Low Income Home Energy Assistance (LIHEAP)

 
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Economic Assistance
Children and Family Services
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What you need to know

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LIHEAP helps low-income households stay safe and healthy by providing financial assistance to offset the costs of heating and cooling.


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Who is eligible to receive LIHEAP through DHHS?​

Eligibility

To qualify for LIHEAP, a household must:

  • Have income at or below 150% of the federal poverty level (FPL); (see table below)
  • Meet the LIHEAP citizenship and residency requirements;
  • Be responsible for home energy utilities; and,
  • Not be otherwise disqualified or ineligible.

NOTE: Each LIHEAP service type has specific requirements. Weatherization and HCRRA have different eligibility requirements.

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LIHEAP Maximum Allowable Income
(October 1, 2023 - September 30, 2024)
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Household Size 

LIHEAP Gross Income Limit 
(150% of Federal Poverty Level) 

1 $21,870.00 
2 $29,580.00 
3 $37,290.00 
4 $45,000.00 
5 $52,710.00 
6 $60,420.00 
7 $68,130.00 
8 $75,840.00 

​* For each additional household member, add $7,710. ​ 
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What services are provided by DHHS through LIHEAP?​

Heating Assistance

The heating season is from October 1st through March 31st. Payments are made one time per heating season to utility providers. The heating assistance payment reduces the amount a household must pay toward residential heating utilities. The household is responsible to pay for utilities not covered by the heating assistance payment. To qualify, a household must be LIHEAP-eligible.

Cooling Assistance

The cooling season is from June 1st through August 31st. Payments are made one time per cooling season to utility providers. The cooling assistance payment reduces the amount a household must pay toward residential cooling utilities. The household is responsible to pay for utilities not covered by the cooling assistance payment. To qualify, a household must be LIHEAP-eligible and include a household member who:

  • Is a child under age 6 who receives Aid to Dependent Children (ADC);
  • Is age 70 or older;
  • Has a severe illness or condition which is aggravated by extreme heat as verified by a medical statement signed by a licensed healthcare provider; or,
  • Has received an air conditioner from DHHS within four years of the application date.

NOTE: If a household member has a severe illness or condition which is aggravated by extreme heat, an IM-55 is required to be completed by a licensed healthcare provider to verify the need for cooling assistance. DHHS will provide the household with the IM-55 upon request. 

Crisis Assistance

Payments are made year-round to utility providers to alleviate crisis situations. This includes payments for deposits and reconnect fees. To qualify, a household must be LIHEAP-eligible, in a crisis situation, and have an unanticipated inability to pay home energy costs within the most recent 90 days because the household has experienced:

  • An unanticipated medical or household expense;
  • A significant, permanent, and involuntary loss of work hours, wages, or employment;
  • The departure of a primary wage earner;
  • The inability of a primary wage earner to work because of illness or injury; or,
  • A significant income loss because of the death of a household member.​

Furnace and Central Air Conditioner Repair and Replacement Assistance

Financial assistance for the repair or replacement of a furnace or central air conditioner up to $750. To qualify, a household must be eligible for LIHEAP heating assistance (furnace) or cooling assistance (central air conditioner), provide documentation that the repair or replacement is necessary, provide estimates for the cost of the repair or replacement as requested by DHHS, and have received no repair or replacement assistance for a furnace or air conditioner within the previous 60 months.   

Window Air Conditioner Purchase Assistance

Financial assistance with the purchase of window air conditioners. To qualify, the household must be eligible for LIHEAP cooling assistance, provide estimates for the cost of the purchase as requested by DHHS, and have received no assistance to purchase a window air conditioning unit within the previous 60 months.

Fan Program

DHHS administers funds to local organizations that purchase and distribute fans to those in need. Households must be eligible for LIHEAP to receive a fan. Organizations distribute fans from June 1st through August 31st. View Fan Program Contacts for the participating organizations. ​


What services are provided by the Nebraska Department of Environment and Energy (NDEE) through LIHEAP?​

Weatherization Services

Home improvements are completed to make homes more energy-efficient. Contact NDEE for qualifying information.

Heating and Cooling Repair and Replacement Assistance (HCRRA)

Repair or purchase and installation of a heating or cooling system up to $5,000. Contact NDEE for qualifying information.​


How do I get LIHEAP assistance?

Apply

If the household has an active or pending Economic Assistance (EA) case, the household may request LIHEAP without submitting a new application. If the household does not have an active or pending EA case, the household must submit an agency-approved application for LIHEAP.

Individuals can request or apply for LIHEAP through DHHS:

  • Online;
  • In-person at a DHHS Office or,
  • By calling ACCESSNebraska at the number below:
    • Lincoln: (402) 323-3900;
    • Omaha: (402) 595-1258; or,
    • All other Nebraska communities: Toll-Free: (800) 383-4278

 
Individuals can obtain information for LIHEAP services through NDEE (weatherization and HCRRA):

  • Online; or,
  • By calling (402) 471-2186

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LIHEAP Resources

 
LIHEAP aid is 100% financed with Federal funds. LIHEAP administrative costs are paid with Federal and State funds, which vary annually.