Alaska Heating Assistance Program Benefits
Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) is a Federally-funded program that helps low-income households with their home energy bills. LIHEAP can help you stay warm in the winter.. By doing so, you can reduce the risk of health and safety problems (such as illness, fire, or eviction). The Alaska LIHEAP program may be able to offer you one or more of the following types of assistance:
- Bill payment assistance.
- Energy crisis assistance.
- Weatherization and energy-related home repairs.
Alaska Heating Assistance Program
The Heating Assistance Program (HAP) is designed to promote the general welfare and safeguard the health and well-being of Alaska's population by offsetting the cost of home heating for eligible Alaskan residents.
Alaska Heating Assistance Program Basics
The Heating Assistance Program assists households with income at or below 150% of the federal poverty income guidelines, who have a minimum of $200 in out-of-pocket heating costs per year, and meet all other eligibility criteria. The benefit is a one-time payment to the household’s vendor, sent to the vendor, and applied to the customer’s account as a credit. It is open to homeowners and renters. The program opens on October 1. Applications are available at Public Assistance offices throughout the state and online at www.heatinghelp.alaska.gov beginning on October 1.
Benefits are planned for delivery beginning in on October 1 for FY 23. A Hotline will be available for clients to check the status of their application. Clients will need to access their information using the application ID listed on their current year application received notice. Note: The Hotline is currently not working.
One benefit is issued per “season” which runs from October 1 through September 30. For more information, please visit our Client Resources page. The last day to apply for heating assistance each season is September 30. The new benefit year begins on October 1, at which time residents can reapply for a benefit for the new season.
The program can also assist with deposits to establish service in subsidized rental buildings in which heat is included in the rent but the tenant pays for their own electric or gas for cooking. This component is known as the Subsidized Rental Housing Utility Deposit (SRHUD). Applications for the Subsidized Rental Housing Deposit are accepted year-round.
Alaska Heating Assistance Program Benefits
The benefits provided by the Alaska Heating Assistance Program, or any similar program, are designed to assist eligible households in meeting their heating expenses, especially during the colder months. The specific benefits can vary based on factors such as income, household size, and energy costs. Here are some common types of assistance provided by heating assistance programs:
- Financial Assistance: Many heating assistance programs offer financial aid to eligible households to help offset the costs of heating their homes. This assistance may come in the form of a one-time payment or a series of payments throughout the heating season.
- Fuel or Energy Credits: Some programs provide credits or vouchers that can be used to purchase fuel or pay for energy expenses. This can include assistance with heating oil, natural gas, electricity, or other heating sources.
- Crisis Assistance: Certain programs have provisions for crisis assistance, providing additional support to households facing immediate heating-related emergencies, such as heating system failures or the risk of having utilities disconnected.
- Weatherization Services: In addition to direct financial assistance, some programs may offer weatherization services to help make homes more energy-efficient. This can include measures like insulation, sealing drafts, and improving overall energy efficiency.
- Education and Outreach: Programs may also include educational components to inform households about energy conservation practices and how to make their homes more energy-efficient in the long term.
To determine the specific benefits available through the Alaska Heating Assistance Program, you should refer to the program guidelines provided by the Alaska Department of Health and Social Services or the agency responsible for administering the program. Additionally, program administrators can provide detailed information on the types of assistance available, eligibility criteria, and how to apply for benefits. Keep in mind that program details may change, so it's crucial to rely on the latest information from official sources.
When can I apply For Alaska Heating Assistance Program?
Applications for Heating Assistance are accepted October 1st through April 30th. If you are legally disabled or age 60 or older, your application will be expedited when received for the benefit year. You can contact us at 1-800-478-7778 or [email protected] for assistance. The program begins issuing grants on the first working day in October.
Rural Housing Loan Program BenefitsHow is the benefit calculated?
Eligibility is not solely based on income. Benefits are calculated using a point system based on: the area of the state where you live, heat type, dwelling type, household size and income. Each item has a point value. If you have low heating cost points after all factors are calculated, you may not qualify.
How long will it take?
It may take up to 45 days to process your application. Continue to pay your bills while waiting for a decision on your application. If your bills are overdue or you are in danger of running out of fuel, contact your heat or utility company to set up a deferred payment agreement. Let them know you have applied for Heating Assistance.
How do I apply For Alaska Heating Assistance Program?
You can mail, drop off, e-mail, or fax your application to any Public Assistance Office. Office contact information can be found on the last page of this application booklet and at https://health.alaska.gov/dpa/Pages/contacts.aspx.
How can I check on my application?
You can check to see if we received your application or find out your grant amount by calling our 24-hour information hot-line at 907-269-5777 in Anchorage or 1-888-804-6330 in all other areas. You will be asked for:
- Your application ID number, which is the number listed on your Heating Assistance Application Notice of Receipt.
- Your security code, which is the last four digits of your social security number.
