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 Hawaii, LIHEAP is administered by the Community Action Agencies of Hawaii.
Learn more about LIHEAP by reviewing the federal program fact sheet here.
For more information about LIHEAP in Hawaii, click here.
The Community Action Agencies of Hawaii oversee LIHEAP benefits and provides financial assistance for heating and cooling expenses to qualified households. Financial assistance can include payment for:
For more information about LIHEAP’s heating and cooling assistance initiative in Hawaii, see the Hawaii state 2022 LIHEAP Detailed Model Plan here.
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.
The state of Hawaii defines a “crisis situation” as one where a household:
A “life-threatening crisis situation” also qualifies a household for Crisis Assistance. This occurs when the household is in danger of having their utilities disconnected within seven days and:
For qualifying households, the maximum annual benefit amount for LIHEAP Crisis Assistance is a one-time payment of $1,000.
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 Community Action Agencies of Hawaii 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 heating or cooling in Hawaii is $1,400 and the minimum annual benefit amount is $350.
To qualify for LIHEAP in Hawaii, you must meet the following requirements:
The Community Action Agencies of Hawaii prioritize 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 in Hawaii 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 only apply for LIHEAP assistance from June 1st until June 30th each year. LIHEAP applications cannot be submitted year-round.
To apply for LIHEAP in Hawaii, complete the following three steps:
Learn what documents and information you need to complete the process here.
Find your nearest Community Action Program (CAP) office and contact information here.
Access the Hawaii LIHEAP application here.
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 Community Action Program (CAP) office. Find your nearest CAP office here.
When applying for Hawaii LIHEAP benefits, you will need to provide:
The state 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 here.
You can call the Community Action Program office where you applied to directly to check your application status.
Click here to find your local office and contact information.
You will need to complete an interview if you apply for LIHEAP heating assistance. The Community Action Agencies of Hawaii will notify you within 30 days of receiving your application if you are approved to receive benefits. All LIHEAP payments are made to the heating or energy provider directly. Benefit payments will not be sent to you.
If you are denied Hawaii LIHEAP benefits, you may request a hearing to appeal the decision by writing a statement to your local Community Action Program (CAP) office where you applied within 90 days of when you received the denial. Find your nearest local CAP office here.
If the CAP representative cannot resolve the dispute, you can request a hearing with the Department of Human Services. To begin this process, access the Request for Administrative Hearing at the CAP office and mail it to:
Hawaii Department of Human Services
Administrative Appeals Office
P.O. Box 339
Honolulu, 96809
Once the Department of Human 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, contact the Department of Human Services public assistance information line at (855) 643-1643.
If you have questions about LIHEAP benefits in Hawaii or require further assistance, contact your local Community Action Program office. Find your nearest Community Action Program (CAP) office and contact information here.
You can also contact the LIHEAP Program Office at (808) 586-5734. Or, call the Department of Human Services public assistance information line at (855) 643-1643.
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 or download our free guide here.
Last Updated: September 16, 2022