Energy Assistance in Salem, Oregon

Each year, eligible Salem, Oregon, residents can apply for energy assistance to help pay a portion of their heating bills and home weatherization projects. In 2009, Salem residents were among the approximately 98,600 Oregon households -- out of 548,107 eligible -- who received energy assistance funded by block grants from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services' Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program, or LIHEAP.

Management

• In Salem, LIHEAP is managed by the Mid-Willamette Valley Community Action Agency, one of the state's county-specific community action agencies, or CAAs. The Mid-Willamette Valley CAA provides home heating assistance, budget counseling and education. It also has a weatherization program that provides insulation for water heaters, ducts, floors, walls and ceilings; weather stripping of windows and doors; and health and safety information.

Eligibility

• Eligibility for LIHEAP in Salem and the rest of Oregon is based on income. Applicants must earn no more than 60 percent of Oregon's median income, according to family size. Applicants can rent or own their homes, but must be able to document their home-heating costs. An income eligibility chart is available on the Oregon Housing and Community Services LIHEAP website.

Application Process

• You must apply for LIHEAP assistance in person at the Mid-Willamette Valley Community Action Agency. Be prepared to provide documents, such as utility bills, showing your home-heating costs, and monthly and annual income verification, such as W-2 forms or employee pay stubs.

Seasonal Limits

• As of the 2010-11 winter season, home heating assistance in Salem is available from Oct. 1 through June 30, with emergency aid given from Dec. 1 through March 15. Weatherization assistance is available all year.

Benefits

• LIHEAP benefits in Salem are determined by a payment matrix. Households with the greatest need receive the greatest amount of assistance, although help is available to all qualifying households. The payment matrix uses several factors to determine funding, such as the applicant's household size and income level, type of heating fuel, the home's location and whether the home is subsidized by the government.