North Dakota LIHEAP is often simply referred to as the Heating Assistance Program, since financial assistance with the cost of home heating is usually the program’s main benefit. As a government assistance program, financial help for heating costs is only provided to low-income households that can express the needs for this type of help. Since the state can experience extreme cold weather, snow and ice in the winter months, energy assistance is a big help to low-income households. The costs to heat homes during these extreme winter months can be expensive. The program works to ensure all households stay comfortable in these cold temperatures, regardless of income.
With utility assistance in ND, residents who have trouble paying their heating bills can find relief. Since these bills typically increase in the winter, the program assists residents mostly during these colder months. Applicants who meet the program’s eligibility guidelines can be provided with financial assistance for their homes, whether these homes are rented or owned. Low-income residents should review the benefits provided by the program and the qualifications to receive these benefits if they are struggling to pay for energy. To find out more about heating assistance and other benefits the program offers eligible residents, review the information below.
Learn About Types of LIHEAP Energy Assistance in North Dakota
The North Dakota Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program is mainly focused on providing financial assistance to low-income households during the brutally cold winter months throughout the state. Funds allocated to beneficiaries through the program may also be used for minor repairs to furnaces or other heating elements within the homes. Residents may be provided with financial assistance to pay for:
- Furnace or chimney cleanings and inspections.
- Heating costs.
- The weatherization of homes.
- Unusually high fuel costs.
- Furnace replacements and repairs.
Elderly residents should keep in mind that they may also qualify for benefits through the LIHEAP program in ND that will help with cooling assistance during the hot summer months. However, they must prove they meet additional eligibility criteria before these benefits are provided. By completing an application for the program and providing thorough information on their ages and medical conditions, these applicants may qualify for this additional cooling assistance through the program.
When an elderly resident follows the process to apply for LIHEAP in ND, she or he may also qualify for help with cooling costs if a medical professional confirms specific medical conditions. The qualifying medical conditions can make living in a warm residence extremely uncomfortable or dangerous for these residents. The program may also assist the senior resident in buying cooling devices for his or her home, if these additional eligibility criteria are met. The financial assistance for these cooling devices is provided if the summer months are unusually warm and the beneficiary has proven he or she suffers from a medical condition that makes exposure to heat dangerous or unhealthy.
What are the North Dakota LIHEAP requirements?
Since the program is focused on providing utility bill assistance for low income families in North Dakota, one of the most important eligibility qualifications is the income an applicant earns. The program asks for extensive income information when a household applies for benefits, including the earned income of all members and recurring household expenses.
To meet the LIHEAP income guidelines in ND, a family must prove it has an income that falls within a certain percentage of the Federal Poverty Level (FPL). Since the government sets the FPL and it can change each year, the low-income guidelines for the program may also change each year. Potential applicants should review these guidelines before applying for benefits. However, these potential applicants should keep in mind that the program calculates a household’s total adjusted income when determining eligibility for benefits. Additionally, certain expenses may be deducted from this income, including:
- Child support.
- Medical expenses.
- Child care.
The LIHEAP guidelines are enforced by the program to ensure the funding is being used for families who are truly in need. Since there is a finite amount of funds provided to the program each year, it is important that the assistance be allotted to families earning low incomes.
How to Apply for LIHEAP in North Dakota
You cannot apply for energy assistance online in North Dakota because the department needs a paper application to review. However, you can find the LIHEAP application online, print it out and complete it at home. You can then choose to complete the LIHEAP application process by mail or bring it to your local county social service office. Keep in mind that applications are only accepted during certain months. You can apply for the program from the beginning of October until the end of May each year. You must re-apply for the program each year to receive benefits for the next season. You will be required to prove you meet the program’s eligibility requirements during each application process.
To obtain a completed LIHEAP application status in ND, you must have signed and dated the application before mailing it or dropping it off at a local office. Without your signature, this application is void. You may also be responsible for providing proof of statements made in the application, such as your income, expenses and household composition.
To find out more about the LIHEAP application process, read through our informative guide.
How much could LIHEAP pay in North Dakota?
If it is determined that an applicant meets the North Dakota LIHEAP eligibility guidelines, the household needs are analyzed so program representatives can determine how much enrollees will receive. Generally, a household is provided with benefits that cover a portion of the average heating bill each month. The remainder of the monthly heating bill is the responsibility of the household. The program calculates expenses and income to ensure the remainder of the bill is financially manageable for the household. Additionally, ND LIHEAP can provide other benefits if an applicant qualifies, such as furnace maintenance repairs or free home weatherization.
How can I check the status of my LIHEAP application?
When you apply for LIHEAP in North Dakota, you are required to provide additional information on your income and expenses, such as statements and paycheck stubs. If you do not submit these materials by the due date, your application for benefits may be denied. It is also important to note that the program provides benefits until the annual funds have run out. If the program is out of funds by the time your application has been received, you may be denied benefits, even if you meet the eligibility criteria.
To check your LIHEAP application status, you can contact the social services office where you submitted your form. It can take over a month for this office to process your application and provide you with a notice that states whether you will receive benefits for the season.
To find out more about how the department processes applications, download our online guide.