Human Resources Development

About

The LIEAP/Energy Program of Havre, Montana provides income eligible households with help in paying winter heating bills (October - April)

Story

LIEAP (pronounced LEE-AP) was created to help low-income people pay for rising energy costs. Fuel assistance is federally funded. Program eligibility is determined by the household’s total annual gross income and total current liquid assets. Assistance is available to both owners and renters, including renters whose heating costs are included in their rent, but not subsidized.

Our offices serve residents of: HILL, BLAINE, & LIBERTY Counties

WHEN CAN I APPLY FOR ENERGY ASSISTANCE?

The Energy Assistance Program runs from October 1 through April 30. You may apply at any time during this period. If you were on the program last year, you will receive a preprinted application in the mail. As soon as you receive it, you can apply. If you have moved since your last application was submitted, you must call 1-800-640-6743 or come to the office for an application. Households whose primary heating fuel is propane may apply beginning the last week of July.
HOW OFTEN WILL I RECEIVE AN ENERGY ASSITANCE GRANT?

The grant is a lump-sum payment provided once per program year. A grant is not provided every month. In most cases, the grant is paid directly to your fuel provider.

HOW LONG DOES IT TAKE FOR MY APPLICATION TO BE PROCESSED?

It can take up to 45 days from the day we receive your completed application, with all required information, to complete the processing. It depends on how many applications there are at the time you apply. You may contact our office when it has been over 45 days if you have not received any information on your case. Please do NOT call our offices for the "Status of your application." You'll receive a notice in the mail if you are missing information, or when your case has been decided.

NOTE: All records, documents and information submitted by you or obtained through verification by our office are held in strict confidence and never made available to the public.

ARE THERE OTHER PROGRAMS AVAILABLE IF I DO NOT QUALIFY FOR LIEAP?

Yes. District IV HRDC also administers the Energy Share program, which is an emergency fund available to anyone facing an energy crisis regardless of his or her level of income and the Hill County Electric Low-Income Assistance Fund. Please call our office for more information on how to apply for these funds at 1-800-640-6743 or 406-265-6743.

The U.S. Department of Agriculture Rural Development Program in Great Falls, offers low interest loans for qualified homeowners to make permanent home improvements. You must, however, own your own home. Contact your local USDA center for more information on this program.

Mission

To stimulate a better focusing of all available local, state, private, and federal resources upon the goal of enabling low-income individuals of all ages to attain the skills, knowledge, and motivations, and secure the opportunities needed for them to become fully self-sufficient.

Products

Heat Assistance for low income households; Emergency Heat Bill Assistance through Energy Share, http://www.energysharemt.com/