Arizona Utility Assistance Program Benefits
The Division of Community Assistance and Development contracts directly with Community Action Agencies and the Arizona Community Action Association. Some of these agencies subcontract with other community agencies within their service area to provide additional services. Contact your local Community Action Agency to get help with:
- utility or mortgage assistance
- eviction or foreclosure prevention assistance
- rental deposits
- emergency shelter
Please note that there is high demand for assistance from Community Action Agencies, and their phone lines get very busy. It may take you some time to get through.
Arizona Utility Assistance Program (LIHEAP)
The 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 winter and cool in summer. By doing this, you can reduce the risk of health and safety problems (such as illness, fire, or eviction). The Arizona 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.
Announcement - DES Energy Assistance Available for Navajo Nation Tribal Members
As shared in a recent press release from the Navajo Nation Division of Social Services, the Navajo Nation Department for Family Services is no longer accepting applications for its 2023 low-income energy assistance program, effective June 12, 2023. Because the Navajo Nation’s energy assistance funds have been depleted, assistance is now available to Navajo Tribal Members through the State of Arizona. The DES Low Income Household Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) is available to support Arizona families during the unprecedented heat wave.
The Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) is a federally funded program that helps low income households pay their heating/cooling bills, minimize crises, and make energy costs more affordable. The LIHEAP program is administered in accordance with federal regulations, the Arizona LIHEAP State Plan, and LIHEAP Policy.
Arizona Cash Assistance Program BenefitsArizona Utility Assistance Program Eligibility
To qualify for LIHEAP, the applicant must have an income that falls within the program guidelines. Priority for service assistance is determined based on vulnerable household members. Higher priority may be granted if someone in your home is a senior citizen (60 years of age & older), a person with disabilities, a veteran, or a child under six years old. Additionally, a benefit will not be awarded to any applicant with a credit of $500 or more on their utility bill.
The availability of LIHEAP assistance is not guaranteed and is available on a first-come, first-serve basis. LIHEAP eligibility is limited to once in a 12-month period for a Regular LIHEAP benefit and once in a 12-month period for a Crisis LIHEAP benefit.
Arizona Utility Assistance Program Income Limits
In order to qualify, you must also have an annual household income (before taxes) that is below 60 percent of the State Median Income:
| Household Size | Maximum Income Level (Per Year) |
| 1 | $26,857 |
| 2 | $35,121 |
| 3 | $43,384 |
| 4 | $51,648 |
| 5 | $59,911 |
| 6 | $68,175 |
| 7 | $69,724 |
| 8 | $71,274 |
For households with more than eight people, add $1,550 per additional person.
Who is eligible for Arizona Utility Assistance Program (LIHEAP)?
To be eligible for this benefit program, you must be a resident of Arizona and you must need financial assistance with home energy costs. A person who participates or has family members who participate in certain other benefit programs, such as SNAP, SSI, TANF, automatically meets the eligibility requirement.
How To Apply For Arizona Utility Assistance Program (LIHEAP)
Applicants can apply for utility assistance safely from their own homes using the LIHEAP online portal. Applicants unable to apply online may apply by phone through the LIHEAP hotline at 1-866 494-1981 or by using a paper application (see “FAQs for Applicants” section for links). Applicants interested in utility assistance will need to provide a copy of their current utility bill, photo ID, disconnection notice (if any), proof of income. Failure to provide the required documentation may delay eligibility determination.
Arizona Medical Assistance Program BenefitsArizona Utility Assistance Program Phone Number
Contact the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program hotline at 1-866 494-1981. The call center is available 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., Monday through Friday.
What is ID.me?
ID.me is a federally certified credential service provider that assists government agencies, healthcare platforms, financial institutions and other businesses in verifying their users’ identities. If you would like more information on how to use ID.me, Please view our helpful guide to frequently asked questions about ID.me for setting up your ID.me account and completing the verification process.
May I use a paper application to apply for assistance?
Applications should be initiated and completed through the LIHEAP portal. This is the best and quickest way to receive assistance. All communications are sent via email, and you can track your application status through this portal. If you are unable to sign up through ID.me, you can use a paper application to apply for assistance. You must still provide a valid photo identification as well as the documents requested on the application.
How much can eligible applicants expect to receive in assistance?
Eligible households may receive up to $1,200 once per year. Additionally, applicants may receive up to $1,000 in supplemental benefits in applicable crisis situations. Payments may be made to the utility company or the applicant directly (if the utility company or landlord cannot be paid directly).
What is Crisis Assistance?
A crisis is a situation that requires immediate intervention. Crisis Assistance is limited to 1 payment per 12 months. Regular LIHEAP benefits must be exhausted before a crisis payment can be applied. Crisis Assistance can be categorized as a Regular Crisis or a Life-Threatening Crisis.
A Regular Crisis occurs when an applicant meets one of the following conditions:
- Household has received a utility shut-off or delinquency notice.
- The Regular LIHEAP benefit payment does not pay the full amount of the applicant’s bill.
- The household has received an eviction notice (only when utilities are included in their rent)
- The household uses portable fuel or pre-pay utility service, and has 7 days or less of energy available
A Life-Threatening Crisis occurs when an applicant meets one of the following conditions:
- The termination of power or exposure to heat or cold would be dangerous to the health of a household member as evidenced by a statement from a licensed medical physician.
