Energy & Water Assistance Programs
1/12/2023
Energy and Water Assistance Programs
Struggling to pay your utility bills? Assistance may be available!
ENERGY ASSISTANCE
The Energy Assistance Program (EAP) is a federal program that can help you keep your utilities on during the winter. Indiana’s EAP assists you in paying for your energy bills by providing a one-time benefit assistance payment. You don’t need to have fallen behind on your heating or electric bills to qualify. These benefits are paid directly to the utility vendor to help cover your heating and electric costs. If you don’t have utility bills because your utilities are included in rent, you may still qualify for EAP.
WATER ASSISTANCE
You can apply for water/wastewater assistance while applying for EAP assistance. When you complete the EAP application, check the box that you want to receive water assistance as well. Indiana’s Low-Income Household Water Assistance Program (LIHWAP) provides funds to help you catch up with your water and wastewater bills. LIHWAP is a temporary emergency program that will help low-income households pay for past-due water and wastewater utility costs during the COVID-19 pandemic. This program does not require proof of COVID-19 hardship to apply.
AM I ELIGIBLE?
You may be eligible for both energy and water assistance if you make less than the income limits listed below:
PROGRAM YEAR 2022-2023 INCOME ELIGIBILITY
|
HH size |
1 month |
3 months |
12 months |
|
1 |
$ 2,318 |
$ 6,954 |
$ 27,827 |
|
2 |
$ 3,032 |
$ 9,096 |
$ 36,390 |
|
3 |
$ 3,746 |
$ 11,238 |
$ 44,952 |
|
4 |
$ 4,459 |
$ 13,377 |
$ 53,515 |
|
5 |
$ 5,173 |
$ 15,519 |
$ 62,077 |
|
6 |
$ 5,886 |
$ 17,658 |
$ 70,639 |
|
7 |
$ 6,020 |
$ 18,060 |
$ 72,245 |
|
8 |
$ 6,154 |
$ 18,462 |
$ 73,850 |
|
9 |
$ 6,288 |
$ 18,864 |
$ 75,456 |
You can find your local service provider at EAP.ihcda.in.gov or by calling 2-1-1.
APPLICATION TIMELINE
If you are eligible, benefits payments typically go out starting November 1.
Beginning December 1, 2022, eligible EAP applicants cannot be disconnected from receiving electric or gas service. This is called moratorium, which runs until March 15, 2023. If you receive energy assistance, you must renew your application every year. Contact your local service provider to re-apply and to find out what documents you need. NOTE: Moratorium does not cover water and wastewater utilities or bulk fuels.
OCTOBER 3, 2022: Applications open. Go to EAP.ihcda.in.gov, contact your local service provider or call 2-1-1 for information.
NOVEMBER 1, 2022: Benefit notifications to applicants and vendors begin. In-person appointments begin. Appointments are not required to apply—you can email or mail your application as well.
DECEMBER 1, 2022: Energy moratorium begins. Eligible EAP clients cannot be disconnected from utility service.
MARCH 15, 2023: Energy moratorium ends. If your energy bill is not current as of this date, you could be disconnected.
MAY 15, 2023: Last day to apply for EAP and water assistance for this funding cycle.
HOW DO I APPLY?
Apply online by visiting EAP.ihcda.in.gov. There you will also find a list of local service providers. If you do not have internet access, please call 2-1-1 and ask to be connected to the EAP local service provider in your area.
If you have a disconnected utility, received a notice for disconnection, or you are almost out of bulk fuel, please call your local service provider immediately, as you may be eligible for a crisis benefit.