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Subject: Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program Process Owner: Child and Community Services Division Effective Date: 07/01/2026 Revision Number: 16A (Rescinds and supercedes Rev. 16)

Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program

I. POLICY STATEMENT The Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP or Program) assists households with low incomes in meeting their immediate home energy needs, particularly those with the lowest incomes that pay a high proportion of household income for home energy. The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), Administration for Children and Families (ACF), administers LIHEAP at the federal level. The Arizona Department of Economic Security (DES), Child and Community Services Division (CCSD), administers LIHEAP for the state of Arizona in accordance with applicable federal guidance, the Arizona LIHEAP State Plan, and this Policy. Arizona utilizes a direct-service, Navigator model for the distribution of LIHEAP benefits. Community Navigators, which work through state-designated Community Action Agencies (CAA) or other community partners, perform outreach and assist Applicants in understanding LIHEAP and completing applications. DES and designated Community Navigators may receive, adjudicate, and make determinations on applications. DES then disburses benefits to approved Households. Households may apply online or using a paper application, either directly to DES or with the assistance of a Community Navigator.