Information for the new heating season will not be available on the hotline until the second business day in October. Any information on the hotline before that date is for last year, not for the current year.
Who is eligible for Alaska Heating Assistance Program (LIHEAP)?
To be eligible for this benefit program, you must be a resident of Alaska and you must need financial assistance with home energy costs.
Alaska Heating Assistance Program Income Limits
In order to qualify, you must have an annual household income (before taxes) that is below the following amounts:
| Household Size | Maximum Income Level (Per Year) |
| 1 | $27,315 |
| 2 | $36,960 |
| 3 | $46,605 |
| 4 | $56,250 |
| 5 | $65,895 |
| 6 | $75,540 |
| 7 | $85,185 |
| 8 | $94,830 |
For households with more than eight people, add $9,645 per additional person. Always check with the appropriate managing agency to ensure the most accurate guidelines.
Home and Property Disaster Loan Program BenefitsRequired Eligibility for Alaska Heating Assistance Program
Eligibility criteria for the Alaska Heating Assistance Program, or any similar programs, may be subject to change. Eligibility requirements are typically based on factors such as income, household size, and energy costs. To determine if you qualify for the program, you should contact the Alaska Department of Health and Social Services or the agency responsible for administering the program.
As a general guideline, LIHEAP programs, including those in Alaska, often prioritize assistance for households with the lowest incomes and the highest energy costs. Income eligibility is determined by the federal poverty guidelines, and these guidelines may be adjusted based on the household size. To find the most accurate and up-to-date information on eligibility requirements for the Alaska Heating Assistance Program, consider taking the following steps:
- Visit the official website of the Alaska Department of Health and Social Services or the agency responsible for LIHEAP in Alaska.
- Look for specific information related to the Heating Assistance Program, including eligibility criteria, income limits, and application procedures.
- Contact the program directly by phone or email to inquire about your eligibility and seek guidance on the application process.
Remember that programs and their eligibility criteria can change, so it's crucial to rely on the latest information from official sources. The staff at the relevant department should be able to provide you with accurate and current details about the program and whether you qualify for assistance.
Documents required for Alaska Heating Assistance Program
The specific documents required for the Alaska Heating Assistance Program, or any similar program, may vary, and it's essential to check with the program administrators for the most accurate and up-to-date information. However, in general, applicants for heating assistance programs often need to provide documentation related to their income, household composition, and energy costs. Here are some common documents that may be required:
Proof of Income:
- Recent pay stubs
- W-2 forms
- Social Security or pension statements
- Unemployment benefits statements
- Other documentation of income sources
Proof of Residence:
- Utility bills
- Lease or rent agreement
- Mortgage statement
Proof of Energy Costs:
- Recent heating bills
- Documentation of fuel or energy expenses
Household Information:
- List of all household members
- Social Security numbers for all household members
- Birth certificates or other proof of age for household members
Other Supporting Documents: Any additional documentation required by the specific program
It's crucial to review the application guidelines provided by the Alaska Department of Health and Social Services or the agency administering the program to understand the exact documentation requirements. You can typically find this information on the program's official website or by contacting the program administrators directly. They can guide you on the necessary documents and help ensure that your application is complete and accurate. Keep in mind that requirements may change, so it's essential to refer to the latest information provided by the program.
How To Apply For Alaska Heating Assistance Program
To apply for the Alaska Heating Assistance Program, you should follow the specific application procedures outlined by the Alaska Department of Health and Social Services or the agency responsible for administering the program. While the exact process may vary, here are general steps you can take to apply for heating assistance:
- Check Eligibility: Review the eligibility criteria for the Alaska Heating Assistance Program. Ensure that you meet the income and other requirements specified by the program.
- Gather Required Documents: Collect the necessary documentation, such as proof of income, proof of residence, utility bills, and other documents specified by the program. Refer to the program guidelines or contact the program administrators to confirm the required documents.
- Obtain an Application: Obtain an application form for the Alaska Heating Assistance Program. You can often find this form on the official website of the Alaska Department of Health and Social Services or by visiting the local office responsible for administering the program.
- Complete the Application: Fill out the application form completely and accurately. Provide all the required information, including details about your household members, income, and energy costs. Double-check that you have attached all necessary supporting documents.
- Submit the Application: Submit the completed application form and supporting documents to the designated office or agency. Check whether the program accepts applications online, by mail, or in person. If applying in person, inquire about office hours and any specific procedures for submitting applications.
- Follow Up: After submitting your application, follow up with the program to confirm that they received your documents and to inquire about the status of your application. Be prepared to provide additional information if requested.
- Receive Assistance: If approved, you will receive assistance based on the program's guidelines. This may include financial aid, energy credits, or other forms of assistance to help with your heating expenses.
To get the most accurate and up-to-date information on how to apply for the Alaska Heating Assistance Program, visit the official website of the Alaska Department of Health and Social Services or contact the program administrators directly. They can provide specific details about the application process, eligibility criteria, and any recent changes to the program.