Indiana's Winter Energy Assistance Program Extended

FROM: Local Sources

INDIANAPOLIS – The Indiana Housing and Community Development Authority (IHCDA) announced today that they are extending the application date for the 2017-18 Winter Assistance Program through the Low Income Energy Assistance Program(LIHEAP) from May 18th, 2018 to June 1, 2018.

"We know there are Hoosiers out there who still need help paying their utility bills," said Jacob Sipe, Executive Director of IHCDA. "So we are extending our deadline, which is usually in mid-May, to ensure that individuals in need of assistance can apply."

IHCDA is encouraging community-based organizations under contract with them (referred to as Local Service Providers) to do outreach during these Spring months to ensure everyone that might be eligible for the program has an opportunity to apply. 

These Local Service Providers (LSPs) cover all 92 Indiana counties. Individuals seeking assistance can apply in person, on-line here, or through a mail-in or at another subcontractor at the location that services their county.

The LIHEAP Block Grant is a non-competitive, federally funded block grant offered through the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS). LIHEAP provides financial assistance to low-income households to maintain their home utility services.

Since July 1, 2006, the block grant has been administered by IHCDA. During the 2016-17 Winter Assistance period that ended on May 13, a total of 101,300 households were served and received an average benefit of $510.

2017-18 Energy Assistance Program Dates

November 1, 2017 - Statewide start of the Heating Assistance Program and the State Energy Assistance Program.

December 1, 2017 - Clients with active service and have approved EAP applications are protected from disconnection through March 15, 2017.

March 15, 2018 - Moratorium Protection ends; utility companies will begin disconnecting services that are not current.

June 1, 2018* - Winter benefit ends; last day for clients to apply or complete a pending application.

*Extended from May 18, 2018.