Program Description
In 1980, Congress enacted the Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP), authorizing assistance to eligible households to offset the rising costs of home energy. The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services administers the program nationally, and distributes Federal monies among state and other grantees according to an allocation formula. Each grantee uniquely structures its own program following Federal guidelines. Hawaii households may apply for help with either their shut-off or regular heating bill, from either the electric or gas company on their island. Applications are accepted during the month of June. If eligible, households receive a one-time credit deposited directly into their utility accounts. Assistance to alleviate shut-off is immediate, however, the utility company must verify the amount needed to restore service; maximum shut-off credit is $100. Help with regular heating bills is distributed in the latter part of the year, pro-rated among the total number of applicants statewide, and varied by factors such as household size, household income, region, etc. The Hawaii Department of Human Services administers LIHEAP statewide, and utilizes local community action agencies on each island to process applications for the department.
General Program Requirements
In order to qualify for this benefit program, you must be a resident of the state of Hawaii and must submit your original, current bill from the electric company or The Gas Company and proof that you reside at the service address on the bill. The entire energy household must be included in the application. Annual income limits are subject to change. For Federal Fiscal Year 2009 the limits are $18,690 for one person; $25,140 if two people live in the household; $31,590 if three people live in the household; $38,040 if four people live in the household; $44,490 if five people live in the household; $50,940 if six people live in the household; $57,390 if seven people live in the household; $63,840 if eight people live in the household; and $70,290 if more than eight people live in the household. For larger households, add $6,450 for each additional person in the home.
Your Next Steps
The following information will lead you to the next steps to apply for this benefit.
Application Process
On the island of Oahu, contact HCAP (Honolulu Community Action Program) at 808-521-4531.
For Hawaii island, contact HCEOC (Hawaii County Economic Opportunity Council) at 808-961-2681.
For Maui, Molokai, Lanai, contact MEO (Maui Economic Opportunity) at 808-249-2970.
For the island of Kauai, contact KEO (Kauai Economic Opportunity) at 808-245-4077.
Or contact the state LIHEAP Program Office at 808-586-5734.
Program Contact Information
