While we are not affiliated with the government in any way, our private company engaged writers to research the LIHEAP program and compiled a guide and the following answers to frequently asked questions. Our goal is to help you get the benefits that you need by providing useful information on the process.
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The Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) provides assistance for energy costs to low-income households. LIHEAP is a federal program that is administered by individual states, territories, and tribes. In Oklahoma, LIHEAP is administered by the Department of Human Services.
Learn more about LIHEAP by reviewing the federal program fact sheet here.
For more information about LIHEAP in Oklahoma, click here.
The Oklahoma Department of Human Services oversees LIHEAP benefits and provides financial assistance for heating and cooling expenses to qualified households. Financial assistance can include payment for:
For more information about LIHEAP’s heating assistance initiative in Oklahoma, see the Oklahoma state LIHEAP overview here.
LIHEAP Crisis Assistance, like standard LIHEAP benefits, is a cash grant provided to the utility companies of eligible individuals in certain situations.
If your household meets all the eligibility requirements above and has an energy-related crisis, you may qualify for LIHEAP Crisis Assistance.
The state of Oklahoma defines a “crisis situation” as one where a household:
For qualifying households, the maximum annual benefit amount for LIHEAP Crisis Assistance is a one-time payment of $500.
Learn more about Crisis Assistance on the federal Benefit Levels for Heating, Cooling, and Crisis here.
To determine the amount of energy assistance for which you are eligible, the Oklahoma Department of Human Services will consider:
Also, whether you are eligible for regular LIHEAP payments or Crisis Assistance payments will influence your maximum benefit amount.
As of 2020, the maximum annual heating benefit amount in Oklahoma is $388 and the minimum annual benefit amount is $40. The maximum annual cooling benefit amount is $365 and the minimum annual benefit amount is $150.
To qualify for LIHEAP in Oklahoma, you must meet the following requirements:
Learn more about the LIHEAP financial eligibility requirements in Oklahoma here.
If you or a member of your family participates in the benefit programs below, then you may automatically be eligible for LIHEAP based on your income:
Eligible households can only apply for LIHEAP heating assistance from November 1st until January 31st each year.
Eligible households may only apply for cooling assistance from June 1st to August 31steach year.
Households can only apply for crisis assistance between March 1stand May 31steach year.
LIHEAP applications cannot be submitted year-round.
To apply for LIHEAP in Oklahoma, complete the following two steps:
To apply for LIHEAP online, complete an online application through OKDHS here.
To apply for LIHEAP in person, visit your local Department of Human Services county office. Find your nearest DHS office and contact information here.
To apply for LIHEAP by phone, call 1 (405) 487-5483.
To apply for LIHEAP by mail or by email, visit your local DHS office or call 1 (405) 487-5483, or send an email to liheap2@okdhs.org to have an application mailed or emailed to you. After completing your application, you may submit it by mail or email.
If you have questions about the application process or require assistance, contact your nearest Department of Human Services (DHS) county office. Find your nearest DHS office here.
When applying for Oklahoma LIHEAP benefits, you will need to provide:
The state may need the following documents and information to confirm your eligibility for LIHEAP benefits:
You can call the Department of Human Services county office directly to check your application status. You may also call 1 (405) 487-5483.
Click here to find your local office and contact information.
The Oklahoma Department of Human Services will notify you after your application has been processed if you are approved to receive benefits. All LIHEAP payments are made to the heating or energy provider directly. Benefit payments will not be sent to you.
If you are denied Oklahoma LIHEAP benefits, you may request a hearing to appeal the decision after you receive the denial. To request an appeal, contact your local Department of Human Services (DHS) office or call 1 (405) 487-5483.
Find your nearest local DHS office here.
If you have questions about LIHEAP benefits in Oklahoma or require further assistance, contact your local Department of Human Services county office. Find your nearest Department of Human Services (DHS) office and contact information here.
You can also call Oklahoma LIHEAP at 1 (405) 487-5483.
While we are not affiliated with the government in any way, our private company engaged writers to research the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program and compiled a guide that we believe is simple to use and easy to understand. Our goal is to help you get the benefits that you need by providing detailed information on the process.
Our free LIHEAP Guide is filled with helpful information about how to apply for LIHEAP, program eligibility and how to get in touch with local offices. You can view or download our free guide here.
