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Learn About LIHEAP in Arizona

Arizona LIHEAP is a federally funded program that provides financial assistance in the form of grants directly to heating and cooling bills in order to safeguard the health and wellness of low-income families. Energy assistance is granted on a first come first service basis until funding has been depleted. However, certain individuals, such as those who are at risk of life-threatening illness or death, are given a higher priority when it comes to benefits. In addition to electric and heating assistance, the program can also provide aid towards the weatherization of a home in order for the home to become more energy sufficient and lower the costs that families can expect to pay.

If interested in the low income home energy assistance program, you are strongly encouraged to learn about the benefits that your family could potentially receive, as well as the eligibility requirements that must be met in order to receive aid from the program. By doing so, you will be better prepared for your application and you will know what to expect should you be approved for benefits.

Learn About Types of LIHEAP Energy Assistance in Arizona

Arizona LIHEAP provides financial assistance to low income families within the state that are struggling to cover the cost of heating and electric bills. By providing utility assistance, the state can safeguard citizens, especially those that may be more vulnerable, and ensure that families can remain healthy, despite the hardships caused by lack of finances. The program is federally funded, and in Arizona, assistance is provided to families until funds run out.

Those eligible for LIHEAP benefits may receive help in one of three ways:

  • Financial assistance towards the cost of current and past due energy bills.
  • Financial assistance towards the cost of utility deposits.
  • Aid in making a home more energy efficient in order to reduce future energy costs.

Eligible families can receive utility assistance once in every 12 month period. However, benefits are not guaranteed as aid is available on a first come first serve basis. However, priority is granted if a household contains a senior citizen who is at least 60 years old, a person who is legally disabled or a young child who is under the age of 6 years old. Priority is given to these individuals as these persons are at the highest risk for life threatening illness or death if a home becomes too cold in the winter months or too hot in the summer months.

In addition to energy assistance, the program provides weatherization aid. Weatherization is the process of making a home more efficient through repairs or upgrades to certain aspects of the home. Some examples of weatherization include ensuring that windows and doors are sealed properly and fixing insulation. Additionally, eligible applicants may be able to receive items that can reduce energy costs, such as fluorescent energy saving lightbulbs.

To learn more about types of LIHEAP assistance, download our free guide.

What are the Arizona LIHEAP requirements?

Before you apply for LIHEAP in Arizona, you are strongly encouraged to review the requirements associated with the program. In order to receive benefits, you must be a resident of Arizona. Nonresidents are ineligible to receive assistance. Benefits can only be provided to United States citizens or qualifying non-citizen residents.

Arizona LIHEAP eligibility primarily surrounds income levels. In order to be eligible for benefits, an applicant must have an income level that falls within the program’s guidelines. Income limits are reassessed annually, as limits are based upon the current year’s federal poverty line.

As stated previously, Arizona LIHEAP can only provide assistance on a first come first serve basis. Once benefits are depleted, assistance cannot be provided until the following year. Of course, higher priority will be granted to the individuals that have been previously outlined.

How to Apply for LIHEAP in Arizona

To apply for the utility bill assistance for low income families in Arizona, you must submit an application by contacting your local Community Action Program (CAP). Online applications are not accepted at this time and the only way that you can successfully submit an application is by contacting your local CAP by phone or in person.

When submitting an application for energy assistance, you will need to provide various documents that will support the information that you provide on your application. Required documents include:

  • A copy of your Arizona driver’s license or identification card.
  • Proof of U.S. citizenship.
  • Proof of your permanent residential address.
  • Proof of income for all household members who are 18 years of age or older. Proof of income must show the last 30 days of income.
  • A copy of your most recent utility bill.
  • A utility termination notice (required only if you have received a shut off notice or a delinquent notice from your energy company and you are applying for emergency assistance).
  • Social Security cards or numbers as well as birth certificates or school records for all household members, including children.

To learn more about applying for LIHEAP, download our comprehensive guide.

How much could LIHEAP pay in Arizona?

The amount of Arizona LIHEAP benefits that you and your family may be eligible to receive will be based on several factors. Your household income and household size will play a big role in the amount of benefits that your family may receive. However, funding levels will also play a part in benefit amounts.

If approved for energy assistance in Arizona, it is important to know that grant benefits will be provided directly to your energy or heating utility. Benefits are not provided to recipients, but are rather added onto the recipient’s utility account.

How can I check the status of my LIHEAP application?

After you apply for LIHEAP in Arizona, you will have the ability to check on the status of your application by contacting your local LIHEAP service location that handled your initial application. At this time, you cannot check the status of an application online, but must instead contact your local CAP in person or over the phone.