The Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) helps eligible households cover home energy costs, including heating and cooling expenses. The program prioritizes households with children, elderly individuals, and people with disabilities. This federally funded initiative is administered by the Coeur d’Alene Tribe Social Services Department.
Eligibility Criteria
Who Can Apply?
To be eligible for LIHEAP assistance, applicants must meet the following criteria:
- Residency: Must reside on or within 50 miles of the Coeur d’Alene Reservation.
- Income Requirements: Household income must not exceed 60% of Idaho’s median income, calculated using net earnings.
- Priority Groups: Priority is given to households with:
- Children under 18 years old
- Elderly individuals (60 years or older)
- People with disabilities
- High energy burden households (those spending a large percentage of their income on energy costs)
Income Guidelines
The table below outlines income eligibility based on household size:
| Family Size | Annual Income Limit | Monthly Income Limit |
| 1 | $32,835.00 | $2,736.25 |
| 2 | $42,938.00 | $3,578.17 |
| 3 | $53,041.00 | $4,420.08 |
| 4 | $63,145.00 | $5,262.08 |
| 5 | $73,248.00 | $6,104.00 |
| 6 | $83,351.00 | $6,945.92 |
For households with more than six members, add $687.50 annually per additional member.
Types of Assistance Available
Heating Assistance
- Available from October 1st to May 31st..
- Helps cover heating costs such as propane, natural gas, electricity, wood pellets, and energy logs.
Cooling Assistance
- Available from June 1st to September 30th.
- Helps cover cooling costs during the summer months.
Crisis Assistance
- Year-round assistance for households facing immediate energy emergencies.
- Two types of crisis assistance:
- Supplementary Crisis: For households with high bills after March.
- Heating/Cooling System Crisis: For households needing repairs or replacement of heating/cooling systems.
Benefit Amounts and Point System
The LIHEAP program uses a point system to determine the benefit amount based on household needs. Points are assigned based on income level, household size, energy burden, and the presence of vulnerable individuals.
Point System Breakdown
| Factor | Points Applied |
| Income Level | 1-4 points |
| Energy Burden | 1-5 points |
| Vulnerable Members | 1-5 points |
Benefit Levels
| Point Total | Benefit Amount |
| 1-2 | $400 |
| 3-4 | $425 |
| 5-8 | $450 |
| 9-11 | $475 |
| 12-14 | $500 |
| 15+ | $550 |
For crisis assistance, the maximum benefit amount is $1,200.
Application Process
How to Apply?
Follow these steps to apply for LIHEAP assistance:
- Download the Application Form:
- Complete the Form: Ensure all sections are filled out completely.
- Gather Required Documents:
- Utility bill or shut-off notice
- Tribal ID or state identification
- Proof of income (e.g., pay stubs, benefit letters)
- Social Security cards for all household members
- Birth certificates for children under 18
- Submit Your Application:
- By Email: LIHEAP@cdatribe-nsn.gov
- By Mail: Coeur d’Alene Tribe Social Services, P.O. Box 408, Plummer, ID 83851
- In Person: At the Social Services office located at 1120 B Street, Plummer, ID.
Processing Time
It may take up to five (5) business days to process your application. Incomplete applications will delay processing.
Contact Information
Need Help? Contact Us!
If you have any questions or need assistance with your application, please contact:
- Phone: (208) 686-6802
- Email: LIHEAP@Cdatribe-nsn.gov
- Office Location: 1120 B Street, Plummer, ID 83851
Additional Resources
Disclaimer:
This website is supported by Grant Number 26PBIDLIEA and 26PBIDLIEI from the Administration for Children and Families (ACF) within the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. Neither the Administration for Children and Families, nor any of its components, operate, control, are responsible for, or necessarily endorse this website, including but not limited to its content, technical infrastructure, policies, or any services and tools provided.
The opinions, findings, conclusions, and recommendations expressed on this website are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily reflect the views of the Administration for Children and Families or any of its associated offices.
For official information regarding LIHEAP and other ACF-administered programs, please visit the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) website at https://www.acf.hhs.gov.