is limited. Submitting your application in October increases the chance of receiving the full benefit.
• Enroll in budget billing: Idaho Power and Intermountain Gas offer level pay plans that smooth seasonal spikes. LIHEAP payments can reduce the monthly amount you owe.
• Combine programs: Ask about Weatherization Assistance, Project Share, or county-specific relief funds. These can fund insulation, appliance upgrades, or additional bill credits.
• Document medical needs: Provide physician letters if someone relies on electricity-powered medical equipment. Utilities may flag the account for medical hold during crisis processing.
• Manage propane deliveries: Order fuel before the tank drops below 30%. Vendors charge higher emergency delivery fees, which LIHEAP might not cover fully.
• Track energy consumption: Use Idaho Power’s My Account tools to monitor daily usage, identify high-demand appliances, and adjust behavior.
• Stay engaged with caseworkers: Update them when your income or household size changes. They can adjust benefits or direct you to supplemental resources.

Avoiding Common Pitfalls

• Incomplete documentation: Missing paystubs or Social Security cards are the top reasons for delays. Double-check your packet before submitting.
• Non-primary residence: Vacation cabins or second homes are ineligible. Provide lease or mortgage statements proving the address is your primary residence.
• Utility accounts in another name: If the bill is in a landlord’s or roommate’s name, request the utility add you as an authorized user, or provide a notarized statement showing you pay the bill.
• Late crisis requests: Do not wait until disconnection day. Call as soon as you receive a shutoff notice; agencies need time to verify information.
• Ignoring follow-up: If the agency requests additional documents, respond within the specified timeframe (usually 10 days) to keep your application active.

Working with Utilities and Vendors

Idaho utilities cooperate closely with LIHEAP agencies. When you provide your application confirmation number, Idaho Power and Avista can delay disconnection while payment is pending. Ask about:

• Payment arrangements: Set up a deferred payment plan if your balance exceeds LIHEAP coverage.
• Energy efficiency rebates: Take advantage of home energy audits, smart thermostat rebates, and weatherization incentives to reduce future usage.
• Low Income Programs: Idaho Power’s Care Plus program and Intermountain Gas’s Winter Pay can complement LIHEAP by spreading costs over the year.

For delivered fuels, establish relationships with vendors willing to accept HEAP vouchers. Confirm delivery minimums and whether they charge fees for smaller drops. Keep receipts for each delivery as documentation for future applications.

Appeals Process

If you disagree with a decision, submit a written appeal within 30 days to the Idaho Department of Health and Welfare. Hearings are conducted by impartial reviewers, and you may bring advocates or legal representation. During the appeal, you can request emergency assistance if life-threatening conditions exist.

Real-World Use Cases

• Retired couple in Boise: Receives $550 credit toward natural gas and enrolls in Intermountain Gas’s Level Pay plan, reducing winter bills to under $80 per month.
• Single parent in rural Lemhi County: Uses LIHEAP crisis funds to purchase 150 gallons of propane during a cold snap after losing work hours. The agency also connects her to the Weatherization Assistance Program for insulation upgrades.
• Veteran in Pocatello with medical equipment: Provides documentation of oxygen concentrator dependence. Receives priority appointment, higher benefit level, and enrollment in Idaho Power’s medical hardship program.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does LIHEAP help with summer cooling? Some agencies offer cooling assistance for medically vulnerable households when temperatures exceed 95°F. Funds are limited; apply early and provide medical verification.

Can renters qualify if utilities are included in rent? Only if the rent exceeds 30% of income and heating is electric. A landlord verification form must detail the portion attributable to utilities.

Will LIHEAP pay for furnace repair? Crisis funds can cover emergency repairs when the furnace is inoperable and no other resources exist. Agencies may partner with contractors for same-day service.

Does assistance affect SNAP or Medicaid? No. LIHEAP payments are not counted as income and do not reduce other benefits.

How often can I apply? Once per heating season, plus additional crisis requests as needed. Keep track of your approval letter, which states when you can reapply.

Additional Resources

• Idaho LIHEAP information: https://healthandwelfare.idaho.gov/services-programs/financial-assistance/community-assistance-programs/low-income-home-energy-assistance
• CAPAI agency directory.
• Idaho Power energy efficiency portal and Care Plus program.
• Intermountain Gas customer service and payment options.
• 211 Idaho for referrals to rental, food, and healthcare assistance.

By combining timely LIHEAP applications with energy-saving habits and utility partnerships, Idaho households can navigate harsh winters, manage energy debt, and maintain healthy, comfortable homes.