Energy Assistance Programs
LIHEAP (Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program)
The LIHEAP heating season is October 1 - April 30. Counties covered for our agency: Blaine, Hill, and Liberty. Reservations covered by our agency: NONE (Tribal LIHEAP contacts: Rocky Boy, 406-395-4728 Fort Belknap, 406-353-8499)
If you were on the program last year and have not moved you will receive a pre-printed application in the mail beginning October 1st. If you have moved, call our Energy Program and inform us of your new address.
All records and information provided by you or obtained through verification are confidential and are not available to the public. Reminder: If you applied last season and have not moved, the state will mail you a pre-printed application.
LIHEAP (pronounced LIE-HEAP) was created to help low-income people pay for rising energy costs. Fuel assistance is federally funded. Program eligibility is determined by the households total annual gross income and total current liquid assets. (Applicant's household expenses are not considered in LIHEAP eligibility determination). Assistance is available to both owners and renters, including renters whose heating costs are included in their rent. If you reside in a camper/RV where it is connected to an uninterrupted supply of electricity (generators and batteries are not considered an uninterruptable supply of electricity), and you are responsible for heating costs, you may be deemed eligible for LIHEAP assistance. Please see the Frequently Asked Questions page for more information and income guidelines. 2023/2024 LIHEAP Season is open now.
Download an application here: DPHHS-EAP-088A (mt.gov)
Energy Share
Is your household on the verge of having your heating disconnected? Need help with a deposit? Energy Share of Montana was established by a group of concerned people representing utility companies and nonprofit agencies. They recognized the need to help people who do not necessarily quality for government programs but may still need a "hand up" at times. If you qualify for the Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) you are asked to apply for LIHEAP first.
Energy Share is available for Hill, Blaine and Liberty County residents 12 months of the year. Please call, 406-265-6743 or 1-800-640-6743. Do not wait to be disconnected.... help could be available. (Funds are available)
Weatherization
Designed to conserve energy and cut down on the fuel costs of eligible applicants. Eligibility is based on a household’s total annual gross income. Applicants deemed eligible have their residences, whether owned or rented, audited by a Weatherization Program Auditor. The auditor recommends repairs and improvements that will reduce infiltration and heat loss. The program will then see that the appropriate materials are installed in the home by weatherization crew members. Please see the Frequently Asked Questions page for more information about Weatherization. Please contact Action for Eastern Montana for more information on this program, 406-377-3564 ask for the Weatherization Department.
COUNTIES COVERED: Hill, Liberty & Blaine
TRIBAL RESERVATIONS COVERED: Rocky Boy & Fort Belknap
**Tribal Weatherization**: Contact Action for Eastern Montana at 406-377-3564 and ask for the Weatherization Department for an application. Households must be current tribal LIHEAP approved.
2023/2024 LIHEAP/Weatherization Income & Resource Eligibility Guidelines
2022/2023 LIHEAP/LIHWAP/Weatherization income/resource guidelines
| Number in Household | LIHEAP/LIHWAP Upper Income Limit | Weatherization Upper Income Limit | Non-Business Resources Limit |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | $28,136 | $28,136 | $12,645 |
| 2 | $36,793 | $36,793 | $18,975 |
| 3 | $45,450 | $46,060 | $20,241 |
| 4 | $54,108 | $55,500 | $21,507 |
| 5 | $62,765 | $64,940 | $22,773 |
| 6 | $71,422 | $74,380 | $24,039 |
| 7 | $73,046 | $83,820 | $25,305 |
| 8 | $74,669 | $93,260 | $25,305 |
| 9 | $77,025 | $102,700 | $25,305 |
Hill County Electric Program
Hill County Electric Cooperative (HCE) contributes funds to assist low-income, LIHEAP eligible, members in meeting their energy needs. This program normally begins early January of each year and continues until funding has been depleted. Households must be LIHEAP approved to qualify for a benefit. (Funds are Available)
Big Flat Electric Program
Big Flat Electric Cooperative (BFE) contributes funds to assist low-income, members in meeting their energy needs. This program normally begins early January and continues until funding has been depleted. Completed applications are processed first come, first served. (Funds are available)
Click here to read our Frequently Asked Questions.