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Part 24 Chapter 6: Client Eligibility Requirements.
Households that consume energy for residential purposes and meet the requirements of the program will be eligible for assistance. Energy bills may include electricity, natural gas, propane/butane, wood, kerosene, and coal. LIHEAP funds may also be used to purchase fans, coats, blankets, air conditioners, heaters, energy deposits, and other energy-related products to be distributed to eligible households. The maximum amount of financial assistance and the cost of the energy-related products given to eligible households may be up to $1,500, unless a client needs heating and/or cooling equipment. When supplemental funding is available, subgrantees must be aware that applicants may or may not be eligible for supplemental payments from different grants at the same time. In this case, the subgrantee’s Program Director will determine, based on the amount of funding available, which grant will be used to assist the client’s needs.
LIHEAP has two (2) components: program assistance known as regular assistance and the Energy Crisis Intervention Program (ECIP) that provides emergency assistance. Subgrantees are required to refer high energy usage households to Weatherization.
Rule 6.1 Eligibility Requirements.
An applicant must meet the following requirements to receive a LIHEAP benefit:
A. Have an obligation to pay an energy bill directly to a utility company, in subsidized housing where the energy cost is billed separate from rent or can provide evidence from the landlord stating utility is an undesignated portion of the rent,
B. Be a U.S. citizen or have legal permanent resident status,
C. Have income at or below the 60% state median income guidelines, and
D. Be eighteen (18) years of age or older or an emancipated minor (through court action) who is considered head of household.
Source: Miss. Code Ann. § 43-1-2(4); Miss. Code Ann. § 43-1-4. Revised: May 2022
Rule 6.2 Residency.
An applicant must be a resident of the State of Mississippi and reside in the LIHEAP service area at the time the energy costs were incurred. The applicant must apply for services in the county in which the applicant lives. Homeless households may apply for services if the applicant is trying to establish utility services. A. An applicant must give a street address to include a house/route number and street name, city, state, and zip code. B. LIHEAP services cannot be provided to temporary residents defined as: