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. 2022/2023 LIHEAP Season started October 1st.
Download an application here : https://dphhs.mt.gov/assets/hcsd/liheap/LIHEAPApplication.pdf
Low Income Home Water Assistance Program (LIHWAP)
A temporary emergency Low-Income Home Water Assistance Program is available to provide low-income households assistance in paying their water and wastewater (sewer) bills. Funds will be sent directly to Public Water System (PWS) providers to be credited to income eligible household accounts to reduce past due balances, prevent shut offs, and reduce monthly rates. This program is slated to operate starting October 1st. DPHHS had developed a combined application with LIHEAP which allows individuals to apply for both programs at the same time. Please see the Frequently Asked Questions Page for more information and income guidelines. This program is open.
You can download an application here : (note this is the same application as the LIHEAP application) https://dphhs.mt.gov/assets/hcsd/liheap/LIHEAPApplication.pdf
Note: Regardless of household size, the household non-business RESOURCE limit may not exceed $25,305. RESOURCES include: Current 30 day bank statements for all checking & savings account(s); Certificate of Deposit; IRA; Tax Sheltered Annuities; 401(K); 403(B); cash value of stocks, bonds & other investments; Value of business assets, rental properties or property leases (Self-employed households must provide); Physical address(es) of property/real estate other than the home in which you live and its' adjoining land.
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 an interest-free loan issued no more than once every ten years and is not a yearly subsidy. Recipients are asked to repay their assistance back in most cases, which in turn helps others' facing similar energy emergencies. 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) (Download Energy Share application here.)
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.
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.
2022/2023 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. The Energy department will be in Rocky Boy at the Rocky Boy Health Center on February 16th, 10AM-3PM and April 6th, 10 AM- 2PM. 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. The Energy Department will be in at the Hays Senior Center February 23rd, 10 AM - 1PM and The Lodgepole Senior Center March 2nd, 10AM-1PM. Applications must be mailed or brought in to HRDC4 no faxed applications will be accepted. (Funds are available)
Click here to read our Frequently Asked Questions.