In Utah LIHEAP is called the Home Energy Assistance Target Program (HEAT). This federally funded government program provides heating assistance to low-income residents who qualify. The state can experience extremely low temperatures, snow and ice throughout the winter months. The financial assistance provided through the HEAT program can ensure all households have access to the heating they need to keep their homes warm and comfortable. This monetary assistance is especially important for households that include family members who are elderly, young children or suffering from certain medical conditions that can be exacerbated by colder temperatures.
Not every household will be awarded utility assistance in UT after applying for program benefits. Since the program funding is limited, there are strict eligibility requirements for beneficiaries. These qualifications include meeting low-income guidelines and proving a need for financial assistance. To find out more about this heating assistance program, including the application processes and the benefits provided to qualifying applicants, review the sections below.
Learn About Types of LIHEAP Energy Assistance in Utah
The Utah Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program only allots one benefit payment per eligible household per year. Each year, the program only receives a specific amount of funding from the government. To ensure these funds are provided to as many qualifying households as possible, the program’s terms must limit the number of payments for eligible residents.
If a household decides to apply for LIHEAP in UT because it is having trouble paying its heating bill, eligibility must first be determined. Program applicants must first provide information on their monthly heating bills. This information helps confirm there is need for financial assistance and the amount of payments needed. The benefits are distributed directly to utility providers to ensure the funds are used for heating costs. In some cases, tenants may pay their heating bills through landlords within their monthly rent payments. The program will allot these funds to the tenants directly to be used for these heating costs. In addition to this utility bill assistance for low income families, the HEAT program also provides heating shut-off protection and referrals for weatherization services.
Learn About Shut-off Protection (Moratorium)
Between the middle of November to the middle of March, eligible applicants who are at risk of experiencing utility shut-off can receive benefits through the HEAT program. These funds are provided directly to utility vendors to ensure utility services continue for the households in danger of losing heat. To qualify for these LIHEAP shut-off protection benefits, HEAT applicants must meet additional eligibility guidelines.
Learn About the Weatherization Assistance Program
Families who are eligible for the Utah LIHEAP program may also be provided with weatherization assistance, if needed. Tenants or homeowners can receive free or low-cost services that will make their homes more energy-efficient. This ensures these homeowners will pay less for utility costs in the future. In addition to weatherization, the program also helps with repairs and replacements of heating equipment, such as furnaces and wood-burning stoves.
What are the Utah LIHEAP requirements?
To obtain benefits, an applicant must meet the UT LIHEAP guidelines and be able to prove these guidelines are met by providing the proper documentation and evidence. More specifically, an applicant must be:
- Within the LIHEAP income guidelines for his or her household size, which can change each year.
- A Utah resident.
- A U.S. citizen or live with a family member who is a legal citizen.
- Responsible for paying the utility costs.
To be considered an eligible household, the group of individuals applying for benefits must live under one roof and share one heat source. The income earned from all adult household members is used to calculate the gross income. This total must be a certain percentage of the Federal Poverty Level (FPL), which is calculated by the government each year.
To determine that a household meets the LIHEAP eligibility criteria, a department representative will ask to see proof of income and citizenship. Additionally, an applicant may need to provide proof of identification and utility bills or rent statements before eligibility is determined.
How to Apply for LIHEAP in Utah
You may be apply for LIHEAP online in Utah, depending on your county and the conditions for applying online. Some eligibility requirements include receiving services form an approved vendor. If you cannot complete the online application, you can find the UT LIHEAP application online, print it, complete it and mail it to your local HEAT program office. If you choose to complete the application at home, you must also include specific documentation with your application when you mail it into the program office. This documentation may include:
- A copy of your identification, if you are the primary applicant.
- Copies of Social Security cards for all household members.
- Copies of U.S. Customs and Immigration Services documents to prove legal citizenship.
You can also complete the LIHEAP application form in person at your local HEAT program office. After locating the most convenient office in your county, call the office to make an appointment. When you visit, bring all the documentation and information you will need to complete the application process.
How much could LIHEAP pay in Utah?
HEAT program representatives must calculate the Utah energy assistance that is awarded to an eligible household before the payment can be provided to the utility vendor or landlord. To figure out the benefit amount a household may be eligible for, the representative must review the applicant’s:
- Percent of poverty.
- Energy burden.
- Target group eligibility.
- Heat source, whether fuel or propane.
All of these LIHEAP factors, as well as the amount of program funding available, are taken into consideration when calculating the benefits for an eligible applicant. To find out more about how these benefits are calculated, review our comprehensive guide.
How can I check the status of my LIHEAP application?
After you apply for LIHEAP in Utah, the program office will call you if further information or documentation is needed. The office analyzes the information you provided on the application to determine your eligibility. If you are considered eligible for benefits, you will receive a notification that also provides you with information on the benefit amount you qualify for. Keep in mind that in most cases, the program office will distribute your benefits directly to your utility vendor. Therefore, you will not receive a check in the mail but will see your utility account balance lowered by the payment.
If you still want to check your LIHEAP application status, you can call or visit the program office you applied with.