Wyoming Low Income Energy Assistance Program (LIEAP)

Quick Facts

• Purpose: LIEAP lowers the cost of winter heating, provides emergency assistance during shutoff threats, and connects families to weatherization resources.
• Administered by: Wyoming Department of Family Services partners with Align (the program operator) and local community organizations to process applications and pay vendors.
• Benefit structure: Regular benefits apply as credits to utility accounts or as vouchers for deliverable fuels. Crisis benefits address emergencies, and separate funding supports furnace repair or replacement.
• Climate factors: Wyoming’s high elevation and wind chill create long, harsh winters. LIEAP protects residents from hazardous cold and prevents energy debt from spiraling.
• Application season: Standard intake runs September through February. Crisis assistance continues through May to cover lingering cold snaps.

Program Overview

Wyoming’s LIEAP helps households afford heating fuels such as natural gas, propane, electricity, coal, wood, and pellets. The program also funds Crisis Assistance and the Crisis Weatherization Program (CWP), which repairs or replaces furnaces and mitigates health and safety hazards. Payments go directly to utilities or vendors; households never receive cash.

Regular LIEAP benefits are calculated using a formula that considers income, energy costs, and dwelling characteristics. Benefits are typically paid in November or December and can be used throughout winter. Crisis assistance covers past-due balances, reconnection fees, minimum fuel deliveries, or temporary heating equipment when necessary.

Eligibility Requirements

To qualify, households must:

• Live in Wyoming and occupy the residence as their primary home.
• Have gross income at or below 60% of the state median income. For 2025, a household of three can earn up to about $50,000 annually.
• Be responsible for heating costs, either directly or through rent that specifies a utility allowance.
• Provide Social Security numbers or eligible noncitizen documentation for all members.
• Submit proof of income for the past month (or longer for seasonal workers), current heating bills or vendor statements, and identification documents.

Priority is given to households with seniors, disabled individuals, or children under five. Tribal members may apply through the state program or their tribal LIHEAP offices.

Benefit Calculation

Wyoming assigns Benefit Units based on household income, heating fuel, and dwelling type. Steps include:

1. Determining the Household Contribution Percentage (HCP) from income tables.
2. Estimating annual heating costs using utility usage history or standard consumption tables.
3. Calculating the LIEAP benefit by subtracting the household contribution from total cost.

Benefits can range from $200 for lower usage apartments to $2,000 for high-consumption rural homes using propane or electricity. The program may split payments between primary heat and electric backup systems.

Crisis benefits pay the exact amount needed to avert disconnection or restore service, up to program limits. They can also cover furnace repairs through the Crisis Weatherization Program, including replacement of unsafe heating systems.

Application Process

1. Access the online portal at lieapwyo.org or request a paper application by calling 1-800-246-4221.
2. Complete the form with household demographics, income sources, and heating details.
3. Gather documentation: Paystubs, benefit award letters, Social Security cards, IDs, utility bills, landlord verification, and crisis notices if applicable.
4. Submit the application online, by mail, fax, or drop-off at local Department of Family Services offices.
5. Track application status via the portal or by contacting the LIEAP call center.
6. Respond quickly to requests for additional information. Missing documents must be provided within 10 days to avoid denial.
7. Receive approval notice outlining benefit amount, vendor, and payment timeline. Payments post directly to accounts.
8. Request crisis aid if you receive a shutoff notice or run out of fuel. Provide your case number and emergency documentation.

Maximizing Benefits

• Apply on September 1 or as soon as intake opens to receive the full season benefit.
• Sign up for Equal Payment Plans with utilities like Rocky Mountain Power or Black Hills Energy to smooth bills.
• Coordinate deliveries with fuel vendors—schedule fills before storms, and ask about pre-buy discounts that LIEAP funds can cover.
• Request the Crisis Weatherization Program if your furnace is unreliable. Early referrals prevent emergencies later in winter.
• Track energy usage using utility apps and smart thermostats. Lower consumption stretches LIEAP funds further.
• Communicate with landlords if utilities are included in rent. Provide landlord statements showing your share of heating costs to qualify.
• Leverage community resources such as Interfaith, Salvation Army, or county emergency funds for supplemental aid.

Common Challenges

• Documentation gaps: Failure to provide complete paystubs or proof of expenses is the main reason for delays. Use the LIEAP checklist before submitting.
• Utility account mismatches: Ensure the name on the bill matches the applicant. If not, submit notarized statements or have the utility add you as an authorized user.
• Waiting too long for crisis help: Contact LIEAP when the tank hits 30% or when you receive the first shutoff notice. Last-minute requests may not be processed in time.
• Moving mid-season: Notify LIEAP before moving. Benefits can transfer to a new address, but you must provide updated bills and landlord forms.
• Ineligible fuel types: LIEAP covers primary heating fuel. If you use wood or coal, provide receipts and vendor contact information to ensure eligibility.

Crisis Services

Wyoming’s crisis aid offers:

• 24- to 72-hour response for no-heat situations.
• Furnace repair or replacement through licensed contractors.
• Temporary heating equipment (space heaters) with safety instructions.
• Coordination with county emergency management during blizzards or power outages.

Call 1-800-246-4221 for crisis assistance. Provide your case number, description of the emergency, and documentation. Utilities often place a 10-day hold once they know LIEAP payment is pending.

Appeals and Rights

If denied or underpaid, request a fair hearing within 30 days of the notice. Hearings are conducted by the Office of Administrative Hearings. You may present evidence, bring witnesses, and obtain legal aid. LIEAP must provide accommodations for disabilities and language access.

Example Households

• Senior in Casper: Receives $900 credit applied to Black Hills Energy gas account and enrolls in Equal Payment Plan, lowering winter bills to $75 per month.
• Family in Cheyenne: Uses crisis funds to refill a propane tank after a blizzard. Crisis Weatherization replaces a failing furnace, improving efficiency.
• Oilfield worker in Sublette County: Seasonal income fluctuates. LIEAP averages annual income to maintain eligibility and pays $1,200 toward high electric heating costs.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does LIEAP cover summer cooling? Wyoming LIEAP primarily supports heating. However, the program may provide limited cooling assistance for medically fragile residents. Provide medical documentation to request support.

Can renters qualify? Yes, if you pay utilities directly or can document the utility portion of rent. Submit landlord verification forms.

Will assistance impact SNAP or Medicaid? No. LIEAP is not counted as income for other public benefits and can increase your SNAP Standard Utility Allowance.

How often can I request crisis aid? Typically twice per season, depending on funding. Communicate with your caseworker for current policy.

What if I use a wood stove? Provide receipts showing purchases of wood or pellets. LIEAP can reimburse or provide vouchers for approved vendors.

Additional Resources

• Wyoming LIEAP portal: https://lieapwyo.org/
• Rocky Mountain Power and Black Hills Energy assistance programs.
• Wyoming Weatherization Assistance Program.
• Salvation Army and Interfaith emergency aid services.
• Wyoming 211 for statewide referrals.

By applying early, maintaining thorough records, and coordinating with utilities and community partners, Wyoming households can keep homes warm, avoid dangerous shutoffs, and manage winter energy costs effectively.