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 Vermont, LIHEAP is administered by the Department for Children and Families (DCF) Economic Services Division (ESD).
Learn more about LIHEAP by reviewing the federal program fact sheet here.
For more information about LIHEAP in Vermont, click here.
The Economic Services Division of Vermont 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 Vermont, see the Vermont state LIHEAP Detailed Model Plan here.
Vermont’s LIHEAP program does not provide financial compensation for cooling 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 state of Vermont 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 $742.
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 Economic Services Division 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 Vermont is $2,703 and the minimum annual benefit amount is $21.
To qualify for LIHEAP in Vermont, you must meet the following requirements:
The Economic Services Division Association of Vermont 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 financial eligibility requirements in Vermont 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 year-round. To apply for LIHEAP in Vermont, complete the following three steps:
Learn what documents and information you need to complete the process here.
To apply online, complete the online application on the Vermont Benefit Portal here.
To apply by phone or in person, find your nearest Economic Services Division (ESD) office and contact information here.
You can also call (800) 775-0516 to request an application be sent to you.
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 Economic Services Division (ESD) office. Find your nearest ESD office here.
When applying for Vermont LIHEAP benefits, you will need to provide:
The state 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 Economic Services Division office where you applied to check your application status directly. Click here to find your local office and contact information.
You can also call the ESD Office of Home Heating at (800) 479-6151 or (802) 241-1165.
The Economic Services Division of Vermont will notify you within 30 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 Vermont LIHEAP benefits, you may request a hearing to appeal the decision by writing a statement to your local Economic Services Division (ESD) office where you applied within 90 days of when you received the denial. Find your nearest local ESD office here.
If the ESD representative cannot resolve the dispute, you can request a hearing. To begin this process, call (800) 479-6151 or write a letter to:
Vermont ESD Benefits Service Center
280 State Drive
Waterbury, VT 05671-1500
Once the Economic Service Division 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 ESD Office of Home Heating at the numbers below:
If you have questions about LIHEAP benefits in Vermont or require further assistance, contact your local Economic Services Division office. Find your nearest Economic Services Division (ESD) office and contact information here.
You can also contact the ESD Office of Home Heating at (800) 479-6151 or (802) 241-1165. Or, call the Department of Children and Families benefits phone line at (802) 241-0929.
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