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Learn About LIHEAP in Tennessee

Tennessee LIHEAP is administered by the Tennessee Housing Development Agency, but potential applicants must contact their local Community Action Agencies to complete the application process for the program. As an energy assistance program funded by the U. S. Department of Health and Human Services, it was mainly created to ensure low-income residents have access to the resources they need to stay comfortable and healthy, including heat or cooling for their homes. The state is awarded funding as a block grant, allowing its own department to set eligibility criteria, choose the types of benefits to provide and organize the application process on its own. Beneficiaries are only awarded with program assistance if they meet all qualifications and complete the application process during an enrollment period. Additionally, there must be funds left in the program.

In Tennessee utility assistance programs like this one are important for low-income households because the summer temperatures can be stifling while the winters can bring brutally cold weather. These programs ensure all residents can maintain certain livability standards inside their homes, no matter their financial situations. To find out more about this heating assistance program, its eligibility guidelines and the benefits that are provided to qualifying candidates, review the following information.

Learn About Types of LIHEAP Energy Assistance in Tennessee

In most counties, the TN Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) allots a one-time payment to eligible households that apply for benefits. Household members must prove that they are currently earning a low income and struggling to pay for utility costs. By proving that a large portion of monthly income is directed to heating or cooling costs, the department can verify that the best way to help the family financially is by providing monetary funds for energy costs.

The Tennessee LIHEAP program one-time payment for utility costs can either be issued to eligible applicants through the Regular Assistance Program (EA) or through the Energy Crisis Program (EC). A portion of LIHEAP funding is also used to provide weatherization services to homeowners who qualify.

Learn About Regular Assistance Program Benefits

Through the EA, utility assistance for low income families is provided to applicants who prove they meet the program’s low-income guidelines and need assistance with utility bills. A one-time payment is issued to assist these families with their utility costs. However, the payment is distributed directly to the utility company. This ensures the funds are used properly to help the household with heating or cooling costs.

Learn About Energy Crisis Program Benefits

To apply for LIHEAP energy crisis benefits, a household must prove it not only meets all program eligibility guidelines but also has an immediate need for funds to prevent a utility shut-off. In addition to having an open utility account that is about to be deactivated due to unpaid bills, the household must also meet requirements that relate to household composition.

If the applicant can prove all of these energy crisis eligibility guidelines are met, the program may administer benefits quickly to ensure the utilities stay on for the household. As with the EA program benefits, these monetary funds are administered directly to the utility provider.

Learn About Weatherization Services

In addition to energy assistance, the program may provide free or low-cost weatherization services to homeowners and tenants who qualify. Energy professionals analyze homes and assist applicants by sealing doors and windows or providing other services to make the homes more energy-efficient. This ensures the beneficiary will have more affordable utility costs in the future.

What are the Tennessee LIHEAP requirements?

There are strict Tennessee LIHEAP income guidelines that an applicant must meet to be considered for financial assistance with utility costs. These low-income requirements may increase each year, since they are based on the government’s Federal Poverty Level (FPL). The household can earn a certain percentage of the FPL to qualify for benefits. The level of income an applicant can earn and still qualify for the program is also dependent on the number of household members.

If a household is already currently receiving other government assistance benefits, such as Supplemental Security Income (SSI) or qualifies for and receives certain veterans benefits, it may automatically qualify for LIHEAP. In these cases, the applicant may not be required to provide proof of income for benefits.

In addition to TN LIHEAP guidelines for income, an applicant must also meet all of the following eligibility criteria:

  • Be a resident of Tennessee.
  • Be a current utility customer.
  • Complete the application process and provide proof of income, if requested.

A potential applicant should review all LIHEAP eligibility requirements with the local Community Action Agency. A representative at the agency can ensure the potential applicant provides the documents and evidence required to determine his or her eligibility for any services with the program, including regular benefits, energy crisis benefits or weatherization services.

To find out more about LIHEAP, download our informative guide.

How to Apply for LIHEAP in Tennessee

Applicants must apply for LIHEAP in Tennessee through their local Community Action Agencies. These agencies are located in each county throughout the state and are dedicated to assisting residents in obtaining benefits from the program and providing information on other government assistance programs they may be eligible for.

Potential applicants should contact their local agencies to set up appointments with representatives. During these meetings, the program representatives will determine eligibility for the program by asking applicants questions and reviewing their documentation, evidence of income and more.

While residents cannot apply for LIHEAP online in TN, they can download program applications online and complete them at home. These applications can be mailed into the agencies or brought to the appointments to submit in person to program representatives.

To learn more about the application process, review our informative online guide.

How much could LIHEAP pay in Tennessee?

After an applicant has completed the TN LIHEAP application form and turned in all documentation, a program representative will determine eligibility and the benefits he or she can receive. These benefits are distributed directly to the utility provider. The amount of benefits provided is determined based on the household size, the need of the applicant and the amount of program funds still available.

How can I check the status of my LIHEAP application?

An applicant can check his or her Tennessee LIHEAP application status by contacting the Community Action Agency where he or she applied. Applications are processed year-round but it may take several weeks for applicants to receive notices about program approval and benefits available. However, energy crisis applicants are usually given priority and are provided with notifications within 48 hours.