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 North Dakota, LIHEAP is administered by the Department of Human Services.
Learn more about LIHEAP by reviewing the federal program fact sheet here.
For more information about LIHEAP in North Dakota, click here.
The North Dakota Department of Human Services oversees 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 assistance initiative in North Dakota, see the North Dakota state 2022 LIHEAP Detailed Model Plan here.
North Dakota’s LIHEAP program only provides cooling assistance to households with at least one member who is 60 years of age or older and those with certain medical conditions. To learn more about cooling assistance in North Dakota, click 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 North Dakota 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 $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 North Dakota Department of Human Services 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 in North Dakota is $1,161 for heating and $1,000 for cooling, and the minimum annual benefit amount is $6 for heating and $1 for cooling.
To qualify for LIHEAP in North Dakota, you must meet the following requirements:
Learn more about the LIHEAP financial eligibility requirements in North Dakota 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 heating assistance from October 1st until May 31st and LIHEAP cooling assistance from October 1st 1st until September 30th each year. LIHEAP applications cannot be submitted year-round.
To apply for LIHEAP in North Dakota, complete the following two steps:
Find your nearest Human Services Zone and contact information here.
Access the North Dakota 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 North Dakota Human Services Zone. Find your nearest office here.
When applying for North Dakota LIHEAP benefits, you will need to provide:
The state may need the following documents and information to confirm your eligibility for LIHEAP benefits:
You can call the Human Services Zone where you applied directly to check your application status.
Click here to find your local office and contact information.
The North Dakota Department of Human Services will notify you within 45 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 North Dakota LIHEAP benefits, you may request a hearing to appeal the decision by writing a statement to your local Human Services Zone where you applied within 30 days of when you received the denial. Find your nearest office here.
If you have questions about the appeal process, contact the Department of Human Services:
If you have questions about LIHEAP benefits in North Dakota or require further assistance, contact your local Human Services Zone. Find your nearest Human Services Zone office and contact information here.
You can also contact the Department of Human Services at (701) 328-2332.
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