South Carolina Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP)

Quick Facts

• State lead: The Office of Economic Opportunity (OEO) within the South Carolina Department of Administration oversees LIHEAP funding and policy.
• Local partners: Fourteen Community Action Agencies (CAAs) and community-based organizations handle applications, process benefits, and coordinate energy education.
• Benefit types: Regular heating and cooling assistance, crisis intervention for shutoffs or fuel shortages, equipment repair and replacement, and referrals to weatherization and utility programs.
• Eligibility threshold: 150% of the Federal Poverty Guidelines, with priority for seniors, individuals with disabilities, and households with young children.
• Application cadence: Agencies accept applications year-round, but funds are limited—apply early in the heating (October–March) and cooling (April–September) seasons.

Program Overview

South Carolina’s LIHEAP protects vulnerable households from extreme heat and cold. Summers bring high humidity and triple-digit heat indices, while winters can produce sudden freezes. The program uses federal LIHEAP dollars, state funds, and utility settlements to subsidize energy bills, deliver emergency repairs, and educate residents about energy conservation.

CAAs tailor services to local needs. Coastal agencies focus on hurricane preparedness and cooling equipment, while Upstate providers emphasize heating fuel deliveries and furnace maintenance. All agencies coordinate with utilities to negotiate payment holds, spread arrearages across affordable installments, and arrange equipment inspections when safety hazards exist.

Eligibility Requirements

1. Income: Gross household income must not exceed 150% of the Federal Poverty Guidelines. Agencies may consider the previous 30 days or 12 months of income.
2. Energy responsibility: Applicants must be responsible for home heating or cooling costs. Renters with utilities included in rent must provide a landlord statement verifying energy cost allocation.
3. Residency: You must live in South Carolina and occupy the dwelling as your primary residence.
4. Identification: Provide Social Security numbers and photo IDs for household members. Eligible noncitizens may apply with proper documentation.
5. Documentation: Submit required paperwork, including income verification, utility bills, and proof of crisis if applicable.

Priority is given to households with members age 60+, individuals with disabilities, and families with children under six. Veterans, medically fragile residents, and survivors of domestic violence can request expedited appointments and confidentiality safeguards.

Benefit Components

• Heating assistance: One-time payment applied to the primary heating source (electric, gas, propane, oil, kerosene). Benefit levels typically range from $300 to $750 depending on income, household size, fuel type, and region.
• Cooling assistance: Seasonal benefit for electric bills during the warm months, often ranging from $200 to $500. Agencies may provide window air conditioners or fans when medically necessary.
• Crisis intervention: Up to $1,000 (or more, depending on funding) to stop disconnections, restore service, or deliver emergency fuel. Includes reconnection fees, deposits, and charges for broken equipment.
• Equipment repair/replacement: Covers essential heating or cooling repairs when a licensed contractor confirms the system is unsafe or inoperable. Coordinated with weatherization funds when possible.
• Weatherization referrals: Applicants are referred to weatherization, Healthy Homes, and utility efficiency programs to lower long-term energy usage.
• Energy education: Workshops teach thermostat management, appliance efficiency, and budgeting to maintain affordable bills.

Application Steps

1. Find your agency: Visit the OEO agency directory to locate your local provider.
2. Schedule appointment: Call or use online portals to book an intake session. Walk-in hours may be available but fill quickly—arrive early with documents.
3. Gather documentation: Collect IDs, Social Security cards, proof of income, utility bills, landlord statements, and crisis notices. Agencies require original or legible copies.
4. Complete intake: During your appointment (in-person or virtual), sign consent forms allowing communication with utilities, discuss crisis needs, and review energy education offerings.
5. Agency verification: Staff contact utilities or fuel vendors to confirm account status and negotiate holds on disconnections.
6. Approval: You receive written notice within 30 days. Crisis cases resolve within 48 hours once documentation is complete.
7. Follow up: Monitor utility accounts to ensure payments post. Keep receipts and vendor confirmations for your records.

Documentation Checklist

• Photo ID for all adults (state ID, driver’s license, passport).
• Social Security cards or official verification for each household member.
• Proof of income (pay stubs, Social Security, SSI, unemployment, child support, pensions) for the previous 30 days or 12 months.
• Zero income affidavits for adults without earnings, plus letters explaining how living expenses are met.
• Utility bills (electric, gas) dated within the last 30 days showing account numbers and balances.
• Fuel vendor statements showing current tank levels for propane, kerosene, or heating oil.
• Disconnect or past-due notices, if applicable.
• Lease agreement or landlord statement if utilities are included in rent.
• Medical documentation if requesting priority for life-threatening conditions.
• Proof of disability or veteran status for priority scheduling.

