Heating Assistance FAQ

The program begins issuing grants on the first working day of October. However, it may take up to 45 days to process your completed application. Continue to pay your bills while waiting for a decision on your application.

If your bills are overdue or you are in danger of running out of fuel, contact your heat or electric vendor to set up a deferred payment agreement. Let them know you have applied for Heating Assistance.

You can check to see if we received your application or find out your grant amount by calling our Virtual Contact Center (VCC) at 1-800-478-7778. DO NOT select the automated system option. Simply remain on the line and wait to speak with a representative. 

In most situations, your benefit is paid to your primary heating fuel vendor and/or electric vendor and credited to your account. 

If heat is included in your rent, you may qualify for assistance. Please include a copy of your lease agreement and your latest rent payment receipt. 

Heating or Crisis Assistance: If heat is included in your rent, you do not qualify. If you live in subsidized housing and pay for your heat, you may qualify for heating or crisis assistance. If you receive a utility allowance, your benefit will be reduced. 

Subsidized Rental Housing Utility Deposit (SRHUD): If you are requesting help with a utility deposit that is required to establish electric service for Section 8 or subsidized rental housing and heat is included in your rent, you may be eligible. If you pay for your heat, you will not qualify for a SRHUD but you may qualify for Heating Assistance. 

No. You must live in the home to qualify.

Please provide proof of all income with your application. 

List all of your household's income received in the month prior to the date we receive your application. 

Without proof, your application will be considered incomplete and will be denied. Acceptable proof includes pay stubs showing name of employer, pay period date, payment issuance date, gross income earned, and gross year-to-date figures; or a completed employer work statement (Form B); or signed letter from your employer. Year-end statements or award letters are required for Social Security and retirement benefits. 

Bank statements are not adequate proof, as they do not show the gross benefit amount. If you are a seasonal worker, self-employed, or work a variable schedule, submitting a completed Form A or Form C is considered acceptable proof of income.

Once you have received your benefit, it cannot be transferred unless you have moved to an area that is served by a different primary heating fuel/electric vendor. Contact your local public assistance office if you move so we can help you transfer your benefit. 

You cannot sell, barter or share your benefit. Your benefit is only to be used by you or a member of your household who is named on your application. If your household is unable to pick up fuel or have fuel delivered by an approved vendor, you must notify the Heating Assistance Program (HAP) Coordinator that you require additional assistance. The HAP program coordinator can be reached by emailing: vendors.liheap@alaska.gov.

Providing all the information requested on the application will avoid delays. 

• Complete (print carefully), sign and date the application.
• Attach copies of all pay stubs received in the month before we receive your application for anyone in the household who worked. If you cannot locate all of your pay stubs, have your employer(s) fill out Form B.
• If you have worked seasonally, attach copies of pay stubs for the last 12 months. If you cannot locate all of your pay stubs, have your employer(s) fill out Form C.
• If you have been self-employed, provide an itemized listing of all business-related income and expenses received during the last 12 months using Form A, and provide a copy of your most recent income tax return.
• If you live in a trailer or mobile home, list the exterior length and width.
• If you live on a boat, please provide us with the square footage of your heated living space.
• Provide a copy of your ID (Example: social security card, license, state ID, BIA/Tribal enrollment card, passport). Attach copies of your most recent primary heating fuel and electricity bill(s).
• If heat is included in your rent, attach a copy of your rental agreement showing heat is included in your rent and your most recent rent receipt.
• Attach a copy of your disconnect notice if it is within 48 hours and you are requesting expedited processing.
• If you live in Section 8 or subsidized housing, attach a copy of your rental housing worksheet.

It is your responsibility to provide all required documentation to process your application.

No. You cannot receive Heating Assistance from the state if you are eligible to apply for assistance from a tribal organization.

If an approved vendor is in your residential area, you must choose one of the approved vendors.

Your benefits can be delayed if you apply with the wrong organization. For a list of communities served by tribal organizations, please visit LIHEAP Map Tribal Contact Listing or contact your local tribal organization.

Yes. Some areas have fee agents available to help you complete your application. Using a fee agent is optional.

Weatherization programs may be able to help lower your heating cost by installing energy efficient improvements. For your local weatherization program go to Alaska Housing's Weatherization web page.

• Alaska Community Development Corp.
  800-478-8080
  Mat-Su, Kenai-Penn, Copper River, Kodiak
• Interior Weatherization
  907-452-5323
  Interior Alaska
• RurAL Cap Statewide
  800-478-7227
  Anchorage, Juneau, western and northern Alaska
• RurAL Cap Anchorage
  907-279-2511
  Southeast Alaska except Juneau

If you want 50% of your grant to go to your electric company, check “yes” on the application and include a copy of your electric bill. You must ask for this when you apply—changes can't be made later.

Your benefit amount is based on:

• Your income from the month before you sign the application (or a 12-month average if you’re seasonal or self-employed)
• How many people live in your household and home
• Your main heat source
• The type of home you live in (apartment, trailer, etc.)
• If your rent is subsidized (like through ASHA, HUD, or Section 8)
• How many bedrooms are in your home
• The community you live in

This information is entered into our system to calculate your grant.