Siskiyou County Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP)*
Established in 1981, Home Energy Assistance Program (HEAP) is a federally funded program that helps low-income households pay their energy bill, by providing a direct grant payment to an eligible client’s utility or heating provider to help offset the cost of heating their home.
*Please note: This is not an emergency/immediate assistance program. It can take up to several months for applications to be processed*
Ways to Apply:
Apply Online:
Click here to fill out and submit an application for Energy Assistance & Weatherization, upload the necessary documentation, and submit a digital signature.
Receive an application by mail:
Request one here, or call 530-938-4115 ext. 120 and leave a message with your full name and mailing address.
Pick up an application from our office:
310 Boles Street in Weed. Monday – Thursday 9 AM – 4 PM
Download an Energy Assistance & Weatherization Application:
2024 GNS Energy Assistance and Weatherization Application in English
2024 GNS Energy Assistance and Weatherization Application in Spanish
Visit your local Resource Center:
To find the one nearest you visit this page
Energy Assistance Eligibility Changes for 2024
Categorical Eligibility
Current recipients of CalFresh /CalWORKS will find the energy assistance application process a little easier this year. Since these clients have already demonstrated eligibility for a means-tested state-run program, they are not required to provide additional income documentation. CalFresh/CalWORKS recipients can self-certify their household income on the CSD 43 Intake Form as part of the application process. Other program documentation requirements remain the same, and categorical eligibility does not change their prioritization for benefits or affect their benefit amount.
Minimum Priority Point Threshold
Agencies like ours are required to prioritize the delivery of assistance to households with the lowest incomes and the highest energy costs in relation to their income, taking into account vulnerable populations. There is a state-designed system for calculating priority points for each application and due to limited funding this year, GNS is instituting a minimum priority point threshold. This means that not every income-eligible household can receive Energy Assistance. While we understand the potential impact these restrictions may have, we want to emphasize that households with vulnerable population members (adults who are 60 and over, children aged 5 and under, and/or include members with disabilities) will still qualify for assistance at this point. We know how much this assistance means to everyone and understand the challenges this may pose. It is an unfortunate necessity and we appreciate your understanding.
2024 LIHEAP Income Guidelines
| Household Size | Maximum Monthly Income |
|---|---|
| 1 | $2,882.83 |
| 2 | $3,769.83 |
| 3 | $4,656.83 |
| 4 | $5,543.92 |
| 5 | $6,430.92 |
| 6 | $7,317.92 |
| 7 | $7,484.25 |
| 8 | $7,650.58 |
| 9 | $7,816.92 |
| 10 | $7,983.17 |
| NOTE: Income amounts for family sizes greater than six persons were determined based on the following calculation: Add 3% to 132% for each additional family member, multiply the new percentage by $66,527, and divide by 12. Example: household size of 7: 132% + 3% = 135% × $66,527 = $89,811 ÷ 12 = $7,484.25 per month. | |
If you are interested in being a firewood vendor, please contact us or download the 2024 GNS Firewood Vendor Application.
LIHEAP FAQ
Q. How do I get assistance with my electric, fuel or firewood costs?
A. Complete an application and provide all the necessary supporting documents. Applications can be submitted online, by mail, or at any of the Family/Community Resource Centers in the county.
Q. What documentation do I need to provide?
A. Instructions are provided in the application packet.
Q. How often can I apply for assistance?
A. A household can receive assistance once each contract year with one form of energy (electricity, kerosene, propane, firewood, etc).
Q. Do I need to continue making payments on my bill?
A. You are still responsible for making your normal monthly payments to Pacific Power or your fuel providers.
Q: Can I receive Energy Assistance if I have the CARE discount on my power bill?
A: Yes. Through the California Alternate Rates for Energy (CARE) program, income-qualifying residential customers can receive a 20 percent discount on their Pacific Power bills. This does not prevent you from applying for or receiving LIHEAP Energy Assistance. You can contact Pacific Power by phone at 1-888-221-7070 to obtain an application for the CARE program, or enroll through their Website: www.pacificpower.net/care
Q. How do I obtain the delivery of my fuel once I am approved?
A. Once you receive your approval letter from GNS you will need to coordinate delivery of your fuel with your vendor. Some vendors wait for payment before making a delivery.
Q. What firewood provider can I use?
A. You can select an approved supplier from our list.
Q. What do I do if I receive a shut-off notice?
A. You must complete an application and once it is processed our office will call in a pledge on your behalf. You will receive a letter from GNS detailing the action taken once your application is approved.
Q. Do I need to wait to have a shut off notice before I apply for assistance?
A. No. You should apply for assistance before you receive a shut-off notice to allow for the processing time of your application and to avoid service interruption.
Portions of Siskiyou County may be designated Public Safety Power Shutoff areas. It’s recommended that you check your address with your power company to find out if you are in such an area and to make sure they have all your current contact information.
Pacific Power customers · PG&E customers (Somes Bar area)
Energy Assistance Help Desk (530) 938-4115 ext 120