How to Get Help Paying Utility Bills in Oklahoma

For people struggling to pay rising energy bills in Oklahoma, there is a program designed to provide help via utility assistance. The name of the program run by the Oklahoma Department of Human Services is Low Income Energy Assistance (LIHEAP). The following information tells you where to go to apply for energy assistance and gives you basic information on the qualification guidelines.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

1. Visit one of the local Human Service Centers to fill out an LIHEAP application. The actual person who fills out the application can be the spouse or natural or legal guardian of the applicant. People over the age of 60, the blind or the disabled are not required to go into a service center if there is an available alternate location, such as a senior citizens center. If you are unable to make it to a service center because of your inability to leave home or lack of transportation, then your application can be completed at your home. Contact your local Human Service Center to request this service.

2. Have the Department of Human Services verify your household's energy crisis. This means that you must have a good reason for not paying your utility bill. The second part of this verification process is that the household must prove that the utility services are in danger of being shut off or have actually been shut off.

3. Have your household eligibility determined. There are three main guidelines that you must meet: (a) your household must be responsible in whole or part for paying the energy bills, (b) your energy services must have been shut off before, and (c) you cannot earn more than 110 percent above poverty guidelines. Your household must also meet specific guidelines: the total amount of available resources cannot be more than $2,000 for one person, $3,000 for two people and an extra $50 dollars for each extra person living in the household (resources include cash, money in your checking and savings accounts and any type of stocks and bonds).

4. Wait up to 30 days for your notice of acceptance or denial. If you have not heard anything from the department within this time frame, then you should contact your local Human Service Center.

Tips & Warnings

• A household for the purposes of the LIHEAP program is defined as a person or persons who live together and share utility expenses.
• Usually your verified statement of income will be enough documentation to support your application. In some cases, the Department of Human Services might ask for additional documentation.
• TANF, which is the Temporary Assistance for Needy Families Program, also offers energy assistance for families that qualify.
• Residents of Oklahoma County, Oklahoma, can follow the link below to find out information about the Oklahoma County Energy Assistance Program.
• Be aware that both Steps 2 and 3 must be met to qualify for LIHEAP. If you don't meet one of the requirements, your family will not qualify for the program.
• If your financial and resulting energy crisis is a result of a garnishment, be aware that your pregarnishment income will be looked at to determine if you meet the income guidelines.

Resources

• Link to the various county OKDHS Human Service Centers
• Link to income guidelines to qualify for LIHEAP assistance
• Link to federal poverty guidelines
• Link to LIHEAP application for services
• Link to information about Oklahoma County Energy Assistance Program

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