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The Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP), a federally funded program, assists eligible low-income households with their heating and cooling energy costs, including bill payment assistance and/or energy crisis assistance. Each state has different rules about when you can apply, how you apply and the criteria you have to meet in order to get help. In Louisiana, funds are administered by the Louisiana Housing Corporation (LHC) and distributed by community action agencies throughout the state.  

How it works:

• Applicant must be responsible for the household energy bill.
  Applicant must have an active heating/cooling utility account.
  
• Applicant may only receive one LIHEAP benefit each season.
  • Heating: Nov. 15 – March 15
  • Cooling: April 1 – Sept. 30
  • Crisis: Oct. 1 – Sept. 30
• Applicant must meet median income levels. Click here for state median income levels.

What you need to apply:

• Utility bills for heating and cooling (no older than 30 days)
• All check stubs from the previous 30 days for all employed household members (additional requirements for self-employment and no employment will apply)
• Proof of unearned income (Social Security, Unemployment Insurance, Pension Funds, Disability, Rental Income, Regular Contributions, etc.)
• Disconnect or Pending Disconnection notice (if you received a shut-off notice) (applicable to Crisis Assistance only)
• Proof of present address (rent receipt, lease or deed, etc.)
• Government-issued photo ID of the applicant and Social Security card 
• Proof of total members living in household and their Social Security cards (exceptions may apply)
• Additional information may be required to determine eligibility for energy assistance

Who to contact:
To apply, contact a community action agency near you. Agencies in Cleco Power's service territory are below.  A list of all agencies in the state is available on the LHC website at www.lhc.la.gov/energy-assistance.