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Below is a list of Frequently Asked Questions about the Energy
Programs. You can find the answer by clicking on the question.
The Energy Assistance Program runs from October 1 through April
30. You may apply at any time during this period. If you were on
the program last year, you will receive an application in the mail. As
soon as you receive it, you can apply. Households whose primary heating fuel
is Propane may apply beginning the last week of July.
The grant is a lump-sum payment provided once per program year. A
grant is not provided every month. In most cases, the grant is paid
directly to your fuel provider.
It can take up to 45 days from the day we receive your completed application,
with all required information, to complete the processing. It depends on how many
applications there are at the time you apply. You may contact our office
when it has been over 45 days if you have not received any information on your
case.
Once this office has processed your application, we will enter your case
onto the state LIEAP computer. You will receive a folded notice from the
department of Public Health and Human Services in Helena. In order to
find out if you are eligible, you must tear off the sides at the perforations
and fully unfold the notice. You will find information regarding your
eligible/ineligible status, how much you are eligible for, and requirements
for Supplemental Assistance as well as instructions for what to do if you
disagree with our decision.
Yes, unless you participate in a public housing subsidy program that
sets your rent at a fixed percentage of your income and pays your entire home
heating costs. If you receive rent assistance (Section 8) and your
heating costs are included in your rent, you are not eligible for fuel
assistance. However, if you pay your own electricity bill, you may be
eligible for a discount. you will need to submit copies of your rent
receipts for the program period (October through April) in order to receive
your benefits.
No, they are not counted as part of the total annual income.
However, we would like you to list them as it helps us to see how you are
meeting your living expenses.
If you live in the service area of and are eligible to be served by a
tribal organization, you are not eligible to receive benefits under the State
Energy Assistance Program. Even if those tribal organizations run out of
funds, the State program does not serve those areas.
Eligibility for tribal programs is dependent in most cases on your
enrollment status. In order to be served by the State program, you must
provide us with proof that you are ineligible for tribal programs.
"Proof" refers to a signed document from the enrollment office of
the reservation where you live saying that the head of household and his or
her spouse/significant other (if applicable) do not meet the enrollment
requirements.
Benefits are based on the following information:
 | Income for the last 12 months immediately prior to the date of
application. |
| The number of persons in your household. |
| The main type of fuel for your home. |
| The type of home you live in. |
| Whether or not your rent is subsidized (payment based on your income
through HUD, Section 8, etc.) |
| The number of bedrooms in your dwelling. |
You can still receive fuel assistance. However, there is an
additional form that the holder of the account must fill out and you can be
compensated up to the amount of your benefit with a receipt showing the
amount paid on that account. Please be sure
to mention this fact when you apply.
The Low Income Energy Assistance Program has emergency funds set aside
for heating system emergency repairs. However, these are limited to $250
per occurrence May 1 through September 30, and to $5000 October 1st through
April 30th. Also, please be aware that although we utilize emergency
LIEAP funds year round, they are only available May 1 through September 30 to
those clients who received a LIEAP grant in the last program year.
The Weatherization Program assists homeowners and renters in making
their homes more energy efficient. The ultimate goal is to lessen the
amount of energy needed to heat a home and in turn, lower the heating bill.
All homes in this area are prioritized by their energy
consumption. This is how we decide who gets weatherized first. In
some cases, it may take two to three heating seasons for your home to make it
to the top of the list. You MUST reapply every year in October to remain
on the priority list. Because Weatherization services are in great
demand and the budget is limited, we are only able to do a few houses each
year. We try to do as many as we can, but it is impossible for us to get
to everyone who requests it every year. We will notify you when your
home is at the top of our priority list. When you hear from us, you need
to call us right away to set up an appointment.
No. The same application is used for both LIEAP and
Weatherization. We will use the same documentation provided with the
LIEAP application. If you are eligible for LIEAP, you are also eligible
for Weatherization, provided your house has not previously been weatherized.
| Household size |
Income Limit |
| 1 |
$14,700 |
| 2 |
$19,800 |
| 3 |
$24,900 |
| 4 |
$30,000 |
| 5 |
$35,100 |
| 6 |
$40,200 |
| 7 |
$45,300 |
| 8 |
$50,400 |
| 9 |
$55,500 |
| 10 |
$60,600 |
The table to the right lists the income limits for the 2006-2007 funding
year. The Federal Office of Management and Budget sets these limits for
us. The local LIEAP office has no control over limits.
If you still have questions or would like information about how to save
money on your heating bill without a major weatherization project, contact
Human Resources Development Council nearest you. In Hill, Blaine and
Liberty counties, contact District IV HRDC in Havre. In Choteau County,
contact Opportunities, Inc. in Great Falls. In Phillips County, contact
Action for Eastern Montana in Glendive. In Fort Belknap and Rocky Boy,
contact your Tribal Social Services Office about where to apply for Tribal
Programs. A list of HRDC's throughout the state is provided on the State
HRDC's page.
NO! You must notify our office of your change of address within 10
days. There is a short version of the application that needs to be
filled out and a copy of your new bill must accompany it.
Yes. District IV HRDC also administers the Energy Share program,
which is an emergency fund available to anyone facing an energy crisis
regardless of his or her level of income and the Hill County Electric
Low-Income Assistance Fund. Please call the Energy Programs office for
information on how to apply for these funds.
The U.S. Department of Agriculture Rural Development Program offers low
interest loans for qualified homeowners to make permanent home improvements.
You must, however, own your own home. Contact your local USDA center for
more information on this program.
Consumer Credit Counseling can assist you in setting up a budget and
instruct you in methods to help you stick to it. They can be reached at
265-3633
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