Low Income Energy Assistance Program (LIEAP)

SEASONAL HEATING ASSISTANCE

LIEAP provides monthly bill payment assistance towards the fuel your heat system uses to heat the home, not the power source needed to operate the furnace.

• Application Period: Oct. 1, 2024 through March 31, 2025
• How Much: LIEAP may not pay your entire energy costs for the year, the season, or even the month. The highest benefits go to those households that have the highest home energy costs or needs, taking into account income and family size.
• Payments: Made directly to fuel vendors. Bills for unregulated fuels (propane, pellets, wood, heating oil, and coal) are eligible for payment beginning Oct. 1, 2024. Bills for regulated heating sources (natural gas and electricity) are eligible for payment beginning Nov. 1, 2024.
• Benefits Available: Through May 31, 2025 or until the recipient’s benefit amount is exhausted, whichever happens first.

CRISIS INTERVENTION & PREVENTION ASSISTANCE

LIEAP is able to respond to emergencies and act proactively to avoid serious problems. Crisis assistance includes utility deposits, disconnect/shutoff notices,broken heating systems, propane tank sets, and tank fills.

• Application Period: Oct. 1, 2024 through March 31, 2025. If assistance is needed after applying, you must call the LIEAP office to make a request. 
• How Much: Once approved for LIEAP seasonal benefits, you are also eligible for an additional, one-time benefit for a heating-related circumstance that may arise. 
• Payments: Made directly to vendors. Heat loss emergencies are addressed within 18 business hours of application. 
• Benefits Available: Crisis assistance is available through April 15, 2025, unless extended due to continued severe weather or increased fuel prices.

WEATHERIZATION ASSISTANCE PROGRAM (WAP)

WAP helps households save money on home heating costs by improving energy efficiency through home improvements. Weatherizing homes often means adding more insulation, sealing leaks around doors and windows, and making basic health and safety checks. Proper weatherization can help you to save 5-25% on home heating bills. Click here for more information on the Wyoming Weatherization Assistance Program.

• Application Period: Accepted year-round. Approved LIEAP applicants are automatically considered for WAP. A notice of approval doesn’t guarantee a household will receive WAP assistance that year, as services are based on a priority point system.
• How much: Home energy improvements are provided at no cost to eligible applicants.
• Payments: Made directly to vendors.
• Benefits Available: A home may only be re-weatherized if 15 years have passed since the completion of the original services.

Wyoming residents with income up to 60% of the state median income level are eligible. See the table below. Priority is given to households with elderly (60+), disabled, or with children 5 and under. Benefits are available to homeowners and renters, including if you live in an RV/camper that is permanently parked.

LIEAP and the Weatherization Assistance Program use a joint application.

• For winter heating bill assistance: Applications for winter heating bill assistance are accepted online only from October 1 ‑ March 31. The application deadline for assistance with utility bills closes on March 31, 2025. A new application is required each heating season. If you are eligible, benefit payments typically go out starting Nov. 1.
• For weatherization assistance: Applications for weatherization assistance are accepted online only - year round. If you have been approved for LIEAP, you are automatically considered for WAP. If you don’t want to apply to LIEAP but are interested in WAP, please fill out the LIEAP application but only check the WAP box.

LIEAP APPLICATION CHECKLIST

• CONTACT INFORMATION: Name and email. Your email will be used to access your application and to receive information from the program.
• PROOF OF IDENTIFICATION:  Verification of identity for all household members. Ex. Driver’s license, birth certificate, Military ID, passport, state issued ID, etc.
• INCOME: Household income information. You will be required to upload proof of income for each household member.
• UTILITY BILLS: A copy of your most recent main heating bill and electric bill. The bill/statement(s)  must show the service address, account number, and name.
• RENTAL VERIFICATION: Rental Verification Form.

Depending upon your situation, you may be asked to provide these documents:

• Employer Statement
• Work registration
• Rental Verification
• Self declaration of zero Income
• Statement of Incapacity
• Self Declaration of Permanently Parked Traditional Dwelling
• Authorized Representative Release Form

For customer support, please use one of the three options below:

• Phone: (800) 246-4221
• Email: lieapinfo@wyo.gov
• In-person: Visit the Align Team in Cheyenne, or your local DFS Office for assistance.
• Prepare for the Online Application: Download the LIEAP Application Guide (PDF). Please note that the application is only available online this year.

Applications are accepted from October 1, 2024 through March 31, 2025 for seasonal LIEAP benefits.  Weatherization applications are accepted year round. Applications are only being accepted online this year. Click here to access the application portal

If you are housebound due to a disability or illness and do not have a computer to submit your application online, call 800-246-4221 and someone will assist you to ensure that you can apply for LIEAP.

It is essential that you complete the entire application and answer all questions as well as attach all requested information. If you fail to do this, your application will be delayed because LIEAP will have to send you a letter(s) to request this information which typically causes delays in case processing times. Non-emergency applications are processed within 45 days.

Please log into the application portal to view the status of your application.  If you still have questions, please contact 1-800-246-4221.

Payments are sent directly to your utility vendor. You will receive notification indicating your LIEAP seasonal benefit amount and where your benefit is being sent.

