Utah low income energy assistance LIHEAP/HEAT

Low income Utah residents can apply for assistance with paying utility and heating bills from Home Energy Assistance Target (HEAT). This is the states version of the federal government LIHEAP program. Applications are normally accepted annually from November to April of each year.

The United States Department of Health and Human Services provides money to the state of Utah for the HEAT program, and that money is disbursed to low income families who pay a significant amount of their income towards their utility bills. While federal money pays for it, applications are accepted locally. To learn more or apply you will need to contact your local Department of Human Services office, and phone numbers and addresses are below.

Normally around $20 to 40 million dollars is available for Utah families and individuals; however the total amount may vary greatly from year to year. Priority is given to the most vulnerable, including families with children, seniors, and the disabled. Many people receive aid from this each year, and it is important to note that an individual does not need to receive any other public or government assistance to qualify for HEAT.

The elderly and disabled can usually apply before the general public. The program distributes financial assistance on a first come/first serve basis and it normally will run out of money. It will run until all aid is distributed.

If the funds are all used up by the state of Utah before all applications are processed, then the state will notify those who are impacted. Notice of non-payment will be sent to those households and families whose applications could not be processed.

 

 

 

 

While the program terms can change, people of all backgrounds, religions, and races can apply. Typical recipients of utility bill assistance from the Utah Home Energy Assistance Target will have a household income that is less than 150% of poverty guidelines. The income level is also based on the number of people who live in the home. The more residents, the higher the income threshold is.

Utah HEAT Energy Crisis Intervention is offered for emergency situations. This can be if someone is running out of fuel, or if they are faced with a shut off of their utility, heat, or electric service. Many of the same income qualifications need to be met before the crisis component can assist an individual.

Crisis cash grants and funds may be used to help defray some costs associated with paying for shelter or temporary living space in apartments, hotels, shelters, etc. These additional funds are offered in the limited number of situations in which inoperable heating/cooling appliances or supply of power to a HEAT eligible dwelling is disrupted, and if the temporary evacuation of household is required.

Money can only be used to pay for a temporary extension of up to 14 days. At most $500 will be provided for shelter and lodging. The primary purpose is to place low income Utah families in safe housing and temporary lodging. Funds will help preserve health and safety of individuals across the state, and will address the emergency. In this case, the payment of lodging costs and housing is tied to home energy crisis.

Utah Department of Human Services office HEAT application sites

To learn more or to apply for help, call the office in your county.

Beaver County, call 435-421-9307
Box Elder, 435-723-1116
Cache, 435-752-7242
Carbon, 435-613-0100
Daggett, 435-781-2021
Davis, 801-394-9774
Duchesne, 435-722-5218
Emery, 435-381-5410
Garfield, 435-467-8597
Grand, 435-259-6362
Iron, 435-586-0858
Juab, 1-888-255-9692
Kane, 435-644-3803
Millard, East 435-743-4060
Millard, Western part of county 1-888-255-9692
Morgan, 801-394-9774
Piute, 435-577-2448
Rich, 1-877-772-7242
Salt Lake County, 801-521-6107
San Juan, 435-683-2355
Sanpete, 435-835-2831
Sevier, 435-893-0745
Summit, 1-855-686-5263
Tooele 435-882-1278
Uintah, 435-781-2021
Utah, 801-229-3855
Wasatch, 1-855-686-5263
Washington, 435-652-9643
Wayne, 435-836-1324
Weber, 801-394-9774

Or dial the Utah state wide toll free number, 866-205-4357