With temperatures dropping and the coronavirus still causing strain on the economy the Montana Low Income Energy Assistance Program wants people to know they are here to help. Anyone who lives in Montana is eligible for the Low Income Energy Assistance Program or LIEAP.
The program is federally funded through the Department of Health and Human Services, and offers financial assistance for anyone struggling to pay their heating or cooling costs.
LIEAP typically serves around 20,000 households across the state of Montana.
Energy Programs Director at the Rocky Mountain Development Council, Jonathan Ballew, says, "The more people that apply shows that there is need and there will be more funding in years to come. All of our LIEAP clients need to have safe and adequate heat, so if one of our LIEAP clients has a problem with their heating system it just doesn't turn on one day if they call our office we can send a technician out to repair or replace that heating system to get it back online and we will provide them with temporary heat."
There is no cap on how many people can apply for LIEAP. The program is open to households that meet certain income requirements. Those who receive SNAP benefits or other forms of assistance may qualify automatically.
Jonathan added the winter season is just beginning. If you think you might need assistance, you should apply sooner rather than later.
For more information visit: https://dphhs.mt.gov/hcsd/energyassistance#717628030-lieap-income-and-resource-guidelines