Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program
The Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) helps eligible low-income families with home heating costs.
The program partially pays the cost of natural gas, electricity, propane, fuel oil, coal, wood, or other fuel sources.
The program also covers:
- Weatherization services (insulation, weather stripping around doors and windows, etc.)
- Furnace cleaning, repair, and replacement
- Chimney cleaning and inspection
- Emergency assistance
Who Qualifies
Eligibility is based on a household's income to ensure help goes to those most in need.
A household’s income must be at or below 60 percent of North Dakota’s median income and within these limits.
| Household Size | Income | Monthly Income |
| 1 | $30,346 | $2,529 |
| 2 | $39,683 | $3,307 |
| 3 | $49,021 | $4,085 |
| 4 | $58,358 | $4,863 |
| 5 | $67,695 | $5,641 |
| 6 | $77,033 | $6,419 |
| 7 | $78,783 | $6,565 |
| 8 | $80,534 | $6,711 |
| 9 | $82,285 | $6,857 |
| 10 | $84,036 | $7,003 |
| 11 | $85,786 | $7,149 |
| 12 | $87,537 | $7,295 |
(Income limits effective Oct. 1, 2019 to Sept. 30, 2020)
Both homeowner and renter households are eligible for the program. Individual tribal LIHEAP programs serve tribal members living on reservations in the state.
How to Apply
- Print and Mail: You can contact your county social service office and request that an application be mailed to you, or you can complete the fillable Energy Assistance Application. Simply print, sign and return it to your county social service office. You must have the ability to print in order to use this option.
- Applications are accepted between Oct. 1 through May 31.
Additional Information
Frequently Asked Questions
LIHEAP Brochure
Policy manuals and reports
Other programs are also available including Child Care Assistance, Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, and Temporary Assistance for Needy Families. To see if you qualify, complete an Application for Assistance online or contact your local county social service office. (NOTE: This application should not be used to apply for energy assistance, but can be used for other assistance programs handled by the department.)
Cooling Assistance
Cooling assistance is also available for individuals 60 years of age and older and for those with certain medical conditions who qualify for the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program.
The program can help with:
- Buying and installing an air conditioning unit
- Repairing an air conditioning unit
- Buying oscillating or window fans
Work is completed by a Community Action agency located in the state’s eight largest cities.
How to Apply
- For individuals under 60 years of age, a signed statement is required from a medical professional (physician, physician’s assistance, nurse practitioner, or public health nurse) verifying a medical condition and the need for a cooled living space.
- Individuals age 60 and over are not required to get documentation of a medical need.
- Contact your local county social service office.
Finding Other Help
To find out if you may qualify for other state and federal programs, visit:
- Benefits.Gov - This is a screening tool developed by the federal government, and not all North Dakota programs are included.
- Bridge to Benefits - This screening tool developed by the Children's Defense Fund can help individuals and families learn if they might qualify for benefits from some North Dakota programs.
NOTE: To determine if you qualify for public assistance programs in North Dakota, you must apply and follow North Dakota's application process. Contact your local County Social Service Office.
Contact
For more information on program benefits and eligibility, contact your local county social service office or direct your questions to the department.
Economic Assistance Policy Division
Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program
600 E. Boulevard Ave., Dept 325
Bismarck, ND 58505-0250
Phone: (701) 328-2332
Toll Free: (800) 755-2716
ND Relay TTY: (800) 366-6888
dhseap@nd.gov
Related Links
- Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) Clearinghouse Website
- Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program Federal Website
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