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 the Commonwealth of Northern Mariana Islands, LIHEAP is administered by the Department of Community and Cultural Affairs.
Learn more about LIHEAP by reviewing the federal program fact sheet here.
For more information about LIHEAP in the Commonwealth of Northern Mariana Islands, click here.
The Department of Community and Cultural Affairs of the Commonwealth of Northern Mariana Islands oversees LIHEAP benefits and provides financial assistance for cooling expenses to qualified households. Financial assistance can include payment for:
For more information about LIHEAP’s energy assistance initiative in the Commonwealth of Northern Mariana Islands, see Commonwealth of Northern Mariana Islands LIHEAP Detailed Model Plan here.
The Commonwealth of Northern Mariana Islands’ LIHEAP program does not provide financial compensation for heating 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 Commonwealth of Northern Mariana Islands defines “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 Department of Community and Cultural Affairs of Commonwealth of Northern Mariana Islands 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 in the Commonwealth of Northern Mariana Islands is $283 and the minimum annual benefit amount is $78.
To qualify for LIHEAP in the Commonwealth of Northern Mariana Islands, you must meet the following requirements:
The Department of Community and Cultural Affairs of Commonwealth of Northern Mariana Islands 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 eligibility requirements in the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands 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 November 1st until March 31st each year. LIHEAP applications cannot be submitted year-round.
To apply for LIHEAP in the Commonwealth of Northern Mariana Islands, complete the following three steps:
Learn what documents and information you need to complete the process here.
Contact the Department of Community and Cultural Affairs LIHEAP office:
Access the Commonwealth of Northern Mariana Islands LIHEAP application through the Department of Community and Cultural Affairs.
Note that applications for Crisis Assistance, for households that meet the definition of a crisis, can be submitted year-round.
When applying for Commonwealth of Northern Mariana Islands LIHEAP benefits, you will need to provide:
The Commonwealth of Northern Mariana Islands 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 Department of Community and Cultural Affairs office where you applied to directly to check your application status.
LIHEAP phone line: (670) 989-2577
The Department of Community and Cultural Affairs of Commonwealth of Northern Mariana Islands will notify you as soon as possible 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 Commonwealth of Northern Mariana Islands LIHEAP benefits, you may request a hearing to appeal the decision by writing a statement to the Department of Community and Cultural Affairs where you applied.
Once the Department of Community and Cultural Affairs 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 Administrative Hearing Office at hearing@dol.gov.
If you have questions about LIHEAP benefits in the Commonwealth of Northern Mariana Islands or require further assistance, contact the Department of Community and Cultural Affairs at:
Department of Community and Cultural Affairs
Commonwealth of Northern Mariana Islands
Capitol Hill Saipan, MP 96950
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.