While we are not affiliated with the government in any way, our private company engaged writers to research the LIHEAP program and compiled a guide and the following answers to frequently asked questions. Our goal is to help you get the benefits that you need by providing useful information on the process.
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The Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) provides assistance for energy costs to low-income households. LIHEAP is a federal program that is administered by individual states, territories, and tribes. In American Samoa, LIHEAP is administered by the Territorial Energy Office of American Samoa.
Learn more about LIHEAP by reviewing the federal program fact sheet here.
For more information about LIHEAP in American Samoa, see the American Samoa LIHEAP Detailed Model Plan here.
The Territorial Energy Office of American Samoa oversees LIHEAP benefits and provides financial assistance for cooling expenses to qualified households. Financial assistance can include payment for:
For more information about LIHEAP’s cooling assistance initiative in American Samoa, see the American Samoa LIHEAP Detailed Model Plan here.
American Samoa’s LIHEAP program does not provide financial compensation for heating expenses. However, it does assist with cooling emergencies if applicants qualify for Crisis Assistance.
LIHEAP Crisis Assistance, like standard LIHEAP benefits, is a cash grant provided to the utility companies of eligible individuals in certain situations.
If your household meets all the eligibility requirements above and has an energy-related crisis, you may qualify for LIHEAP Crisis Assistance.
American Samoa defines a “crisis situation” as one where a household:
A “life-threatening crisis situation” also qualifies a household for Crisis Assistance. This occurs when:
For qualifying households, the maximum annual benefit amount for LIHEAP Crisis Assistance is a one-time payment of $800.
Learn more about Crisis Assistance on page 12 of the Detailed Model Plan here.
To determine the amount of energy assistance for which you are eligible, the Territorial Energy Office will consider:
Also, whether you are eligible for regular LIHEAP payments or Crisis Assistance payments will influence your maximum benefit amount.
As of 2022, the maximum annual benefit amount for cooling assistance in American Samoa is $65 and the minimum annual benefit amount is $25.
However, depending on the income of a household, they may be able to receive between $20 and $150 of assistance. Furthermore, applicants on the cash power system can receive up to $25 per month in assistance. Applicants will need to purchase units if they do not use up their assistance money in that month.
To qualify for LIHEAP in American Samoa, you must meet the following requirements:
The American Samoa Territorial Energy Office prioritizes households with elderly, disabled or young members. Elderly is considered 60 years or older, and young is considered five years old or younger.
Learn more about the LIHEAP financial eligibility requirements here.
If you or a member of your family participates in the benefit programs below, then you may automatically be eligible for LIHEAP based on your income:
Eligible households can apply for LIHEAP assistance year-round.
To apply for LIHEAP in American Samoa, complete the following three steps:
Learn what documents and information you need to complete the process in the American Samoa LIHEAP Detailed Model Plan here.
Contact the Territorial Energy Office at (684) 699-1101 or (684) 699-1102.
Access the American Samoa LIHEAP application through the Territorial Energy Office.
Note that applications for Crisis Assistance, for households that meet the definition of a crisis, can be submitted year-round.
If you have questions about the application process or require assistance, contact the Territorial Energy Office at (684) 699-1101 or (684) 699-1102.
When applying for American Samoa LIHEAP benefits, you will need to provide:
The department will need the following documents and information to confirm your eligibility for LIHEAP benefits:
Learn more about the documentation needed during the LIHEAP application process at the American Samoa LIHEAP Detailed Model Plan here.
You can call the Territorial Energy Office at (684) 699-1101 or (684) 699-1102 to check your application status.
The American Samoa Territorial Energy Office will notify you soon after of receiving your application if you are approved to receive benefits. Applicants eligible for Crisis Assistance will receive notification within 18 to 48 hours. All LIHEAP payments are made to the heating or energy provider directly. Benefit payments will not be sent to you.
If you are denied American Samoa LIHEAP benefits, you may request a hearing to appeal the decision by contacting the Territorial Energy Office.
Once the Territorial Energy Office receives the appeal, they will set up a hearing and notify you of the date, time and location within 24 hours.
If you have questions about the appeal process, contact the Territorial Energy Office at (684) 699-1101 or (684) 699-1102.
If you have questions about LIHEAP benefits in American Samoa or require further assistance, call the Territorial Energy Office at (684) 699-1101 or (684) 699-1102.
You can also contact the Territorial Energy Office in person or by mail at:
LIHEAP Coordinator
Territorial Energy Office
Samoa Energy House – Tafuna
Pago Pago, American Samoa 96799
While we are not affiliated with the government in any way, our private company engaged writers to research the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program and compiled a guide that we believe is simple to use and easy to understand. Our goal is to help you get the benefits that you need by providing detailed information on the process.
Our free LIHEAP Guide is filled with helpful information about how to apply for LIHEAP, program eligibility and how to get in touch with local offices. You can view our free guide here.