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 Rhode Island, 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 Rhode Island, click here.
The Rhode Island Department of Human Services oversees LIHEAP benefits and provides financial assistance for heating expenses to qualified households. Financial assistance can include payment for:
For more information about LIHEAP’s heating assistance initiative in Rhode Island, see the Rhode Island state 2022 LIHEAP Detailed Model Plan here.
Rhode Island’s LIHEAP program does not provide financial compensation for cooling expenses.
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.
For qualifying households, the maximum annual benefit amount for LIHEAP Crisis Assistance is a one-time payment of $1,500.
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 Rhode Island 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 for heating in Rhode Island is $1,221 and the minimum annual benefit amount is $75.
To qualify for LIHEAP in Rhode Island, you must meet the following requirements:
Learn more about the LIHEAP financial eligibility requirements in Rhode Island 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 heating and crisis assistance usually from September until May each year. To apply for LIHEAP in Rhode Island, complete the following three steps.
You can only apply for LIHEAP in person in Rhode Island. Find your nearest office and contact information here.
LIHEAP regulations, policies, and procedures may vary by county location.
If you have questions about the application process or require assistance, find and contact your local CAA here.
When applying for Rhode Island 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 Community Action Agency office where you applied directly to check your application status.
Click here to find your local office and contact information.
The Rhode Island Department of Human Services 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 Rhode Island LIHEAP benefits, you may request a hearing to appeal the decision by contacting your local Community Action Agency office where you applied after you receive the denial. Find your nearest local office here.
Once the agency 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 your nearest local office or call the Rhode Island Association of Community Action Agencies by phone at (401) 921-4968.
If you have questions about LIHEAP benefits in Rhode Island or require further assistance, contact your local Community Action Agency office. Find your nearest office and contact information here.
You can also contact the Rhode Island Association of Community Action Agencies by phone at (401) 921-4968.
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