The Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program, commonly known as LIHEAP, is a federal program administered by state agents such as the Tennessee Housing Development Agency (THDA). This program offers one-time payments to those who need help covering heating and/or cooling costs for their homes.

How It Works

You can apply for funding once during the application season. If funding is granted, LIHEAP will pay your utility company or fuel provider directly. Forms of heating/cooling covered by the program include electronic devices, gas, propane, kerosene, wood, oil, and coal.

To apply, you’ll need to contact the office that serves the county you live in. Be prepared to submit the following documents along with your application:

• A copy of a government-issued ID card
• A Social Security number for every person in your home (or birth certificate for children younger than 1 year old)
• Proof of income (or a Zero Income Form) for every person in your home over the age of 18
• Energy bills from the last 12 months (can be fewer if you have lived in your home for less than a year)
• A copy of your most recent energy bill or a notice of termination (if applicable)

Who Qualifies?

The Tennessee Housing Development Agency has income guidelines you’ll need to meet in order to receive assistance. Maximum yearly income requirements change every year, so check back next year if your household hasn’t met this year’s income standards.

Renters and homeowners alike can apply for LIHEAP assistance. You can apply if you’re keeping up with your payments or if you’ve fallen behind. The program is also available to those who aren’t on any form of public assistance.

The Federal government distributes LIHEAP funding throughout all 50 states. This means that funding is limited. Households that pay a high percentage of income on heating/cooling costs will be given priority.

Additional Assistance

The THDA also offers weatherization assistance, foreclosure prevention, Tennessee repair loans, financial assistance for ramp installation and/or other home modifications, and emergency repair help. Unlike LIHEAP, many of these programs are provided in conjunction with local lenders such as Mortgage Investors Group.

Application requirements vary depending on which program you apply to. In some instances, your county of residence will also determine what type of funding you can receive.

Would you like to get to know all your THDA assistance options? If so, Mortgage Investors Group can offer the personalized help you need to apply for a loan and/or financial assistance. Get in touch with us by phone or chat at your convenience to learn more about your options.