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Learn About LIHEAP in Vermont

LIHEAP in Vermont is called the Fuel Assistance program and is designed to help low-income residents pay their heating costs to avoid cold, uncomfortable and unhealthy living situations. The program provides seasonal energy assistance to eligible applicants who need financial help paying their heating bills. In addition to the regular benefits provided to help with these bills, the program is also known for distributing crisis fuel to local households that qualify for these benefits. As a federally funded program, there are strict eligibility guidelines that must be met by applicants before this assistance is provided. This ensures the program only assists residents in need and utilizes the government funding efficiently and effectively.

Utility assistance in VT is important since the state has cold and snowy winters. Households with elderly residents, family members with medical conditions or young children should ensure they can properly heat their homes to keep all members healthy and thriving. Potential applicants should review the eligibility guidelines and the benefits that may be awarded before attempting to apply to the program. To find out more about how this heating assistance can help low-income households, as well as the eligibility requirements and application methods, residents should read through the following sections.

Learn About Types of LIHEAP Energy Assistance in Vermont

The Vermont Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program is focused on ensuring all households can get through the winter months with enough fuel to heat their homes. The program offers both regular fuel assistance benefits and crisis fuel benefits. Benefits are available to homeowners and renters alike.

Learn About Regular Fuel Assistance Benefits

A family can apply for LIHEAP in VT if it needs assistance paying fuel costs to heat the home. The benefits are provided in the form of monetary assistance, which is usually distributed directly to the fuel provider or vendor. This ensures the funding is properly allocated and used to ensure the household maintains its heat. This financial assistance is provided to eligible applicants, as long as they are one of the following:

  • A homeowner.
  • A tenant.
  • A resident renting a room in another person’s home.

The financial assistance provided through the program can vary, depending on the applicant’s household situation and need.

Learn About Crisis Fuel Assistance Benefits

The crisis fuel assistance benefits offered by the LIHEAP program are more extensive and are provided more quickly to qualifying families. To obtain these benefits, an applicant must prove he or she needs crisis fuel assistance and is in jeopardy of losing heat to the home.

The benefits provided for qualifying families who need crisis fuel assistance include:

  • Assistance purchasing heat resources, such as fuel, wood or propane.
  • Financial assistance with electricity that runs the heating system.
  • Repairs or replacements of furnaces.
  • Assistance negotiating payment plans with energy providers.
  • Direct communication and financial assistance with fuel providers to prevent service disconnection.

To find out more about crisis utility bill assistance for low income families that these benefits can provide, review our informative online guide.

What are the Vermont LIHEAP requirements?

There are specific Vermont LIHEAP income guidelines that must be met by applicants before financial assistance is provided for their heating bills. These income requirements are based on the current Federal Poverty Level (FPL) and the number of household members currently living in the home. When determining the income of an applicant, the program uses the gross income earned by all household members, which is the amount before deductions.

If a household meets all VT LIHEAP guidelines and is currently receiving other government benefits, such as Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), it may automatically meet the program’s low-income requirements. In this case, a program representative will not ask for income verification and the household may be provided with the benefits needed after applying and verifying identity.

LIHEAP eligibility does not simply include the calculation of an applicant’s income. To be eligible for program benefits, an applicant must also be:

  • A Vermont resident.
  • Able to prove financial assistance is needed for heating costs.
  • A tenant or homeowner responsible for the heating costs in the home.

To obtain benefits, an applicant can live in public, Section 8 or subsidized housing. However, he or she is required to thoroughly complete the application process and provide all verification and proof of the household’s need.

How to Apply for LIHEAP in Vermont

You can easily complete the Vermont LIHEAP application online if you are a new program applicant. However, if you received financial assistance for heating last season through the program, you must submit a form that re-verifies your eligibility for additional benefits. You will receive a notification in the mail informing you on how to re-apply for financial assistance for the current winter season. You must complete the form with updated information on your household and send it to the department to determine whether or not you will receive heating assistance again from the program.

If you are a new program applicant, you can:

  • Apply for energy assistance online.
  • Call the office to ask for a paper application.
  • Visit a local office and complete the application process in person.

You may be required to provide proof of income or recent utility bills when applying for benefits. To find out more about how to apply for LIHEAP, download and review our comprehensive guide.

How much could LIHEAP pay in Vermont?

If you complete the Vermont LIHEAP application form and you are eligible for benefits, the district office will inform you of the amount of benefits you may receive. This benefit amount depends on your household situation and whether you are responsible for your entire heating bill or only a portion of it. It also depends on the type of heating source your home utilizes and whether you are applying to receive regular or crisis fuel assistance benefits. Additionally, the amount of energy assistance provided to your household depends on the amount of funding the program still has to distribute to needy families for the rest of the season.

How can I check the status of my LIHEAP application?

To check your VT LIHEAP application status, you must contact your local district office. A program representative can inform you about your eligibility and the benefit amount you may qualify to receive for the season. If you completed the LIHEAP application online, you can sign into your online account and view your status. You may need to provide additional documentation proving your income or identification before you are approved for program benefits. Keep in mind, in most cases, the program distributes benefits directly to your fuel provider to cover your heating costs. You may need to consult with your provider or review your current heating bill to see if program benefits were already issued.