Having trouble paying your heating bills? There are resources available when times are tough. Please contact us or one of the resources listed to the left if you are having trouble paying your electric bill.
Low Income Energy Assistance Program "LIEAP"
A portion of your home heating costs may be met through LIEAP. Benefits are applied to the members' primary heat source. (electric, gas, propane, etc.) for the winter heating months starting October 1 through April 30. The member is responsible for usage prior to October 1st, as well as bills excess of the LIEAP benefit amount.
To be eligible, members must meet federal low-income guidelines based on gross yearly income and the number of persons in the home. The Montana 2023-2024 guidelines are $29,796 for one person, $38,964 for two, $48,132 for three, and $57,300 for four people. In North Dakota the income guidelines are $35,724 for one person, $46,716 for two, $57,708 for three, and $68,701 for four people.
LIEAP is funded by Federal and State government agencies. Eligibility is based on gross income from all household members and the value of their resources. Primary home, vehicles, and personal property are excluded. Benefit amounts are determined by total income and the number of household members, type of fuel used and size, type, and location of the home. Payment processing may take 6 to 8 weeks.
Energy Share of Montana
Energy Share benefits are a one-time grant to alleviate a temporary heating emergency. Eligibility is not based solely on income but also on the extenuating circumstances the household is facing.
Energy Share is the only assistance available to Montana Families who have income too high to qualify for LIEAP assistance. Applications are accepted year-round. Recipients are encouraged to repay these funds if and when they are financially able to do so.
For more information, contact LYREC's office or Action for Eastern Montana (MT residents) at 1-800-227-0703 or Community Action (ND residents) at 1-701-572-8191.