- Life supporting equipment used in the home is dependent on utility service for operation.
Crisis applications receive expedited processing. Eligible applicants can receive additional funds to resolve the crisis. Verification is required if requesting a Crisis Assistance payment.
Is the disconnection moratorium still in effect?
In April 2021, The Arizona Corporation Commission passed the final package of termination of services rules. The rules allow electric utilities to choose between two disconnection options during periods of extreme weather: if the forecasted temperature is above 95°F or below 32°F, or they can choose to continue utilizing the June 1 through October 15 disconnection moratorium period.
How do I determine how many individuals are included in my household?
A household is any individual or group of individuals occupying the same housing unit, regardless of age and/or relationship to each other. Only eligible household members (US Citizens or Qualified Noncitizens) are considered as part of the household size.
What is included when determining my household income?
Countable income for purposes of determining eligibility for the LIHEAP include:
- Income from employment, including self-employment (includes wages, salaries, tips, etc.) as evidenced by a 1099 tax form or pay stubs
- Unearned income, including but not limited to Income from SSA benefits, alimony, child support, gambling profits, retirement income
- Income from Unemployment Insurance, including Pandemic Unemployment Assistance and Pandemic Unemployment Compensation
- All other consistent income received from other sources
- For a complete list of countable and uncountable income, please refer to section 1.9 of the Arizona LIHEAP State Plan.
Income from all household members who are 18 years or older, regardless of eligibility or citizenship status, is included in determining household income. Earned income of minor children is not considered as part of total annual household income.
What happens if there are questions about my application?
The LIHEAP Specialist working on your application may need further information or income verification prior to determining eligibility. If this happens, the Specialist will send a request through the online portal or contact you by phone. If there is no response or income verification provided within 45 calendar days, the application will be closed. You can call our customer service line at 1-866 494-1981 to reopen your application.
How will my application information be used or shared?
Information provided on your application will be used for purposes of determining eligibility for utility assistance under the LIHEAP. Your sensitive information will be protected at all times. The rights of applicants participating in the Address Confidentiality Program (ACP) will be respected. Demographic information provided may be used for reporting purposes to the U.S. Department of Health & Human Services.
7 a Small Business Loan Program BenefitsHow will I receive the assistance?
The assistance will be paid directly to your utility provider, who will receive a direct deposit into their bank account. You may be paid personally if your utility company or landlord cannot be paid directly.
Will I need to report any funds received from this program as income?
No. Any funds received under this program cannot be counted as income for the applicant’s tax reporting or for purposes of determining eligibility for any other public assistance programs.
What is a qualified non-citizen?
Which utilities are eligible for financial assistance under the Program?
Eligible utilities include:
- Electricity
- Gas
- Portable Fuel
- Water (for evaporative cooling from May 1st to October 31st).
Sewer and trash removal are NOT eligible for assistance. Telecommunication services, such as telephone, cable, and internet service costs are NOT eligible for assistance. For financial assistance with water and wastewater utilities, please inquire about the LIHWAP Program.
How do I apply for Arizona Utility Assistance Program (LIHEAP)?
To apply for LIHEAP online, please contact thelocal Community Action Program (CAP) in your area. For additional application information, visit the People's Information Guides page.
Free Application For Federal Student AID Program BenefitsHow To Apply For Arizona Utility Assistance Program (LIHEAP)?
To apply for the Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) in Arizona, you can follow these general steps. Keep in mind that specific details may vary, so it's important to contact the Arizona Department of Economic Security (DES) or the local agency administering LIHEAP in your area for the most accurate and up-to-date information. As of my last update in January 2022, here's a general guide:\
Check Eligibility:
- LIHEAP is typically designed to assist low-income households with their energy bills. Eligibility is based on factors such as income, household size, and the type of fuel used for heating.
- Check the income guidelines set by the program to determine if you qualify.
Gather Required Documentation: Prepare documents that may be required for the application process, such as proof of income, utility bills, and identification.
Contact Arizona DES:
- Visit the official website of the Arizona Department of Economic Security (DES) to find information about LIHEAP and the application process.
- You can also contact the DES office or the designated LIHEAP office in your county for guidance. The contact information may be available on the official DES website.
Complete the Application:
- Obtain and complete the LIHEAP application form. This form may be available online or at local DES offices, community action agencies, or other designated locations.
- Ensure that you fill out the application accurately and provide all necessary documentation.
Submit the Application: Submit your completed application and required documentation to the appropriate LIHEAP office. Check the submission options, as some programs may accept applications by mail, in person, or online.
Application Review: Once your application is submitted, it will be reviewed by the LIHEAP office. They will assess your eligibility based on the provided information.
Notification of Assistance: If your application is approved, you will be notified of the amount of assistance you will receive. The assistance is typically applied directly to your utility bill.
Follow-Up: Stay in touch with the LIHEAP office and follow any additional instructions they provide. If you have questions or concerns, don't hesitate to contact them for clarification.
Remember that LIHEAP operates at the state and local levels, so procedures may vary. It's crucial to contact the appropriate authorities or agencies for the most accurate and current information regarding the Arizona Utility Assistance Program (LIHEAP).