What is the Energy Assistance Program?
The Energy Assistance Program (EAP) can help you pay your heat and electric bills. EAP is a federally-funded program through the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) called the Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP). EAP provides a one-time annual benefit that can assist you with the high cost of home energy and can help if you are disconnected, or are about to get disconnected. However, an EAP benefit will not cover all of your annual heating and electrics costs, so you should continue to pay your bills regularly.
Am I Eligible?
Eligibility is based in household size and income as shown below.
How Do I Apply for Energy Assistance?
There are two ways you can apply.
I Completed My Online Application. What Is Next?
Please make note of your username and password to check the status of your application.
I Have Completed My Downloaded Application. What Is Next?
Take your completed application and all necessary documentation to one of our intake sites.
How long will it take to receive my assistance?
It may take 55 days to determine if you are eligible, and after your benefit has been awarded, it may take an additional 30 days for the utility company to process your benefit. Please continue to pay your utility bills while waiting for your energy assistance to appear on your account.
If you are receiving a direct pay benefit, it may take up to 120 days from the date of your benefit approval for your payment to be processed and mailed to you. Please allow 120 days from the approval date before you call to check the benefit status.
Dates To Be Aware Of:
| October 1, 2023 | Online applications begin. |
| November 2, 2023 |
In person appointments begin. You do not need an appointment to apply. You can pick up or drop off at any intake site. Application decision notifications begin. |
| December 1, 2023 |
Energy moratorium begins. Eligible EAP clients cannot be disconnected from electricity and heating service. |
| March 15, 2024 | End of Energy moratorium protection. |
| May 20, 2024 |
Last day* to apply for EAP assistance for 2023-2024 funding cycle. *Subject to availability of grant funding. |
My Application Got Denied. How Do I Appeal The Decision?
If you have been determined ineligible for energy assistance, you have the right to appeal. You should have received an application denial form with your eligibility determination. Follow the steps below to appeal.
| Step One |
Send your appeal in writing to Northwest Indiana Community Action EAP Manager with in 30 days of denial. EAP Manager reviews the appeal and makes a decision. |
| Step two |
If you are not satisfied with the EAP Manager decision, you may request a formal review by the state. This request must be submitted in writing with in 30 days after you receive the EAP Manger decision. IHCDA’s Community Program Manager will review the materials submitted and issues a written finding within 14 calendar days. |
| Step Three | If you are not satisfied with the decision IHCDA Program Manager you may appeal to IHCDA’s Director of Community Programs. This appeal must be submitted with in 30 days, and it must include the stated reasons for your objection to the decision. You objection must be based solely upon evidence supporting one (1) of the following circumstances:
– Clear and substantial error or misstated facts which were relied on in making the decision being challenged; – Unfair competition or conflict of interest in the decision-making process; – An illegal, unethical or improper act; – Any other legal basis that may substantially alter the decision.
You will receive written acknowledgment of the request within 7 calendar days of receipt, noting the day the request was received. The Director of Community Programs has 30 calendar days from IHCDA’s receipt of the written request to review the file and make a determination. The decision of the Director of Community Programs is final. |
Additional Forms
