The New Mexico Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program is part of a federally-funded program available in every U.S. state. Through this program, low-income individuals and families receive government aid toward essential energy and utility bills. The Energy assistance in New Mexico is provided by the Human Services Department, which oversees a few aid programs.
Homeowners and renters who have incomes that fall within the designated guidelines may be eligible for grants that help pay for heating and cooling bills. To qualify for utility assistance, all applicants must submit proof of meeting the requirements of the program. This includes providing income and residency documents and submitting information about the size of their household. Furthermore, eligible enrollees must be New Mexico residents.
The LIHEAP program is reserved for residents who meet all the eligibility guidelines. All candidates must apply for the program in order to determine whether they qualify for financial assistance. The benefits and qualifications of this program vary between states, so it is important that New Mexico residents confirm their eligibility status during the application process. For more information about the program and to learn how to apply, continue reading the sections below.
Learn About Types of LIHEAP Energy Assistance in New Mexico
Cooling and heating assistance in New Mexico is available to low-income renters and homeowners. The Human Services Department oversees the program along with the various other assistance plans. There are several plans offered through the program designed to help eligible enrollees pay for their utilities and avoid shut-offs during the winter months. Depending on an applicant’s income, residence type and household size, he or she may qualify for a few assistance programs, grants or other aid types.
Expedited utility bill assistance for low income families is available during emergencies. Crisis LIHEAP is open to approved enrollees who have been disconnected from their utility services. Applicants who receive a notice of disconnect may also be eligible. Furthermore, candidates who are about to run out of propane, wood or other bulk fuels may qualify for this emergency program. Typically, HEAP benefits are paid directly to the fuel supplier on behalf of the household. The exact amount of benefits a household receives depends on their income and household size.
The LIHEAP program in New Mexico also has a Weatherization Assistance Program, which provides funding for low-income households who need energy conservation services. Costly energy bills are commonly due to improper insulation. Low-income renters and homeowners can receive grants to help make their homes more energy efficient. This includes services like weather stripping, caulking and insulation.
What are the New Mexico LIHEAP requirements?
The LIHEAP guidelines in New Mexico are set by the Human Services Department. All applicants must meet these requirements in order to qualify for government aid. Aside from income requirements, the state sets certain conditions regarding the size of the household and condition of the heating or cooling unit. LIHEAP eligibility in New Mexico is determined during the application process. Applicants must provide proof of meeting all the program guidelines in order to qualify.
The LIHEAP income guidelines in New Mexico help narrow down the pool of eligible applicants. The program is reserved only for residents who meet these guidelines in relation to the size of their household. During the application process, candidates must report all types of income. Income includes (but is not limited to):
- Wages
- Tips
- Pension and retirement money
- Other government assistance money
- Unemployment benefits
- Alimony and child support
- Worker’s compensation
- Social Security benefits
To learn more about LIHEAP, download our free guide.
How to Apply for LIHEAP in New Mexico
To apply for LIHEAP in New Mexico, program candidates have a few different options. Regardless of their chosen application method, all applicants must submit the required information and completely fill out the application to be considered. Incomplete applications are subject to delayed examination Furthermore, applicants who submit incomplete forms may need to re-apply.
You can apply for LIHEAP online using the web portal provided by the Human Services Department. This is the fastest application method. You must create a personal account on this portal before applying for the program. Completing the LIHEAP application online requires you to register with your name, date of birth and Social Security number. You will use these credentials to check your benefits and apply for other state programs if you are eligible.
Alternatively, you may download the LIHEAP application form from the website, print it out, complete it and drop it off to one of the Income Support Division (ISD) offices located throughout the state. You also have the option of mailing this paper form to the scanning office.
Within 10 days of applying, you will be required to attend an in-person interview with a state worker. He or she will review the information on your application as well as supplemental documents you provide during the hearing. You may need to submit a variety of documents proving your eligibility for the program. This includes:
- Proof of residence (i.e. a property tax bill or lease agreement).
- Proof of identity (i.e. Social Security card or birth certificate).
- Proof of income (i.e. a W-2 or federal tax return).
- Proof of immigration status (if applicable).
- Copies of recent energy bills.
- Information about type of fuel used.
How much could LIHEAP pay in New Mexico?
New Mexico LIHEAP grants are determined by the Human Services Department. After applying, the state reviews the candidate’s information to determine eligibility. Then, the applicant is notified of approval and benefit amounts. The grant amount depends on a number of factors, including household size, type of fuel used, energy costs and household type. Energy assistance benefits are typically paid directly to the supplier on behalf of the household.
The program is not meant to cover the entire cost of utility bills. Enrollees receive a predetermined amount of financial assistance to help them lower their energy costs. There are minimum and maximum coverage amounts allowed by the program. Enrollees can expect to receive financial assistance in amounts anywhere from $70 and $490.
Find out more on LIHEAP benefit payment amounts in our comprehensive guide.
How can I check the status of my LIHEAP application?
New Mexico LIHEAP helps reduce energy costs for the state’s low-income renters and homeowners. Candidates are required to apply for the program in order to determine their eligibility. After applying online or in-person, candidates are also required to attend an interview within 10 days to verify the information provided on the application form.
Most enrollees will be notified by letter within 45 days as to whether their application was approved. Anyone interested in finding their LIHEAP application status should log into the portal used during the application process. Alternatively, they may consider calling the number of the office they visited to inquire about their file. Either way, officials will applicants of any further steps they must take to receive notice of approval.