How do the different energy assistance programs vary? Each subprogram within the Energy Assistance Program is funded differently, so eligibility rules and the amount of assistance may vary. Please refer to the specific programs for detailed information.How much will SNAP pay?The amount is based on:
  • the rules of the program(s) for which your household qualifies
  • your household income, size and type
  • the type of heat you have and your 12-month heating costs (electric, gas, wood, propane or oil)
What if I receive a shut-off notice? Call your utility company to find out if payment arrangements can be made. If you cannot work out an arrangement to keep your heat on, call SNAP. What kinds of energy assistance are available? Depending on funding, SNAP may be able to assist with gas, electric, wood, propane, oil and other heat costs. All assistance is based on heating costs except the Senior Program, which can help with Avista electric and gas bills. For more information about emergency assistance please call call SNAP. Do I get a check or does SNAP send it to my utility company? SNAP typically sends payment directly to your utility company. Can this program make my home more weatherproof or energy efficient? SNAP may be able to help reduce your heating or cooling costs by weatherizing your home. Weatherproofing may include installing insulation, weather stripping and caulking. SNAP also provides conservation education classes to help you learn how to reduce heating and cooling costs. Please go see our Weatherization program pages for further information or call any SNAP office. My heating system is broken. Can SNAP help? If you are a renter, contact your landlord. If you are a low-income homeowner, SNAP may be able to repair or replace your broken heating system. For more information about home heating repair or replacement please call any SNAP office. How do I apply for assistance? Call SNAP and we will help determine your household eligibility and what assistance may be available. Depending on program funding and availability, SNAP may be able to schedule an appointment for you, direct you to where you may make an appointment yourself or refer you to other resources. One current resource is 211; call 211 from a landline or 1-877-211-9274 from a cell phone. Can I use the online calendar to make an appointment for any other SNAP assistance program? No. Call 456.7627 for information about all other SNAP programs. What if I have energy questions that are not answered on this web site? Call SNAP. What if I want to change my appointment to another location or an over-the-phone appointment? Once an appointment is set via the online appointment calendar you are not able to change it. call SNAP for possible assistance. How often can I get (EAP) Energy Assistance? Energy assistance is available once per heating season (October 1 of current year to June of following year, if funding is available). Other emergency services may be available, call any SNAP office for additional information. How is a heating season defined? A heating season runs from October of one calendar year through June of the following calendar year depending on when the funding becomes available and how quickly it is spent out. Do I have to have an emergency? No, not for the Energy Assistance program. Are subsidized households eligible? Yes, for the Energy Assistance program but not for the Emergency Assistance program (Project Share). Can I receive assistance with my gas/propane/oil heat and with my electric? Yes, the program allows for a split of an energy grant. Your primary heat vendor (gas/propane/oil) must receive at least 51% of a household heat grant, with no more then 49% going to a secondary vendor (electric). How is my energy grant calculated? Your grant is based on many factors, such as: total household income (for the three previous months from the date of application), the total number of people in the home, housing type and 12 months’ previous heat usage. The current amount you owe is not used in the calculation of your grant. Why is my energy grant less than last year? Your grant amount is calculated using many factors including household income, the number of people in the home, housing type and the 12 months previous heat usage. There are several reasons that you may receive less one year than the previous:
  • Last winter was warmer than usual, so your heat usage was lower.
  • You improved your energy conservation efforts, so your heat usage was lower.
  • There are fewer people living in your home.
  • Your household income has increased
What type of documentation do I need to bring with me to the interview? Income documentation is required for all adults (18 years and over) living in the household and verification of monies received for children under 18 (for the 3 previous months from the date of application). Verification of social security numbers for all adults, residence address, annual heat costs or current heat bill, and, if in crisis, a disconnection notice. Adult household members with no income will be required to sign zero-income documentation and should come with you to the appointment. Other documentation may be required.