How to Apply for Fuel Assistance During Financial Hardship

By eHow Personal Finance Editor

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When a financial situation occurs that makes it difficult to stretch a paycheck to cover all of the household expenses, many families go without heat in their homes. Thankfully, situations like this are avoidable if you apply for assistance in paying for heating and energy costs.

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Instructions

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Step1

Realize that there is a federally funded program out there designed to help during a financial hardship and it's called the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program, known as LIHEAP. It's available to both those who rent and own their homes.

Step2

Know your family's household income to qualify for LIHEAP assistance. Each community will have different guidelines of eligibility, but they are all based on the household income, and some will require additional information to determine who can receive assistance when you apply.

Step3

Ask for LIHEAP assistance with any type of energy related bill, with weatherization or home repairs that are energy related and in a crisis. The program is designed to help those who apply in each of these areas.

Step4

Bring the last few months of your utility bills, including any shut off notices, proof of the household income including any funds received from social security, workers compensation, and unemployment or pension payments with you when you apply. Also have proof of residency such as rental receipts or a property tax bill and social security cards or proof of citizenship for every member in the household.

Step5

Visit a LIHEAP office in your state or call the National Energy Assistance Referral hotline Monday through Friday, from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m. Mountain Time at (866) 674-6327. Both of these resources can provide more information on applications.

Tips & Warnings

Homes that are either too hot or cold can create an environment that causes serious illness or death to the elderly and children under 6 years old. Households with members fitting this description should seek assistance as quickly as possible.