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.

Nevada 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 Nevada, LIHEAP is administered by the Division of Welfare and Supportive Services.

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

For more information about LIHEAP in Nevada, click here.

What Does LIHEAP Cover in Nevada?

The Nevada Division of Welfare and Supportive Services oversees LIHEAP benefits and provides financial assistance for heating and cooling to qualified households through a fixed annual credit. Financial assistance is applied directly to the energy provider and is applied as an annual credit on a household’s bill.

For more information about LIHEAP’s heating assistance initiative in Nevada, see the Nevada state 2022 LIHEAP Detailed Model Plan here.

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.

The state of Nevada defines a “crisis situation” as one where a household:

  • Is in danger of having their utilities disconnected within 48 hours,
  • Has already had their utilities disconnected by their service provider, or
  • Has less than 10 percent of bulk fuel remaining.

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.

For qualifying households, the maximum annual benefit amount for LIHEAP Crisis Assistance is a one-time payment of $3,136.

Learn more about Crisis Assistance on page 12 of the Detailed Model Plan here.

How Much Assistance Does LIHEAP Provide in Nevada?

To determine the amount of energy assistance for which you are eligible, the Nevada Division of Welfare and Supportive Services 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 2022, the maximum annual benefit amount for heating or cooling in Nevada is $3,136 and the minimum annual benefit amount is $240.

How to Qualify for LIHEAP in Nevada

To qualify for LIHEAP in Nevada, 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.

Learn more about the LIHEAP financial eligibility requirements in Nevada 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 Nevada

Eligible households can only apply for LIHEAP assistance year-round.

To apply for LIHEAP in Nevada, 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 mail, fax, email, or in person.
    To apply for LIHEAP by mail or fax, complete the Energy Assistance Program application and send your application and verification documents to one of the following locations:
    Energy Assistance Program
    2527 N. Carson St., #260
    Carson City, NV
    Fax: 775-684-0740
    3330 E. Flamingo Rd., #55
    Las Vegas, NV 89121
    Fax: 702-486-1441To apply for LIHEAP by email, complete the Energy Assistance Program application and send your application and verification documents to energyassistance@dwss.nv.gov.To apply for LIHEAP in person, visit your local Division of Welfare and Supportive Services office. Find your nearest DWSS office and contact information here.
  2. Submit the LIHEAP application and other required documents.

Access the Nevada Energy Assistance Program application here.

If you have questions about the application process or require assistance, contact the Nevada Division of Welfare and Supportive Services at (800) 992-0900.

What You Will Need to Apply

When applying for Nevada 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:

  • Proof of identity for the head of household
  • Proof of citizenship or legal status if born outside of the U.S.
  • A copy of your rental agreement, lease agreement, or mortgage statement
  • A copy of your most recent heating and cooling bills
  • Income verification for the last 30 days (pay stubs) for all household members
  • If your household’s expenses exceed your household’s income, you must show proof of how your household is meeting the needs of the household

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

How to Check Your Application Status

You can call the Nevada Division of Welfare and Supportive Services at (800) 992-0900 to check the status of your application.

What Happens After You Apply for LIHEAP in Nevada?

The Nevada Division of Welfare and Social Services will notify you within 60 to 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 your household is eligible for benefits, your household will receive an annual notice reminding you to reapply for energy assistance benefits.

How to Appeal a Denial of Benefits

If you are denied Nevada LIHEAP benefits, you may request a hearing to appeal the decision by writing a statement to your local Division of Welfare and Supportive Services office where you applied within 90 days of when you received the denial. Find your nearest local DWSS office here.

If you have questions about the appeal process, contact the Division of Welfare and Supportive Services.

Need More Help?

If you have questions about LIHEAP benefits in Nevada or require further assistance, contact the Nevada Division of Welfare and Supportive Services at (800) 992-0900. You may also contact your local DWSS office. Find your nearest DWSS 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.

Last Updated: February 2, 2024