Statewide Help
The federal Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) provides assistance to low-income households for their energy bills. The program is commonly referred to as HEAP or LIHEAP (Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program).
LIHEAP funding is first-come first-serve and demand for HEAP has increased by 20 percent over the last two heating seasons. It is important to apply as soon as possible and respond to any requests for additional documents immediately.
How do I apply for HEAP?
Starting in 2024, you can apply for HEAP two ways, either in person or online.
- Apply in person: You can still apply for LIHEAP (Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program) at your local CAP agency.
Many CAPS begin accepting applications on July 1. You should contact your CAP agency directly and they will schedule in-person or telephone appointments to apply for HEAP. You will also be asked to provide documents in support of your application. Applications are typically not considered complete until you have submitted your documents.
At times the wait for an appointment may be several months long. It may be faster to complete an application online if you have the ability to do so. - Apply online: In August of 2024, Maine State Housing Authority implemented an online application process for HEAP. Households are encouraged to apply as early as possible. The online application can be accessed at Maine State Housing “Home Energy Assistance Program" web page.
You will need to have all the required documents ready to upload when applying online. Be prepared with:- Names, dates of birth, and social security numbers of all household members
- Unexpired photo ID of applicant
- Proof of gross income for the last 30 days for each household member with income. In some cases, you may be asked to provide income for the last 12 months. Income includes wages from employment, social security benefits, unemployment benefits, pension or retirement income, and disability payments.
- DHHS SNAP or TANF Notice of Decision for those that receive benefits
- Proof of your present address such as a copy of your lease, deed, or property tax bill. If you don’t have a lease, you may be able to provide a copy of your rent receipt.
- Ren recertification for those in subsidized housing
- Recent copies of your energy and utility bills
- The type of fuel used to heat your home (such as natural gas, oil, propane, wood, etc.)
Tips for applying online:
- There are two parts to the online application. The first part is demographic information, such as your name, address, and household members. The second part is related to your documents. Your application will not be submitted unless both parts are completed.
- If you have any questions about the application, you can call your local CAP agency. Although you are applying online, they are available to answer your questions.
- After you submit your online application, you will be contacted by your local CAP agency to complete the process.
Do you owe $500 or more to the electric company?
If you're behind on your electric bills, then the Arrearage Management Program (AMP) may be able to help you. This new program can help you wipe out what you owe. One of the requirements for this program is that you are enrolled in LIHEAP. Learn more about the Arrearage Management Program.
Other home energy-related programs
The USDA Rural Development office offers low-interest loans to qualified applicants through its Programs for Individual Homeowners. You can ask the USDA to help you to buy a new heating system, replace insulation, doors or windows, repair a foundation, or do many other types of repairs or upgrades, to make your home more energy efficient, or just more livable.
Find a listing of home energy-related Maine State Housing programs here.
Regional and Local Help
Read what the National Institutes of Health say about avoiding hypothermia - especially critical for older people.
Find additional funds nearest you:
- To find the local resources nearest you, search Maine 211 for "fuel assistance." On a follow-up screen, you have the option of limiting your search by zip code. You can also try contact 211 by phone, simply call “211.”
- General Assistance. To apply, contact your town office. Find more information about General Assistance here.
- Town Office. Your local town office may know of additional resources.
- CAP Agency. Your local CAP Agency may have or know of additional resources. Find contact information for your local agency at MeCAP.
Know your home heating rights!
Did you know?
Even if you owe them money, an oil dealer can't refuse to deliver oil to you during the heating season (October 15th - April 30th) if:
- You have cash or government guaranteed payment for the oil
- The dealer normally delivers to your area, and
- You order at least 20 gallons
Read more about the requirements for your landlord to provide heat in our article: How Much Heat and Other Basic Utilities Does My Landlord Have to Provide?
Updated by PTLA: January, 2025