Low Income Energy Assistance (LIEAP)

Fall 2011-12 LIEAP Newsletter

RMDC’s Low Income Energy Assistance Program (LIEAP) is designed to help low income households meet the expense of keeping warm during the cold months.

LIEAP is funded by the Montana Department of Public Health and Human Services, and is administered by RMDC for Broadwater, Jefferson, and Lewis & Clark counties.

What does LIEAP offer?

Those who qualify for LIEAP receive a credit to their utility account if heat costs are paid directly and a heat rebate if heating costs are included in rent. Those who use wood are usually paid directly for wood purchases.

If a household has a heating emergency which poses and imminent threat to the health and safety of the household, LIEAP can help with emergency assistance. Some examples of an emergency are broken furnaces, hazardous conditions in the heating system, loss of primary supply of energy, or other forces outside the control of the household which cause a severe loss of heat.

LIEAP also has a supply of self-weatherization materials available at no charge to qualifying households. These include window kits, caulking, and weather-stripping.

Who is eligible for LIEAP?

Eligibility for weatherization and fuel assistance is based on your income and assets. Income eligibility guidelines change each year and are determined by the federal poverty level. Please refer to the State of Montana website for the current LIEAP income guidelines, which are updated around October 1 of each year.  Both homeowners and renters may apply for these programs.

If your household receives benefits from Supplemental Security Income (SSI) or the Temporary Assistance to Needy Families (TANF) program, you may qualify automatically for weatherization or fuel assistance.

When to apply for LIEAP

The Low-Income Energy Assistance (LIEAP) and Weatherization Program application is available on the State of Montana website during the heating season, which is October 1 through April 30 of each year.

You may apply for weatherization assistance or an emergency situation with a furnace or water heater at any time during the year by contacting the Weatherization Program at 495-9901.

More about applying for LIEAP

To request an application, contact the RMDC Helena office at 1-800-356-6544 or 447-1625. Applications are also available for download on the State of Montana website during the heating season. This is also an excellent source of further information on the LIEAP program. You can also contact us at the number above or email us at lieap_reception@rmdc.net.

In Helena, LIEAP applications are available at the Neighborhood Center Reception Office, 200 S. Cruse or at the LIEAP office in the Jackson Street Center, 648 North Jackson Street.

NOTE: Applications that can be filled out online are now available here as well.

Required Documentation

The following information is provided to assist you in applying. Submitting an incomplete application or not submitting required documentation will delay the application process.

Documents you will need to include with your application:

1. Copies of verification for the prior 12 months of income from wages and all other sources for ALL household members, regardless of age. Examples: Child Support; All Wage Stubs; Unemployment Payment Stubs; Workman’s Compensation Payment Stubs; Social Security or SSI letters; Public Assistance/TANF/SNAP Benefit Statement; Section 8/Utility Payments; Alimony Payments; Veterans’ Benefits Statements; Self-Employment Forms with Schedule C Tax Form; Gift and Loan Forms.
2. Current statement for all resources listed in Section 7 of the LIEAP application.
3. Bank statements for all accounts.
4. Copy of photo ID for all household members or birth certificates for all household members under 18 years of age who don’t have a photo ID.

TIPS to help you submit a complete application

• You must list ALL household members regardless of age or relationship.
• You must provide income verification for ALL household members, regardless of age or relationship.
• You must provide statements for ALL open bank accounts of ALL household members, regardless of the balance or usage of the account.
• ALL household members 16 years of age and older must sign the application.
• All sections of the application must be complete.

If you need assistance filling out the application or just have questions, please call us at 1-800-356-6544 or 447-1625.

All records and information provided by you or obtained through verification are confidential and are not available to the public.

You will be sent a letter of notification. It will tell you whether you are eligible for assistance and what benefits you may expect to receive.

If you think you haven't received the right amount of assistance, inform the eligibility worker immediately. You may ask for a hearing if you disagree with any action taken as a result of your application.

These are equal opportunity programs. If you believe you've been discriminated against because of race, color, national origin, age, sex, marital status, disability, political beliefs, or religion, write or call the state Office of Fair Hearings, P.O. Box 202953, Helena MT 59620-2953; 406-444-2470.

For additional information contact  (406) 447-1680 or  (406) 447-1625.