Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program Frequently Asked Questions
- Who can apply for programs or services?
- Where do I apply for programs and services?
- Whom do I contact if I have additional questions prior to applying for programs or services?
- Who has access to my information if I apply for programs or services?
- Are other programs or services available?
- Will there be any cost to me for programs or services?
- When should I make an application for Energy Assistance?
- What happens after I make an application?
- What services are available if I am found eligible?
- Am I required to pay the fuel dealer my fuel cost upon delivery?
- What if I can't pay my share of the fuel cost?
- How can I lower my share of the heating bill?
Q. Who can apply for programs or services?
A. Generally speaking, anyone may apply for assistance. Eligible applicants will ordinarily reside in North Dakota. For additional information, please refer to the program brochure (172kb pdf).
Q. Where do I apply for programs and services?
A. You can apply online or at your local human service zone office (formerly known as county social service office). For local contact information, click on the county closest to your home on the locator map. If you choose to apply locally, you should complete and print this fillable application prior to visiting the human service zone office. Indiviudals can also mail the completed, signed application to their local human service zone office.
Effective Oct. 1, 2021, North Dakotans can apply for LIHEAP online through the Self-Service Portal and Consolidated Eligibility System, referred to as SPACES. In addition to LIHEAP, you may apply for all Economic Assistance programs.
Q. Who do I contact if I have additional questions prior to applying for programs or services?
A. The local human service zone office staff can answer any questions you may have about the LIHEAP heating assistance program.
Q. Who has access to my information, if I apply for programs or services?
A. The Department of Human Services must follow federal and state laws on privacy. Only those individuals whose jobs require them to view your personal information in order to administer the programs or process payments, have access to your information. Department of Human Services staff and human service zone staff are bound by strict confidentiality rules that do not allow unauthorized disclosure of your personal information.
Q. Are other programs or services available?
A. The Department of Human Services provides a wide range of programs and services. You can return to the Financial Help page to review other programs that may be available to assist with your financial needs (scroll down the page).
Q. Will there be any cost to me for programs or services?
A. There is no cost to apply, but you will have to pay a percentage of some services based on your income.
Q. When should I apply for Heating Assistance?
A. Applications are received from October 1 through May 31 of each heating season.
Q. What happens after I submit an application?
A. You will be sent a Notice of Eligibility within 45 days telling you if you have been found eligible or denied benefits. All verifications should have been returned within 30 days from the receipt of the application.
You have the right to appeal and request a fair hearing if you disagree with any decision made on your heating assistance or emergency assistance application, or if you do not receive a written notice of the action taken on your heating assistance application within 45 days from the date your application is received.
Appeals must be requested within 30 days. Contact your human service zone office for instructions on how to request an appeal of fair hearing.
Q. What services are available if I am found eligible for LIHEAP?
A. The following services are available:
- Heating assistance
- making your home energy efficient
- furnace and chimney cleaning
- emergency assistance
- furnace replacements
- minor repairs, and
- energy cost reduction devices
Q. Am I required to pay the fuel dealer my fuel cost upon delivery?
A. You must follow your vendor's payment terms for your portion of the bill.
Q. What if I can't pay my share of the fuel cost?
A. Your percentage will be calculated based on your income, so your portion should be manageable. However if you should find yourself in an unforeseen situation, emergency assistance is available. Eligibility requirements are more restrictive.
Q. How can I lower my share of the heating bill?
A. Here are a some suggestions on how to lower your share of your heating bill.
- Buy from a supplier who will give you the ‘cash discount’ for fuel
- Buy from a supplier who will let you make 12 monthly payments for your share of the heating bills
- Ask your heating assistance worker for more information about “Energy Cost Reductions Services”
- Ask for Energy Conservation Services (Weatherization Services)
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