Can the LIEAP and Energy Share Programs help with deposits?
No. LIEAP assistance must be applied to your heating costs between October 1 and April 30, unless you heat with propane. LIEAP can pay for propane and reimburse for fuel oil and wood purchases after July 1 each year. Energy Share can help with current energy bills and some old bills, but not deposits.

Can my fuel vendor refuse me service during the winter?
The only utility in our area regulated by the Public Service Commission is NorthWestern Energy. Unregulated electric co-ops and deliverable fuel providers can disconnect or refuse service based on lack of payment at any time.

During the winter moratorium (roughly Novermber through March each year), NorthWestern Energy must apply to the PSC for approval in order to disconnect for non-payment. They then must follow a strict policy of notification and warning. They can and do disconnect for non-payment year-round.

Do vendors give discounts to LIEAP eligible households?
Yes, some vendors do give discounts. NorthWestern Energy customers get a 15% year-round discount even if you do not heat your home through them but have an electrical account. Missoula Electric Co-op customers get a 10% discount for the balance of the LIEAP program year if they have electrical heat. Mountain Water customers get a $5.00 credit each month until December of the next program year. You mustsubmit a copy of your award letter to them. Energy Partners customers get fuel at the keep full rate.

Can propane tank rental and tank sets be paid for with LIEAP benefits?
Tank rental can be taken out of the LIEAP benefit but tank set-ups or the purchase of a tank can not.

What can I use as proof of citizenship?
Photocopies of social cecurity numbers, birth certificates or immigration documents showing permanent immigrant status.

How do I apply for weatherization?
You apply for weatherization energy conservation assistance when you apply for LIEAP. Eligible LIEAP households are put on a weatherization waiting list, prioritized by energy burden to the household.

How can I verify income?
If you have direct deposit income which does not vary from month to month, a photocopy of a recent bank statement showing that monthly deposit. If you get any type of benefit from the Social Security Administration, a photocopy of your award letter(s) is great. If you have income from self-employment, please call (406) 728-3710 and have us send you a self-employment worksheet to fill out. If you have wage income, we need a check stub showing Year to Date income ending the month before you apply; and beginning and ending check stubs for the portion of last year which falls within the 12 months ending the month before you apply. If you have school loans and grants, we will need a print out showing the amounts for the semesters and/or quarters which fall within the 12 months ending the month before you apply. If you have gift or other undocumented income in that 12 month period, please call (406) 728-3710 and we will provide you a form for declaring undocumented income.

Can your ofice verify social security numbers and income given Office of Public Assistance?
If you are currently on TANF, SSI or receive food stamps, we can verify social security numbers for household members OPA considers in the household. However, LIEAP considers everyone living in the household as members and some may not be included by OPA. If you are receiving only TANF, SSI or Social Security, we can also verify those amounts. If there are other incomes or wages we will require independent proof.

Can your office verify child support?
If you provide us with a Montana case number for child support handled by DPHHS Child Support Enforcement, we can access the records for the last four months. The LIEAP program, however, needs a year's worth of child support income ending with the month before you turned in your application and going back 12 months.

Contact HRC's Missoula office for additional information.