LIHEAP in Alabama
LIHEAP is a low-income energy program funded by the United States federal government. The federal program funds state programs, which then distribute money to needy individuals and families. Income benefits are based upon financial need so applicants must reapply each year to continue receiving LIHEAP support. In Alabama, residents can apply through utility companies participating in the LIHEAP program, including Alabama Power Company, Alagasco, Central Alabama Electric Cooperative, Mobile Gas, Decatur Utilities and Hartselle Utilities. It is estimated that about 110,000 households received support for heating costs from LIHEAP in Alabama for 2010.
Alabama LIHEAP Assistance
The Alabama Department of Economic and Community Affairs and the Community Action Association of Alabama are two resources for residents who wish to apply for LIHEAP assistance. The program is not designed to reach out to needy individuals and families; rather those in need must seek funding from the program by filling out a LIHEAP application and submitting that application to local government. If the application is approved, funding is provided for heating and cooling costs. Benefit levels for Alabama LIHEAP in 2011 ranged from $270 (minimum) to $400 (maximum).
Some utility companies provide additional support for low-income customers after being approved for the LIHEAP program. If you’ve been approved for LIHEAP in Alabama, contact your utility company to find out if you qualify for additional heating and cooling support or discounts.
LIHEAP Application & How to Apply
LIHEAP in Alabama accepts applications for heating and cooling assistance year-round. Funds are distributed for heating costs between October 1 and May 31 each year. Funds for cooling costs are distributed between June 1 and September 30 each year. Individuals and families in crisis situations may be eligible for immediate emergency funding at any time.
There are multiple ways to apply for LIHEAP in Alabama, but the two fastest are through the local office of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services or your utility company. For more help finding a local agency that accepts LIHEAP applications, contact the Community Action Association of Alabama at 1-205-320-5271.
LIHEAP Eligibility – Am I Eligible?
Eligibility for LIHEAP in Alabama is based on federal income guidelines. Customers must fall at or below 150% of the federal poverty level. In 2011, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services set federal poverty guidelines to:
|
Family Size |
Income Limits |
|
1 |
$16,335 |
|
2 |
$22,065 |
|
3 |
$27,795 |
|
4 |
$33,525 |
|
5 |
$39,255 |
|
6 |
$44,985 |
|
7 |
$50,715 |
|
8 |
$56,445 |
If there are more than 8 family members in your home, add $5,730 for each additional family member.
If you fall within these income guidelines, contact your utility company or one of the organizations accepting applications for LIHEAP in Alabama.
LIHEAP Alabama,
really need help, this site has given me much info about getting help paying te power bill. my wife and i are full time students so we wont have to get help with this. my wife daughter and i live on $900 a month. we do what ever we can to make ends meet. we have each other for one thing and that keeps our head u, but the lord is the real reason we are making it. my little girl prays every night and thatmy friends is something special.
my family really need help paying our power bill however we know that we have to call to schedule an appointment first, but everytime we call the phone lines stays busy all day on the set date to call. so since i couldnt get an answer i actually stop by a local liheap site and was told that i have to call in an appointment but while i was waiting on someone to tell me that i was calling the location that i was in and noticed that no one was calling in but learned the phones was off the hook so i left and sat in the parking area and continued to call yet after the 4 o’clock hour the phone began to ring. How do someone like is suppose to get help when no one in my area will answer the phone to help us
We are going to follow up on the above numbers and the actual funding for the citizens of Birmingham, Alabama. To see if the phones are answered and that the service is ligit. or not. If not we will then follow up with the proper supervisory boards and the companies involved will know the truth thanks sincerely, K
Could you please contact me to make am appointment. I have tried many times and can’t get through. Thank you