LIEAP will pay your primary heating source monthly until your entire seasonal benefit is exhausted, or through May 2025, whichever is sooner. The season runs from Nov. 1 to May 30. Please plan accordingly.

The energy assistance benefit varies depending on a variety of factors, including the primary heating costs of your home, total household income, the amount of the LEAP Program funding and applications received. LIEAP pays the highest benefits to those with the highest primary heating fuel costs.

If you are responsible for paying your heating bills, whether you pay directly to the fuel supplier or to your landlord, you may be eligible for LIEAP.

If you provide verification that the RV or camper is permanently parked, submit the completed Self Declaration of Permanently Parked Non-Traditional Dwelling form and meet the other LIEAP eligibility criteria, you may be eligible for LIEAP.

LIEAP will pay for:

• Portion of your winter heating bill: LIEAP is not meant to pay for all of your energy costs for the year, the season, or even the month. In Wyoming, your LIEAP seasonal benefit is only applied to your main heat source during the winter months. For example, if your main heat source is natural gas, your LIEAP benefit will help with your gas bill but not your electric bill. The highest benefits go to those households that have the highest home energy costs or needs, taking into account income and family size.
• Fix your furnace: If you own your home and you suffer a heat loss emergency due to a broken furnace, yes. Call 800-246-4221 and report that you have no heat due to a broken furnace. If you are a renter, contact your landlord for furnace related issues.
• Utility shutoffs: LIEAP funds can be used to assist with energy related special situations, such as a heat loss emergency due to a utility shutoff.

LIEAP will not pay for:

• Disconnect / reconnect fees
• Collection charges
• Penalty/Late payment fees
• Revolving accounts
• Appliance protection plans
• Winter protection fees
• Utility payment plans
• Repairs on equipment
• Security or yard lights
• NSF check fees
• Pump motor charges
• Garage building lights
• Extension or line charges

Call the Wyoming 211 referral service. Simply dial 211 and explain your situation.

First, call 800-246-4221 and ask to speak with a supervisor. If you feel the issue is not resolved, it will be escalated to the State Program Manager.

Additional actions are available to you and can be found on the Applicant’s Rights and Responsibilities section of the LIEAP application. Customer service is of high priority for Wyoming LIEAP and your feedback is always welcome.

If your utility is regulated (natural gas or electric), you may contact the Public Service Commission at 307-777-7427 or by clicking here.   

If your utility is unregulated (propane, heating oil, coal, wood), we recommend that you first address your complaint to someone in an authority role at the utility company. If you are unable to resolve the issue, call 800-246-4221 for assistance. It is important to understand that LIEAP does not have authority over fuel suppliers beyond LIEAP-specific requirements; however, we may be able to advocate on your behalf or refer you to another supplier

The appeal process is available to you and can be found on the Applicant’s Rights and Responsibilities section of the LIEAP application. You must request a review writing within ten days of receiving your LIEAP notice. Written requests can be emailed to lieapinfo@wyo.gov. Be sure you do so within the required time frame.

You may also mail your request for review to LIEAP, PO Box 827, Cheyenne, Wyoming 82003.  

Tina Packard is the Wyoming LIEAP Program Manager.  She can be reached at 307-473-3984 or kristina.packard1@wyo.gov

In most cases, LIEAP benefits are transferable, however you must contact the LIEAP office to do so.  Call 800-246-4221 for assistance.

Two nonprofits provide weatherization services for WAP.

• Council of Community Services provides weatherization to Campbell, Crook, Johnson, Sheridan and Weston counties. The main office number is 307-686-2730.
• Wyoming Weatherization Services provides weatherization to the remaining 18 counties. The main office number is 307-347-2200.

Please contact the Weatherization office closest to your location. It is important to understand that most of the Weatherization offices do not have office personnel and the crews are typically out at weatherization job sites. You may leave a message and request a call back.

DWS offices have a process in place to assist you by phone if you are unable to travel. Call your DWS office and they will assist you and can communicate your workforce registration verification to your local DFS office or to the LIEAP office at lieapinfo@wyo.gov.

If you receive a shutoff notice prior to submitting your application, submit a copy of the shutoff notice with your application and mark the appropriate box on the application. If you receive a shutoff notice after you have submitted your application, call 800-246-4221 and report that you have received a shutoff notice.

You will also need to submit a copy of the shutoff notice to the LIEAP office to receive special situation services. Requests for special situation services for energy related emergencies are expedited.

Call 800-246-4221 to inquire about registered wood vendors in your area. You may also call the 211 referral service.

Ask your fuel vendor if they are interested in being a LIEAP vendor. If they are willing to register, have the fuel vendor contact the LIEAP office at lieapvendorinfo@wyo.gov or by calling 800-246-4221. If your fuel vendor does not want to be a LIEAP vendor, call 800-246-4221 to inquire about other registered vendors in your area.

Adequate home heating is a necessity of life. If you can’t heat your home properly, you may put your family at risk for health and safety problems. The elderly, disabled, and young children often feel a bigger impact from even small changes to indoor temperature.

No. You should never use your cook stove to heat your home. Call LIEAP at 800-246-4221 and let us help you safely resolve your heat related issues.