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.

Guam LIHEAP FAQ Sheet

Table of Contents 

What Is the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program?

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 Guam, LIHEAP is administered by the Department of Public Health and Social Services of Guam.

Learn more about LIHEAP by reviewing the federal program fact sheet here.

For more information about LIHEAP, click here.

What Does LIHEAP Cover in Guam?

The Department of Public Health and Social Services of Guam oversees LIHEAP benefits and provides financial assistance for cooling expenses to qualified households. Financial assistance can include payment for:

  • Past-due utility bills
  • Disconnection/reconnection fees
  • Repairs and replacements of worn parts on heating units
  • Home weatherization

For more information about LIHEAP’s cooling assistance initiative, see the federal LIHEAP benefits page here.

Guam’s LIHEAP program does not provide financial compensation for heating expenses. However, it does assist with cooling emergencies if applicants qualify for Crisis Assistance.

About LIHEAP 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.

LIHEAP defines “crisis situation” as one where a household:

  • Has no more than 2 days (48 hours) of bulk fuel left,
  • Is in danger of having their utilities disconnected, or
  • Has already had their utilities disconnected by their service provider

A “life-threatening crisis situation” also qualifies a household for Crisis Assistance. This occurs when:

  • A member of the household is a medical or health risk because of the energy loss,
  • A member of the household has a condition that requires the use of a medical device/medication that requires energy OR
  • A household has no more than 18 hours of bulk fuel remaining during winter when heating is required.

Qualifying households may be eligible for a one-time benefit payment for an amount up to the annual maximum for LIHEAP Crisis Assistance.

To learn more about Crisis Assistance, contact the Guam Department of Public Health and Social Services at (671) 475-2653 or (671) 475-2672.

How Much Assistance Does LIHEAP Provide in Guam?

To determine the amount of energy assistance for which you are eligible, the Department of Public Health and Social Services of Guam will consider:

  1. Your household size and income for the month prior to your application
  2. The fuel type you need (electricity, propane, natural gas, or heating oil)

Also, whether you are eligible for regular LIHEAP payments or Crisis Assistance payments will influence your maximum benefit amount.

As of 2020, the maximum annual benefit amount in Guam is $1,141 and the minimum annual benefit amount is $50.

How to Qualify for LIHEAP in Guam

To qualify for LIHEAP in Guam, you must meet the following requirements:

  • Be a resident of the state
  • At least one household member must be a U.S. citizen or a lawful permanent resident
  • Have an out-of-pocket energy expense from an account opened in the name of the head of the household or their spouse
  • Have an annual income that is less than the LIHEAP income limit for your household size, which is no more than 150 percent of the established Federal Poverty Level. To view the annual income limits, click here.

The Department of Public Health and Social Services of Guam 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:

  • Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP). Learn more here.
  • Supplemental Security Income (SSI). Learn more here.
  • Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF). Learn more here.

How to Apply for LIHEAP in Guam

To apply for LIHEAP in Guam, complete the following three steps:

  1. Gather the documentation and information you will need for the application.

Learn what documents and information you need to complete the process here.

  1. Choose how you are going to apply, whether by phone or in person. 

Find your nearest Department of Public Health and Social Services office and contact information here.

  1. Submit the LIHEAP application and other required documents

Note that applications for Crisis Assistance, for households that meet the state definition of a crisis, can be submitted year-round.

If you have questions about the application process or require assistance, contact your nearest Department of Public Health and Social Services office. Find your nearest office here.

What You Will Need to Apply

When applying for Guam LIHEAP benefits, you will need to provide:

  • Personal and financial information about yourself and the members of your household
  • Details about your home and its heating

The state will need the following documents and information to confirm your eligibility for LIHEAP benefits:

  • Names, birth dates and Social Security Numbers for all household members
  • Utility bill information (vendor name and account number)
  • Residence information (landlord’s name, address and phone number, if renting)
  • Income verification for the last three months (pay stubs)

Learn more about the documentation needed during the LIHEAP application process here.

How to Check Your Application Status

You can call the Department of Public Health and Social Services office where you applied to directly to check your application status.

Click here to find your local office and contact information.

What Happens After You Apply for LIHEAP in Guam?

The Department of Public Health and Social Services of Guam will notify you if you are approved or denied benefits receiving. All LIHEAP payments are made to the heating or energy provider directly. Benefit payments will not be sent to you.

How to Appeal a Denial of Benefits

If you are denied Guam LIHEAP benefits, you may request a hearing to appeal the decision by writing a statement to your local Department of Public Health and Social Services office where you applied. Find your nearest local office here.

Once the Department of Public Health and Social Services receives the appeal, they will set up a hearing and notify you of the date, time and location.

If you have questions about the appeal process, call the Department of Public Health and Social Services at (671) 475-2653 or (671) 475-2672.

Need More Help?

If you have questions about LIHEAP benefits in Guam or require further assistance, you can also contact the Guam Department of Public Health and Social Services:

Guam Department of Public Health and Social Services
Bureau of Social Services Administration
Division of Public Welfare P.O. Box 2816
Hagatna, Guam 96932

  • In person:

194 Hernan Cortez Avenue
Terlaje Professional Building, Suite 309
Hagatna, Guam 96910

Find your nearest Department of Public Health and Social Services office and contact information here.

View or Download Our Free Guide

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.