With the rising summer temperatures come rising energy bills. Don’t let the summer heat get you beat Mississippi; get the help you need with LIHEAP.
The Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) provides financial assistance to eligible households for managing costs associated with:
· Home energy bills
· Energy crisis
· Purchase, repair, or replacement of air conditioners and heaters
To be eligible for LIHEAP, an applicant's household income must be at or below 60% of the state median income (approximately $27,906) to qualify for these programs.
“Rising utility costs are having an impact on Mississippians,” said Robert G. (Bob) Anderson, Executive Director of the Mississippi Department of Human Services. “For many, LIHEAP and Project SHARE serve as a lifeline. Connecting these important resources to our neighbors is critical to our mission of offering Mississippians young and old tangible help today to create a lasting hope for tomorrow.”
For residents who do not meet the eligibility criteria for LIHEAP, The Mississippi Department of Human Services works with utilities to provide energy assistance to low-income households across the state.
Mississippi Power's Project SHARE is a program to assist the elderly, handicapped, medically disabled, and others in need who are having difficulty paying their electric service bill. Eligible customers may receive up to $300 annually in assistance.
Any Mississippi Power customer with a demonstrated financial need may be eligible to apply for Project SHARE by simply calling 855-847-0555 to speak with a representative from Catholic Charities. The representative will set an appointment for the customer to determine the level of need.
*Additionally, Mississippi Power customers can contribute as little as $1 a month on their electric bills to help a neighbor in need.
MDHS is working with Mississippi Power and other energy providers to ensure that the people of Mississippi have access to affordable utilities and assistance with budgeting. Mississippi's energy providers offer resources and programs to assist their customers with bill payments. Please contact your utility company or electric cooperative for specific programs suited to your needs.
For information on Mississippi Power's Payment Assistance programs, please visit https://www.mississippipower.com/residential/manage-your-account/paymen…
Learn more about other utility assistance programs by visiting Community Services - Mississippi Department of Human Services (ms.gov). To determine eligibility for SNAP benefits, please visit the Pre-Assessment Pre-Assessment | Common Web Portal (ms.gov)
