Vermont Home Energy Assistance

In the state of Vermont, households with a combined income that is below 125 percent of the federal poverty level may qualify for winter energy assistance through LIHEAP, or the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program. Federally funded by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, LIHEAP provided home heating assistance for 26,300 out of 92,236 eligible households in Vermont during the 2009-10 winter season.

Funding

• Out of the 5.1 billion dollars allocated for LIHEAP nationwide by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Vermont will receive 28 million for the 2010-11 winter season, up from 25.6 million for 2009-10 and 19.4 million for 2008-09.

Distribution

• LIHEAP distribution is administered through the Vermont Department for Children and Families, which allocates funds at the local level to Vermont Community Action Agencies, or CAAs. The state's Fuel Assistance Program provides the applicant's energy provider with a block grant that will decrease the applicant's monthly utility bill throughout the winter season.

Eligibility

• To be considered eligible for the first-come, first-served Vermont Fuel Assistance Program, households must earn a combined income of no more than 185 percent of the federal poverty level. For a list of maximum monthly gross income levels by family size, see Resources.

Application

• Applicants for the Fuel Assistance Program may apply online at the Vermont Department for Children and Families, at their local Community Action Agency, or CAA, or by calling the Benefits Service Center at 1-800-479-6151. Residents 60 years of age or older can call the Senior Helpline at 1-800-642-5119 for an application. Households that received prior energy assistance in the state will automatically be sent a renewal letter by the state.

Crisis Assistance

• Eligibility for Crisis Fuel Assistance and Warmth Share Heat Programs starts at 200 percent of the federal poverty level, and includes emergency funding for heat or furnace repair or replacement. Residents in need of immediate funding may call the Crisis Fuel Assistance hotline at 1-800-479-6151, or their local CAA for more information. For a list of income eligibility qualifications by family size, see Resources.