Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) helps millions of Californian families facing financial challenges when it comes to paying their energy bills on time. LIHEAP is a federally funded -yet locally administered- initiative aimed at assisting low-income households with their energy-related expenses.
The program extends a helping hand to individuals and families who find it difficult to cover their heating and cooling costs, especially during extreme weather conditions. To access LIHEAP benefits in California, you must meet certain eligibility criteria. These criteria are typically based on your household income, family size, and the area in which you reside. The LIHEAP program is primarily designed for those who are struggling to make ends meet, so demonstrating financial need is essential.
How Can PG&E Customers Apply for LIHEAP Funds?
“The LIHEAP program has helped thousands of PG&E customers get their energy bills back on track, and there is funding available to help even more who qualify. LIHEAP distributed a record amount to our customers in 2022, and we encourage others who may be eligible to apply for support this year,” said Vincent Davis, PG&E’s Vice President of Customer Operations and Enablement.
To be eligible for the LIHEAP funds in California, applicants must be low-income individuals or families whose household income falls within the specified income guidelines set by the program. These income limits vary depending on the household size. Second, they must be responsible for paying their home energy bills, either directly or as part of their rent.
Overall, LIHEAP in California aims to assist low-income households in covering their energy costs and ensuring they have access to essential heating and cooling services to maintain a safe and healthy living environment. PG&E could find a local LIHEAP agency to apply, visiting the official website www.csd.ca.gov/energybills, or call (866) 675-6623.
California’s LIHEAP Income Limits Households Must Meet
Households that want to apply for help in paying their utility bills, have to meet the following monthly income limits, according to the number of people who are included:
- 1 person: $2,700.17
- 2 people: $3,531.00
- 3 people: $4,361.83
- 4 people: $5,192.75
- 5 people: $6,023.59
- 6 people: $6,854.43
- 7 people: $7,010.21
- 8 people: $7,166.00
- 9 people: $7,321.78
- 10 people: $7,477.56
- Each additional member: Add $155.78
If you also need help to pay your water bills, you can apply for the LIHWAP assistance, or Low-Income Household Water Assistance Program. This state administed initiative helps households pay down their residential water or wastewater bills. Eligible customers with past-due bills can receive up to $15,000 in bill support. For more information on LIHWAP, visit www.csd.ca.gov/waterbill or call (866) 675-6632. Customers must apply by Dec. 31, 2023.