Each year, the federal government provides money to help low-income households. This program is called the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP). Along with the federal dollars, fees are collected by Avista to assist low-income Avista households. This program is called the Low Income Rate Assistance Program (LIRAP). Both programs were designed to help qualifying households meet a portion of their winter heating costs. The funds are combined into what is often referred to as the Energy Assistance Program (EAP) program.

Households are eligible for this program once per heating season (October 1 thru September 30) or while funding is available.

The EAP funds are limited and not all qualified households will receive assistance. When current funding has been spent, SNAP must wait until the following heating season (Federal Fiscal Calendar Year) to received additional dollars.

Energy Assistance Program funds are meant to help:

• Make home heating more affordable.
• Avoid shutoff or running out of heating fuel during the winter.
• Help maintain a warm and safe home.

Requirements/eligibility

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