Montana Low Income Energy Assistance Program (LIEAP)

Quick Facts

• Purpose: LIEAP pays a portion of home heating bills, supplies emergency fuel deliveries, and repairs or replaces unsafe heating equipment for low-income Montanans.
• Administered by: Montana Department of Public Health and Human Services (DPHHS) Human and Community Services Division, in partnership with local human resource development councils (HRDCs) and tribal governments.
• Benefit range: Regular benefits commonly range from $500 to $1,500, with higher awards for households using propane, heating oil, or electric heat in extremely cold regions. Crisis grants can pay additional amounts when emergencies occur.
• Climate context: Montana winters bring prolonged subzero temperatures. Reliable heat is critical for safety, preventing frozen pipes, and maintaining habitability.
• Program extras: LIEAP participants may qualify for the Weatherization Assistance Program, Energy Share of Montana, and furnace safety inspections.

Program Overview

Montana’s LIEAP distributes federal LIHEAP dollars to help households cover heating bills from October through April. Funds are sent directly to utilities or fuel vendors. If you heat with propane, wood, or pellets, benefits are deposited into a vendor account to cover future deliveries. DPHHS also operates a Weatherization Program that offers insulation, air sealing, and energy-efficient upgrades, often prioritized for LIEAP households.

The program consists of:

• Regular heating assistance calculated using a formula based on energy consumption, fuel type, income, and household size.
• Emergency assistance to prevent disconnection, restore service, or deliver fuel when supplies are critically low.
• Furnace safety and repair services that fix or replace malfunctioning heating equipment, protecting families from carbon monoxide risks or loss of heat.

Eligibility Details

Income limits are set at 60% of state median income. For 2025, a household of four can earn up to about $62,000 annually. Applicants must:

• Live in Montana and occupy the home as their primary residence.
• Be responsible for heating costs. Renters qualify if they pay their own heat or if their rent exceeds 30% of income and heating is electric.
• Provide Social Security numbers or eligible immigration documentation.
• Submit proof of income for the previous 30 days or full calendar year, whichever better reflects household earnings.
• Provide the most recent heating bill or statement from the landlord or fuel vendor.
• For crisis aid, furnish shutoff notices, disconnect letters, or proof that fuel is below 25%.

Special priority is given to seniors, individuals with disabilities, and families with children under age six. Tribal members may apply through their tribal LIEAP offices, which coordinate closely with DPHHS.

Benefit Calculation

Montana uses an energy consumption model. Key factors include:

• Base consumption: Derived from utility-provided usage history or standardized consumption tables for the dwelling type.
• Fuel cost: Current price per unit (gallon, therm, kilowatt-hour) as reported by utilities and vendors.
• Income and household size: Determines the percentage of the bill the household is expected to contribute.
• Dwelling characteristics: Mobile homes, single-family houses, and apartments have different baseline energy needs.

The formula calculates a total annual heating cost, subtracts the household contribution (typically 3–9% of income), and assigns the remaining amount as the LIEAP benefit. Payments are divided between the main heating fuel and electricity if necessary. Crisis grants pay actual costs to resolve emergencies and may include deposits, reconnection fees, or minimum fuel deliveries.

Application Process

1. Contact your local HRDC or tribal office starting October 1. Many offer online or mail-in applications.
2. Collect documentation: Photo IDs, Social Security cards, proof of income, heating bills, landlord verification, and for crisis cases, shutoff or eviction notices.
3. Complete the application form thoroughly. Include every household member, even those with zero income.
4. Submit forms via mail, drop box, or online portal. Keep copies of everything you send.
5. Participate in interviews if requested. Some HRDCs require brief intake calls to review information and discuss conservation tips.
6. Monitor mail or email for approval letters. Benefits typically post within 30 days; crisis payments occur faster.
7. Coordinate with vendors to confirm payment receipt and schedule deliveries.

Maximizing Support

• Apply early in October to receive the full season’s benefit. Late applicants may only receive prorated assistance.
• Request Weatherization at the same time. Upgrades like insulation, air sealing, and furnace tune-ups reduce long-term costs.
• Enroll in budget billing with Northwestern Energy or Montana-Dakota Utilities to even out monthly costs.
• Track fuel usage and share data with caseworkers. Accurate records lead to precise benefit calculations.
• Use Energy Share of Montana for supplemental aid when LIEAP is exhausted. LIEAP agencies can refer you directly.
• Document medical needs such as oxygen concentrators to qualify for crisis priority and utility medical holds.
• Prepare for outages by having backup heaters, blankets, and carbon monoxide detectors.

Common Pitfalls

• Incomplete forms: Missing signatures or failing to list all household members delays processing. Double-check before submission.
• No proof of income: Provide all paystubs, benefit letters, or self-employment ledgers. If income fluctuates, include a written statement explaining seasonal work.
• Utility in landlord’s name: Provide a landlord statement and copies of rent receipts showing utility charges.
• Waiting until fuel runs out: Contact the agency when your tank hits 30%. Emergency deliveries can take 48 hours, and severe weather may delay trucks.
• Ignoring follow-up requests: Agencies often send letters requesting additional documents within 10 days. Respond promptly to avoid denial.

Crisis Intervention

Montana winters can create life-threatening situations. LIEAP’s Emergency Component provides:

• 24- to 48-hour response for households without heat.
• Emergency furnace repair through certified contractors.
• Temporary shelter referrals if the home is uninhabitable.
• Coordination with county disaster services during blizzards or power outages.

If you receive a shutoff notice, call your HRDC immediately, provide the notice, and ask the utility for a hold while payment is processed. For propane or wood, agencies may issue vouchers for immediate pickup. Keep receipts for verification.

Appeals and Rights

If denied, submit a written appeal within 90 days to DPHHS. You have the right to review your case file, present evidence, and bring representation. LIEAP must comply with civil rights laws, providing language access and disability accommodations. Report discrimination to DPHHS Civil Rights at 406-444-4564.

Example Households

• Ranching family in Glacier County: Receives $1,800 due to high propane usage and subzero temperatures. Weatherization adds attic insulation, reducing costs the following year.
• Senior in Billings: Uses LIEAP to pay Northwestern Energy bills and obtains furnace cleaning through Energy Share. Crisis funds prevent disconnection after a medical emergency increases bills.
• College student roommates in Missoula: Document shared responsibility for electric heat using lease addendum. LIEAP provides $600 credited to their utility account.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does LIEAP cover wood or pellets? Yes. Provide vendor receipts or request vouchers for approved suppliers.

Can I receive LIEAP if I rent and heat is included? Possibly, if your rent exceeds 30% of income and heat is electric. A landlord worksheet is required.

Will benefits affect SNAP or Medicaid? No. LIEAP payments do not count as income and can increase your SNAP utility allowance.

How often can I receive crisis help? Typically two crisis payments per season, but policies vary. Discuss with your caseworker.

What about summer cooling? Montana LIEAP primarily covers heating. However, some agencies provide fans or air conditioners for medical needs using community donations.

Additional Resources

• DPHHS LIEAP information: https://dphhs.mt.gov/hcsd/energyassistance/lieap
• Local HRDC contact directory.
• Energy Share of Montana for supplemental aid.
• Northwestern Energy and Montana-Dakota Utilities payment assistance programs.
• Montana Legal Services Association for appeals support.

By applying early, organizing documentation, and coordinating with local agencies, Montana households can secure reliable heat, manage energy debt, and keep families safe throughout the state’s harsh winters.