Oregon Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP)

Quick Facts

• Purpose: Keeps Oregon households safely heated and cooled by subsidizing energy bills, funding emergency fuel deliveries, and connecting families to efficiency upgrades.
• Administered by: Oregon Housing and Community Services (OHCS) collaborates with community action agencies, tribal governments, and nonprofits to deliver benefits statewide.
• Benefit scope: Regular payments typically range from $250 to $600, with higher amounts for large households or those with high energy burdens. Crisis funds can cover several hundred dollars more for emergencies.
• Unique features: Oregon offers both heating and cooling assistance, portable cooling devices for medically vulnerable residents, and integration with wildfire smoke and disaster-response services.
• Application timing: Most agencies open intake on November 1, but some accept early appointments for seniors and people with disabilities starting in October.

Program Overview

Oregon’s LIHEAP blends federal funds with state energy assistance dollars to address diverse climates—from coastal rain to high desert cold. Agencies prioritize households with the highest energy burden and those living in energy-inefficient housing. In addition to bill payment aid, the program links clients to the Weatherization Assistance Program, solar access initiatives, and energy education workshops.

Services include:

• Regular heating assistance deposited directly into utility accounts or issued as vendor vouchers for delivered fuels.
• Crisis intervention to prevent disconnection, restore service, or provide immediate fuel when supply is critically low.
• Cooling assistance through bill credits or provision of air conditioners/heat pumps during extreme heat events.
• Energy education covering budgeting, thermostat management, wildfire smoke preparedness, and efficiency tips.

Eligibility and Documentation

Households must meet income limits set at 60% of Oregon state median income. For 2025, a family of three can earn approximately $51,000 annually. Agencies evaluate income from the previous 60 days or 12 months, whichever is more representative. Applicants must:

• Provide proof of Oregon residency (ID card, lease, mortgage, or mail).
• Show responsibility for energy costs (utility bill, vendor statement, or landlord verification).
• Provide Social Security numbers or acceptable immigration documents.
• Submit proof of income for all household members.
• For crisis services, furnish shutoff notices, eviction prevention agreements, or evidence of low fuel supply (e.g., tank gauge photo).

Tribal members can apply through their tribal LIHEAP offices or via local community action agencies. Households receiving SNAP, TANF, or SSI may qualify automatically but still must complete an application.

Benefit Determination

Oregon uses a priority point system to assign benefits. Points are awarded for:

• Income level relative to poverty.
• Energy burden (bill size vs. income).
• Household size and presence of vulnerable members.
• Dwelling type and heating fuel.
• Participation in energy education workshops.

Higher point totals equal larger benefits. Agencies may issue supplemental payments if extreme weather or disasters occur (e.g., wildfire smoke events requiring portable filtration devices).

Crisis assistance covers actual costs needed to resolve emergencies—such as $400 to prevent shutoff or paying for 100 gallons of propane. Equipment repair funds can fix or replace unsafe furnaces, heat pumps, or electric panels when needed to maintain safe heating.

Application Steps

1. Locate your local agency using the OHCS service directory or dial 211.
2. Check opening dates—many agencies post intake schedules on websites or social media.
3. Gather documentation (IDs, Social Security cards, income proof, utility bills, rental agreements).
4. Complete pre-application forms online or request paper packets. Some agencies allow e-signatures.
5. Attend intake appointment (in-person, phone, or video). Discuss energy usage, crisis situations, and additional support needs.
6. Sign vendor releases enabling agencies to coordinate directly with utilities or fuel companies.
7. Follow up on missing documents within the specified timeframe (usually 5–10 business days).
8. Monitor approval notices via mail, email, or text. Vendors typically receive payments within 30 days.

