What is LIEAP and how can LIEAP help me?
Administered by the Wyoming Department of Family Services (DFS), the Low-Income Energy Assistance Program’s (LIEAP) purpose is to help low- and fixed-income families and individuals pay their heating bills during the winter months. The federally-funded program gives priority to households that include elderly (60+), disabled and/or young children (5 and under). Seasonal LIEAP benefits are applied to a household’s main heat source (the fuel your heat system uses to heat the home; not the power source needed to turn on the furnace.)
Approved LIEAP applicants are automatically considered for the Weatherization Assistance Program (WAP). WAP helps households save money on home heating costs by improving energy efficiency.
How do I know if I’m qualified for LIEAP?
You can find the current income guidelines here. If in doubt, we encourage you to submit an application or call 800-246-4221 for help with LIEAP-related questions.
How can I apply to LIEAP to receive help with my energy bills?
If you applied last season and provided an email address, you will automatically receive an email informing you you it is time to apply. You will need to apply online. Click here to access the application portal. (when the new form is available). Call 800-246-4221 if you have any questions.
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.
Can LIEAP help me fix my 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.
What are the dangers of being unable to adequately and safely heat my home?
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.
Is it safe to use my cook stove to help heat my home?
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.
Does LIEAP help pay for water and sewer bills?
No. LIEAP funds can only be used to assist with home energy costs and energy related special situations, such as a heat loss emergency due to a utility shutoff.
If I rent or live in subsidized housing, can I receive LIEAP assistance?
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.
I am housebound due to a disability or illness and I do not have a computer to submit my application online. How can I apply?
Call 800-246-4221 and someone will assist you to ensure that you can apply for LIEAP.
I applied for LIEAP but was told that I missed the application deadline. What can I do?
Call the Wyoming 211 referral service. Simply dial 211 and explain your situation.
Who do I talk to if I have a complaint about LIEAP?
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.
Who do I talk to if I have a complaint about my utility?
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.
What should I do if I think there is a mistake on my eligibility determination or benefit amount?
You may request a local conference review. You must request this in writing within ten days of receiving your LIEAP notice. Your written request must include what it is you want us to review. Written requests can be emailed to [email protected] . You may also mail your request for review to LIEAP, PO Box 827, Cheyenne, Wyoming 82003. Additional actions you can take are listed on the Applicant’s Rights and Responsibilities section of the application.
Can I transfer my LIEAP benefit if I move during the season?
In most cases, LIEAP benefits are transferable, however you must contact the LIEAP office to do so. Call 800-246-4221 for assistance.
Who should I call if I have a Weatherization question or concern?
Contact numbers for the Weatherization offices are listed on your application package. 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. You may also call their main office numbers. For Wyoming Weatherization Services, the main office number is 307-347-2200. For Council of Community Services, the main office number is 307-686-2730.
Council of Community Services provides weatherization to Campbell, Crook, Johnson, Sheridan and Weston counties. Wyoming Weatherization Services provides weatherization to the remaining 18 counties.
How do I get a Declaration of Zero Income form?
All LIEAP forms, including the Declaration of Zero Income form, are available at www.lieapwyo.org or click here. You may also call 800-246-4221 for assistance with required LIEAP forms.
What if I am unable to travel to the nearest Department of Workforce Services (DWS) office to complete the verification of workforce registration?
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 [email protected] .
I live in an RV/camper. Am I still 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.
How long will it take to process my LIEAP application?
Federal guidelines allow 45 days from the date the application is received by the LIEAP office to process a LIEAP application. You can help ensure that your application is processed in a timely manner by: making sure the application is completed fully, that all household members age 18 and older sign the application and by submitting all of the required supporting documents with your application.
What should I do if I receive a shutoff notice from my utility?
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.
I can’t find a wood vendor. What should I do?
Call 800-246-4221 to inquire about registered wood vendors in your area. You may also call the 211 referral service.
My fuel vendor is not active with LIEAP. What should I do?
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 [email protected] 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.