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Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP)

One-Time Bill Payment and Energy Savings Upgrades

The Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) is a federally funded assistance program that provides:

  • a one-time payment per year (up to $1,500 in Contra Costa and Marin or up to $1,000 in Napa and Solano) to help pay your energy bills
  • free energy-efficient upgrades and energy-related home repairs to help lower your energy bills

Who’s Eligible

Size of Household Monthly Income
1
$3,331.66
2
$4,356.83
3
$5,382.00
4
$6,407.16
5
$7,432.25
6
$8,457.41
7
$8,649.66
8
$8,841.83
9
$9,034.08
10*
$9,226.25

*​For households with more than 10 people, add $192.21 for each additional person

You must meet the income requirements in the income table. Households who meet both income requirements and are in the State of California’s following high-priority groups will be served first:

  • Households with the lowest income
  • Households with the greatest energy burden (percentage of income spent on utilities)
  • Households with children under age five
  • Adults 65 and older
  • People with disabilities

 

If you’re enrolled in the Arrearage Management Plan (AMP), you’re not eligible for LIHEAP but can apply for free energy upgrades through MCE’s Home Energy Savings program. California Alternate Rates for Energy (CARE) or Family Electric Rate Assistance (FERA) participants can apply for LIHEAP. 

Apply for LIHEAP

The LIHEAP application process is different in each county. Click on your county tab below to learn how to apply in your area.

How to apply in Contra Costa County

The maximum one-time payment available is up to $1,500 per year.

  1. Meet the income requirements in the table above.
  2. Complete an application with the Contra Costa County Community Service Bureau. Applications are available online at the link below, or printed copies may be picked up at the address below.
  3. Submit your application online or drop it off at:
    Contra Costa County – Home Energy Assistance Program
    1470 Civic Court
    Suite 200
    Concord, CA 94520
    Fax: (925) 229-6784
    csbheap@ehsd.cccounty.us

If you have questions, contact the Contra Costa County Employment and Human Services Department at: csbheap@ehsd.cccounty.us or (925) 655-0960. 

How to apply in Marin County

The maximum one-time payment available is up to $1,500 per year.

  1. Meet the income requirements in the table above.
  2. Follow the instructions to complete a Service Inquiry Form on Community Action Marin’s (CAM) website. CAM is the LIHEAP administrator for Marin residents.
  3. Start the application process when you get a phone call from CAM within 1-5 business days. Eligible applicants can also apply directly through the California Online LIHEAP Application.
  4. Once your application is complete, you’ll be notified of approval or denial within 30 days. All payments are made directly to your energy bill provider within 45 days after approval of an application.

If you have questions, contact the CAM intake team at clientintake@camarin.org or (415) 525-7500. In-person walk-in services are available Tuesday to Thursday, 9:30 am-4:30 pm at the CAM office: 7665 Redwood Blvd, Novato, CA 94945 (San Marin Drive exit).

 

How to apply in Napa County & Solano County

The maximum one-time payment available is up to $1,000 per year.

  1. Meet the income requirements in the table above
  2. Collect the following documents:
    • Household income for the past 30 days
    • Most recent PG&E bills for the past 30 days
    • Household member information
  3. Call North Coast Energy Services (NCES) at (800) 233-4480 to be pre-screened by an eligibility operator. NCES is the LIHEAP administrator for Napa and Solano residents. Applications are available in both English and Spanish.
  4. If you are eligible NCES will mail or fax an application to you, or you can apply directly through the California Online LIHEAP Application.
  5. Completed print applications can be mailed to:
    North Coast Energy Service
    1100 Coddingtown Center
    Suite 1
    Santa Rosa, CA 95401
For more information, visit nces.org or call (800) 233-4480.

Frequently Asked Questions

The maximum payment for qualifying households is $1,500 per program year for Marin and Contra Costa Counties, and $1,000 for Napa and Solano Counties. The amount of assistance you receive is based on the number of people in the household, total gross household income, cost of energy within the county the household resides in, funding availability, and the amount owed on the utility bill. LIHEAP provides one payment per program year.

No, you won’t need to pay back any assistance you receive through LIHEAP. LIHEAP is a federally funded program that helps income-qualified households pay their energy bill.

No, LIHEAP has no impact on your credit score.

Yes, you can (and are encouraged to) apply for LIHEAP if you’re unemployed.

If your LIHEAP application is approved, payment will be made directly to the utility company on your behalf. The amount of time for payment to be processed varies by county.

Persons living in board-and-care facilities, nursing or convalescent homes, or in jail or prison are not eligible for LIHEAP.

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