How to apply for Mississippi Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP)

Who it's for

The Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) helps Mississippi households pay home energy bills, including electricity, natural gas, propane, and wood. Household income must be at or below 60 percent of the state median income for your household size. You must have an energy bill due to an energy company or landlord and be a U.S. citizen or legal permanent resident. LIHEAP is offered in all 82 counties and is available all year, for heating or cooling in any season, while funds last. The Energy Crisis Intervention Program (ECIP) gives emergency help, such as a shutoff notice. Benefits depend on income, household size, and how the home is heated, and cannot be more than $1,500 per program year. Households with an older adult, a person with a disability, or a child age 5 or younger get priority. To apply, submit a pre-application on the Access MS portal and mark "Community Services." The Community Action Agency in your area will then schedule an in-person appointment.

What you'll need

• Your appointment letter lists what to bring; call your Community Action Agency with questions

Where to apply

Step by step

1. Check that you may qualify. You must live in Mississippi, have an energy bill due to an energy company or landlord, and be a U.S. citizen or legal permanent resident.
2. Apply online through the Access MS portal. Mark "Community Services" on the pre-application.
3. Watch for your appointment notice from the Community Action Agency in your area. This agency will schedule an in-person appointment after your pre-application is received.
4. Read your appointment letter and gather the documents listed there. If anything is unclear, call your Community Action Agency with questions.
5. Go to your in-person appointment and bring the documents from your appointment letter. Answer any questions the agency asks so it can review your application.
6. Apply again each program year if you still need help, because LIHEAP renews annually.

What to expect: After you submit the online pre-application, your local Community Action Agency reviews it and sets an in-person appointment. Older adults and people with disabilities usually get an appointment within 30 business days of applying. The agency decides the benefit amount. Funding is limited, and help is available while money lasts. If you are approved, you must reapply each program year to keep getting help.

Renewals

annual (each program year)