Tips for Maximizing Support

• Apply early and ask about priority scheduling if you are over 60, disabled, or have children under six. Agencies often reserve appointment blocks for these groups in October.
• Enroll in equal-pay plans offered by utilities like Portland General Electric, Pacific Power, and NW Natural. Consistent billing helps you budget and shows proactive management.
• Request energy education workshops. Completing classes can add priority points and provide tools like LED bulbs, weather-stripping kits, and smoke-prep supplies.
• Combine with Weatherization Assistance. Agencies can assess your home for insulation, air sealing, and heat pump upgrades. These improvements reduce future energy consumption.
• Plan for wildfire smoke and extreme heat. Ask about portable HEPA filters or cooling units if your household includes medically vulnerable individuals. Document medical needs for priority status.
• Leverage utility discounts such as PGE’s Income-Qualified Bill Discount or Pacific Power’s Low Income Discount. LIHEAP caseworkers can help you apply.
• Track usage using online utility dashboards. Identify spikes, then adjust thermostat settings or use programmable thermostats to control costs.

Addressing Common Challenges

• Difficulty reaching agencies: Call early in the morning and leave voicemails. Consider visiting community events where agencies host mobile intake clinics.
• Missing documentation: Use OHCS document checklists. If you lack a Social Security card, request a verification letter from the Social Security Administration.
• Language barriers: Agencies must provide interpreters. Request assistance in Spanish, Russian, Vietnamese, or other languages.
• Utility accounts in landlord’s name: Obtain a written statement from the landlord specifying your monthly utility contribution. Some agencies accept canceled checks or money order receipts as proof.
• Frequent power outages: Ask about backup generator grants or battery storage pilots if you rely on electric medical equipment.

Crisis Response

When facing a shutoff or empty tank:

• Call the crisis line immediately. Many agencies process crisis requests within 24–48 hours.
• Provide documentation. Send photos of shutoff notices or tank gauges.
• Discuss payment arrangements. Utilities may require you to enter a plan alongside LIHEAP payments. Caseworkers can mediate.
• Consider community resources like churches, mutual aid groups, or city emergency funds for additional support while waiting for LIHEAP payment.

Appeals and Rights

If denied or awarded a lower benefit than expected, you can request a hearing within 30 days. Appeals are reviewed by OHCS or the local agency’s governing board. You have the right to see your file, present evidence, and receive interpretation services.

Agencies must ensure nondiscrimination and accessibility. If you encounter issues, contact OHCS Energy Services at 503-986-2000 or email [email protected].

Example Households

• Parent in Multnomah County: Receives $550 heating assistance, enrolls in PGE’s bill discount, and joins a weatherization program that installs heat pump water heaters.
• Senior in Klamath Falls: Uses crisis funds to purchase pellets during a cold snap. Agency also repairs a broken furnace igniter.
• Farmworker family in Hood River: Applies in Spanish, secures cooling assistance, and receives air purifiers during wildfire smoke events to protect a child with asthma.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I receive LIHEAP if I live in subsidized housing? Yes, if you pay utilities directly or your rent exceeds 30% of income. Provide your utility allowance statement.

Does LIHEAP cover wood heat? Yes. Submit receipts for cordwood or pellets and coordinate with approved vendors.

Can I apply more than once per year? Regular benefits are once per program year, but crisis assistance is available whenever you face a qualifying emergency.

Will LIHEAP affect my SNAP benefits? Receiving LIHEAP can increase your SNAP Standard Utility Allowance, possibly raising your food benefit.

How do I know when funds are available? Follow your agency on social media, sign up for text alerts, or visit 211info.org for updates.

Additional Resources

• OHCS LIHEAP information: https://www.oregon.gov/ohcs/energy-weatherization/pages/low-income-home-energy-assistance-program.aspx
• 211info statewide referral line.
• Utility company assistance pages (PGE, Pacific Power, NW Natural, Avista).
• Community energy advocates such as Energy Trust of Oregon and Verde.
• Legal Aid Services of Oregon for appeal support.

With proactive planning, thorough documentation, and collaboration with local agencies, Oregon households can leverage LIHEAP to maintain safe indoor temperatures, reduce debt, and prepare for climate-related emergencies year-round.