LIHEAP Benefit Matrix

LIHEAP Benefit Matrix A. The LIHEAP Act stipulates that households with the highest energy costs and needs receive the greatest benefit. LIHEAP benefits are paid based on household income, size of household, energy type, and main heating fuel source. LIHEAP benefits shall not exceed $1500 per program year for a household. See Benefit Matrix Attachment. B. Subgrantees should be careful during the intake process to select the appropriate energy type when asking applicants about the homes’ main heating fuel. The main heating fuel is not what bill the applicant is seeking to be paid, but it is how the applicant primarily heats the home. The main heating fuel must not be changed unless the household moves. Also, if a mistake was made by the Subgrantee or client, the main heating fuel can be changed at the beginning of the next program year, once approval has been granted by DCS. C. A client cannot exceed their cap by energy type. For example, if, for a one-person household, the propane bill is $900 and the overall cap is $1,200, the agency cannot pay more than the propane limit of $650 even if client has not reached the overall cap of $1,200. 1) Example: If a client has an annual household income of $14,500 and their household size is one (1), their maximum LIHEAP benefit for the program year of 2025 is $1,100. How the home is heated determines the following benefit caps by energy type: i. Propane: $650 ii. Electric: $550 or $1,200 (for total electric households) iii. Natural Gas: $550 iv. Wood: $280 v. The benefit amounts are recalculated as income changes if client returns for additional assistance during the program year. D. The “Total Electric” column represents the yearly amount that a total electric household may receive. All other households may receive a total of the electric column and the main heating source column that is used. E. Propane households should receive benefits in the amount of 100 gallons, per request up to the benefit matrix amount. F. The cost for the replacement, repair, or purchase of heating or cooling equipment does not count against the benefit matrix amount for the program year.