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 U.S. Virgin Islands, LIHEAP is administered by the U.S. Virgin Islands Department of Human Services (DHS).
Learn more about LIHEAP by reviewing the federal program fact sheet here.
For more information about LIHEAP in the U.S. Virgin Islands, click here.
The Department of Human Services of the U.S. Virgin Islands oversees LIHEAP benefits and provides financial assistance for energy expenses to qualified households. Financial assistance can include payment for:
For more information about LIHEAP’s energy assistance initiative in the U.S. Virgin Islands, visit the U.S. Virgin Islands Department of Human Services site 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.
A “crisis situation” typically includes when a household:
For qualifying households, the maximum annual benefit amount for LIHEAP Crisis Assistance is a one-time payment that differs by location. To find out your potential benefit for Crisis Assistance, contact your local DHS office here.
Learn more about Crisis Assistance on pages 8 and 9 of the LIHEAP Program PDF here.
To determine the amount of energy assistance for which you are eligible, the Department of Human Services of the U.S. Virgin Islands will consider:
Also, whether you are eligible for regular LIHEAP payments or Crisis Assistance payments will influence your maximum benefit amount.
As of 2020, the maximum annual benefit amount in the U.S. Virgin Islands may differ between locations. To find out about your specific area, contact your local Department of Human Services office here.
To qualify for LIHEAP in the U.S. Virgin Islands, you must meet the following requirements:
The Department of Human Services of the U.S. Virgin 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 financial eligibility requirements in the U.S. Virgin 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 1 until March 31 each year. LIHEAP applications cannot be submitted year-round.
To apply for LIHEAP in the U.S. Virgin Islands, complete the following three steps:
Learn what documents and information you need to complete the process here.
Find your nearest Department of Human Services (DHS) office and contact information here.
Contact your nearest DHS office and ask them how they would prefer you submit your LIHEAP application. Click here to find the contact information for all DHS offices in the U.S. Virgin Islands.
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 Department of Human Services (DHS) office. Find your nearest DHS office here.
When applying for the U.S. Virgin Islands LIHEAP benefits, you will need to provide:
The DHS 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 Human Services office where you applied directly to check your application status.
Click here to find your local office and contact information.
The Department of Human Services of the U.S. Virgin Islands will notify you within 30 days of receiving your application if you are approved to receive benefits. All LIHEAP payments are made to the energy provider directly. Benefit payments will not be sent to you.
If you do not agree with the LIHEAP benefit decision given to you by the U.S. Virgin Islands
Department of Human Services, you can appeal your decision in person or by mail after
receiving your determination letter. Review your determination letter to find the date that your request must be submitted.
To file an appeal in person, visit a local Department of Human Services. You will need to speak
with a representative and tell them why you are appealing your determination. You may also
need to bring your benefit determination letter and evidence that supports your appeal. Find your nearest location here.
To file a claim by mail, you will need to write a letter that includes the following information:
For more information on the appeal process, read the Fraud, Administration and Appeals overview page provided by the U.S. Virgin Islands Department of Human Services here.
If you have questions about LIHEAP benefits in the U.S. Virgin Islands or require further assistance, contact your local Department of Human Services office. Find your nearest Department of Human Services (DHS) office and contact information here.
You can call also call the DHS at one of the following phone numbers based on your location:
340-774-0930
340-718-2980
340-776-6334
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.