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 Maine, LIHEAP is administered by the Community Action Agencies of Maine.
Learn more about LIHEAP by reviewing the federal program fact sheet here.
For more information about LIHEAP in Maine, click here.
The Community Action Agencies of Maine oversee LIHEAP benefits and provide financial assistance for heating expenses to qualified households. Financial assistance can include payment for:
For more information about LIHEAP’s heating assistance initiative in Maine, see the Maine state 2022 LIHEAP Detailed Model Plan here.
Maine’s LIHEAP program does not provide financial compensation for cooling 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.
The state of Maine 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 Community Action Agencies of Maine will consider:
Also, whether you are eligible for regular LIHEAP payments or Crisis Assistance payments will influence your maximum benefit amount.
As of 2024, the maximum annual benefit amount for heating in Maine is $2,530 and the minimum annual benefit amount is $176.
To qualify for LIHEAP in Maine, you must meet the following requirements:
The Community Action Agencies of Maine 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 in Maine 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 Maine, complete the following three steps:
Learn what documents and information you need to complete the process here.
Find your nearest Community Action Agency (CAA) office and contact information here.
Your nearest CAA should have the application for you to fill out.
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 Agency (CAA) office. Find your nearest CAA office here.
When applying for Maine 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 Agency office where you applied to directly to check your application status.
Click here to find your local office and contact information.
The Community Action Agencies of Maine will notify you within 90 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 Maine LIHEAP benefits, you may request a hearing to appeal the decision by writing a statement to your local Community Action Agency (CAA) office where you applied within 30 days of when you received the denial. Find your nearest local CAA office here.
If the CAA representative cannot resolve the dispute, you can request a hearing with the Department of Health and Human Services. To begin this process, submit a written appeal request by email to LIHEAPcompliance@mainehousing.org or mail it to:
Maine Housing
26 Edison Drive
Augusta, Maine 04330
Once the Department of Health and 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 Health and Human Services at (800) 442-6003.
If you have questions about LIHEAP benefits in Maine or require further assistance, contact your local Community Action Agency office. Find your nearest Community Action Agency (CAA) office and contact information here.
For more information about the Energy Assistance Program:
You can also contact the Department of Health and Human Services benefits phone line at (800) 442-6003 or dial 711 for Maine Relay.
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.
Last Updated: January 25, 2024