LIHEAP
The Low–Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) helps low-income families, the elderly, and people with disabilities pay their heating or cooling bills. LIHEAP is a United States Federal social services program first established in 1981 and funded annually through Congressional appropriations.
Program Services
The LIHEAP program offers two types of assistance: regular assistance and crisis assistance. Regular assistance is a predetermined award amount based on monthly income and household size. Crisis assistance helps up to twice the predetermined award amount. Individuals/families can receive assistance up to four (4) times a year, depending on the funding and circumstances.
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The LIHEAP Assistance Program operates under Federal and State guidelines with predetermined award amounts based on the previous month’s income and household size.
Who Can Apply
Community Service Programs of West Alabama, Inc. administers the LIHEAP program in Bibb, Choctaw, Fayette, Greene, Lamar, Sumter and Tuscaloosa counties.​
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The Regular Heating/Cooling Assistance Program is designed to provide general heating/cooling assistance to any eligible household.
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Regular Heating and Cooling Assistance: No household may be assisted more than once for regular heating and once for cooling assistance with LIHEAP funds.
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The LIHEAP Regular Assistance Program assists individuals/families at or below 150% of the federal poverty guidelines.
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Crisis Assistance (Heating and Cooling): Crisis assistance may only be provided to households that meet the income guidelines and that meet the definition of an energy-related crisis.
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The LIHEAP Crisis Assistance Program assists individuals/families at or below 150% of the federal poverty guidelines and include members who are 60 years of age or older, disabled, children five (5) years of age and younger, or have a medical condition requiring them to stay warm/cool and can be verified by a doctor’s statement.
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Applicant MUST be the head of household, spouse of the head of household, or a second-party applicant with a signed statement from the head of household or spouse.
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To view a list of eligibility requirements, click here.
How to Apply
Community Service Programs of West Alabama (CSP), Inc. implemented an automated scheduling system to accommodate the increased demand for energy assistance better.
Provided funding is available, the automated system schedules utility assistance appointments for Bibb, Choctaw, Fayette, Greene, Lamar, Sumter and Tuscaloosa counties 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
To schedule an appointment for utility assistance, please contact (205) 758-4756 or toll free at 1-833-836-7817.
Ages 60 and older will receive a confirmation letter after receiving an appointment. To view sample appointment letter click here.