Seasonal Timeline

• September: Attend outreach events, gather documents, and schedule HVAC maintenance.
• October–March: Heating season applications accepted. Apply early to access full benefit levels.
• November–February: Monitor bills; request crisis aid immediately if a shutoff notice arrives.
• April–September: Cooling season benefits available. Seniors and medically fragile residents should apply in April to secure equipment before peak heat.
• Year-round: Emergency assistance available while funds last. Keep your agency informed about changes in income, household size, or address.

Strategies for Success

1. Maintain contact: If your phone number changes, update your agency immediately to avoid missed appointments or documentation requests.
2. Track deadlines: Submit requested documents within five business days to keep cases moving.
3. Leverage community resources: Utilities like Dominion Energy and Duke Energy offer Customer Assistance Programs; nonprofits like Project SHARE provide supplemental grants.
4. Adopt conservation habits: Use programmable thermostats, seal leaks, and schedule regular HVAC maintenance to reduce consumption and demonstrate good energy management.
5. Coordinate with landlords: Request timely repairs for inefficient systems. Document issues with photos and written requests.
6. Plan for emergencies: Build a small savings fund for propane refills or deposits. Keep contact information for agencies, utilities, and emergency shelters.
7. Engage in education: Attend energy workshops offered by CAAs; completion may unlock extra benefits or priority weatherization slots.

Integration with Other Programs

• Weatherization Assistance Program (WAP): Offers insulation, air sealing, HVAC upgrades, and health/safety repairs. LIHEAP recipients often receive priority.
• Low Income Household Water Assistance Program (LIHWAP): Helps pay water/sewer arrears; apply through the same agency.
• SNAP/TANF: DSS can share verification documents, simplifying LIHEAP application and expanding household support.
• Medicaid Managed Care: Plans may provide air conditioners, space heaters, or utility coordination for members with chronic conditions.
• Utility Medical Certification: Secure medical necessity forms from physicians to prevent disconnections for vulnerable household members.
• Housing rehab grants: Programs like USDA Section 504 or local HOME funds can address structural issues impacting energy efficiency.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I reapply if denied? Yes. Submit missing documents or appeal the decision within 10 days. Provide additional evidence supporting eligibility.

Does LIHEAP cover security deposits? Crisis funds can pay deposits required to restore service, especially after relocations due to domestic violence or eviction.

What if I use wood or pellets? Provide receipts or vendor statements. Agencies may issue vouchers or reimbursements.

How long does it take to receive payment? Regular benefits post within 30 days. Crisis cases are prioritized within 48 hours once paperwork is complete.

Can college students qualify? Students living independently and responsible for utilities can apply if they meet income limits.

Will LIHEAP pay for HVAC replacement? If the system is unsafe and beyond repair, agencies can combine LIHEAP, weatherization, and utility funds to replace it. Funding is limited—submit contractor estimates and photos.

Troubleshooting & Appeals

• Communication issues: Provide multiple contact methods (phone, email). Check voicemail daily during application season.
• Missing documents: If you cannot obtain a document (e.g., lost Social Security card), submit proof you requested a replacement and ask for temporary acceptance.
• Utility disputes: Document conversations with utility representatives (names, dates). If the utility refuses the pledge, request assistance from OEO or the Public Service Commission.
• Appeals: File written appeals within 10 days of denial with the local agency director. Escalate to OEO if unresolved.
• Language & accessibility: Request interpreters, large-print materials, or home visits as needed. Agencies must provide reasonable accommodations.
• Weatherization waitlists: Call monthly to confirm status and express willingness to accept short-notice appointments.

Home Energy Checklist

• Replace HVAC filters every 30 days during peak season.
• Clean air vents and ensure furniture does not block airflow.
• Install weatherstripping and caulk around doors/windows.
• Insulate water heaters and pipes to prevent heat loss.
• Use ceiling fans in reverse (winter) and forward (summer) to circulate air.
• Switch to LED lighting and unplug phantom loads.
• Maintain a home emergency kit with flashlights, batteries, and blankets.
• Review insurance coverage for storm-related power outages.

100-Day Energy Stability Plan

• Days 1–10: Contact CAA, gather documents, schedule intake.
• Days 11–30: Submit application, sign releases, and arrange payment holds with utilities.
• Days 31–45: Confirm benefit approval, request crisis aid if needed, and enroll in budget billing.
• Days 46–70: Schedule weatherization audit, attend energy education, and implement conservation measures.
• Days 71–100: Build emergency savings, review energy usage, and plan for next season’s reapplication.

Key Resources

• South Carolina LIHEAP – OEO
• Agency Directory
• South Carolina Weatherization Assistance Program
• Dominion Energy EnergyShare
• SC 211 – statewide resource line for utility and housing assistance

South Carolina’s LIHEAP provides more than a seasonal credit—it connects households to a web of supports that promote safety, health, and financial stability. By applying early, staying organized, and engaging with energy education and weatherization services, you can transform the program into a long-term strategy for managing extreme weather and rising utility costs.