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 Oregon, LIHEAP is administered by the Oregon Housing and Community Services (OHCS) through Community Action Agencies (CAAs). Therefore, LIHEAP procedures, policies, and application methods may vary by the county office.
Learn more about LIHEAP by reviewing the federal program fact sheet here.
For more information about LIHEAP in Oregon, click here.
Oregon Community Action Agencies 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 assistance initiative in Oregon, see the Oregon 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 Oregon 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 $750.
Learn more about Crisis Assistance on page 12 of the LIHEAP Detailed Model Plan here.
To determine the amount of energy assistance for which you are eligible, the local Community Action Agencies 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 Oregon is $1,350 and the minimum annual benefit amount is $200.
To qualify for LIHEAP in Oregon, you must meet the following requirements:
Learn more about the LIHEAP financial eligibility requirements in Oregon 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 energy assistance year-round.
To apply for LIHEAP in Oregon, you must contact your local Community Action Agency. LIHEAP procedures and policies vary by the county office, but you usually need to complete the following three steps:
Learn what documents and information you need to complete the process on page 9 here.
Find out which application methods are available by contacting your nearest CAA office found here.
If you have questions about the application process or require assistance, contact your nearest Community Action Agency (CAA) office. Find your nearest CAA office and contact information here.
When applying for Oregon LIHEAP benefits, you will need to provide:
The state may need the following documents and information to confirm your eligibility for LIHEAP benefits:
Learn more about the documentation needed during the LIHEAP application process on page 9 here.
You can call the Community Action Agency office where you applied to check your application status directly.
Click here to find your local office and contact information.
Your local Oregon Community Action Agency will notify you after your application has been processed 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 Oregon LIHEAP benefits, you may request a hearing to appeal the decision by writing a statement to your local Community Action Agency office where you applied within 30 days after you receive the denial. Find your nearest local office here.
You can also mail a fair hearing request to Oregon Housing and Community Services by emailing energyassistance@oregon.gov or mailing a written request to:
OHCS
725 Summer Street NE, Suite B
Salem, OR 97301
If you have questions about LIHEAP benefits in Oregon or require further assistance, contact your local Community Action Agency office, and you can find your nearest office and contact information here.
Or, you can contact the Oregon Energy Assistance Program at (800) 453-5111 option 2 and energyassistance@oregon.gov.
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 20, 2022