GENERAL INFORMATION
The state Department of Community Services & Development administers the federally funded Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) in California. The federal Department of Health and Human Services distributes funds to states annually to assist with energy bills and offset heating and/or cooling energy costs for eligible low-income households. California’s share is approximately $89 million annually which CSD distributes to contracted community energy service providers.
CSD also offers Weatherization Assistance, partnering with the federal Department of Energy.
ASSISTANCE TYPE
- Home Energy Assistance Program (HEAP) provides a direct payment to an eligible client’s utility bill to help offset the cost of heating or cooling their home.
- Energy Crisis Intervention Program (ECIP) provides assistance to low-income households that are in a crisis situation. Examples include a household that has received a 24- or 48-hour disconnect notice or service termination by their utility company or an energy-related crisis of life-threatening emergency exists in the applicant’s household.
ELIGIBILITY
Any resident of California who meets the income guidelines and is responsible for energy costs in a residence may be eligible. To determine income eligibility, see the LIHEAP Income Guidelines. (.pdf, 1 page)
FUNDING SOURCE
The Energy Bill Assistance program is funded by the federal Department of Health and Human Services through the Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program Block Grant. California’s designated LIHEAP administrator is the Department of Community Services and Development. CSD in turn distributes allocations to the state’s existing network of energy service providers who are contracted with CSD to provide programs at the community level.
ADDITIONAL PROGRAM INFORMATION
CONTACT
Check the Energy Services Provider Directory to find the energy service provider in your community, types of services provided, and eligibility, or call the CSD toll-free phone center at 1-866-675-6623.