Home Energy Assistance Program (HEAP): Application and Eligibilty Guide

How to Apply for HEAP (Energy Assistance)

By: Pam Grundy

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During tough economic times, after a job loss, or during an especially harsh winter, many people have trouble paying their utility bills. To help people get through these kinds of challenges, communities distribute helping funds through the Home Energy Assistance Program.HEAP is distributed locally, usually in conjunction with public utilities, and each locale has slightly different requirements and application materials.

To find out if you qualify for help with your energy bills, you first must make a HEAP application to the energy assistance program in your specific part of the United States. Usually this means contacting your public utility.
What follows are some tips and advice for applying for and getting Home Energy Assistance:

Contact Your Public Utility to Find Out Where to Apply for HEAP

HEAP funds are distributed at the state level, usually with the cooperation of local public utility companies in that state. Start by calling your electric or gas utility provider and ask who else you must call or contact in order to receive a HEAP application. Depending on which state and city you live in, this information will vary.

Gather Your Documents

Most HEAP applications will require:

Proof of income (the last several payroll stubs).
The last three to six utility bills for your household.
The names and social security numbers of all household members (and possibly copies of the social security cards themselves).
A list of other household expenses
If you receive social security, food stamps, or any form of public assistance you must also document this as income.
If you purchase oil, wood for fuel, wood chips, kerosene, or anything else used to heat your home, invoices and receipts for those materials will be necessary.

Gather all these papers in one place in advance in order to help expedite your application.

Submit Your Application by the Appropriate Deadline

Most HEAP applications have to be completed sometime during the summer preceding the winter in which you are asking for help, so start early to insure your application is completed and turned in before the deadline.

If You are Renting, Include a Copy of Your Lease Agreement

Renters will be required to provide a copy of their lease as well as proof of payment of rent in most instances.

If a Copayment or Reconnection Fee is Due to the Utility, You Will be Required to Bring Proof That it Has Been Paid

This is one reason why you need to start your HEAP application as early as possible. If you need help paying the reconnection fee or deposit so you can complete your HEAP application, you will need plenty of time to investigate other social service agencies to see if you can get a grant or a donation to help pay your reconnection fee.

If You are Applying for Someone Else, Get a Notarized Permission Letter From Them

The letter should give you permission to sign for the other person when you submit their HEAP application. Often this is a necessary step for elderly people, people who are chronically ill, or people who are housebound for other reasons. Don’t assume you can’t qualify for HEAP just because you can’t personally show up to sign the application. You can send a proxy with a notarized permission letter instead and still get help.

Don't Give Up

If you can’t qualify for HEAP for whatever reason, or if you can qualify but you are too late to get help this year, dial 211 or go to 211.org and call the volunteer United Way hotline in your area and explain your situation. The operator will refer you to various social service agencies and local charities that may be able help where HEAP cannot, or that can refer you to other agencies that can definitely help. Keep at it until you get what you need. When the weather gets cold you’ll be glad you persisted.

Get Started Now

If you are recently out of work or think you may have trouble paying your utility bills soon, don’t wait until you receive a shut off notice to start asking for help. Call your public utility and get the process of apply for HEAP before you get so far behind you can’t catch up. Help is available in most communities, but as with so many things, first come are first served.

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