Struggling to Pay Your Heating Bills? LIEAP and Weatherization Programs Can Help
As winter approaches, many Wyoming families worry about how they’ll afford to keep their homes warm. Fortunately, the Wyoming Low-Income Energy Assistance Program (LIEAP) is here to help. This federally funded program assists eligible households by covering a portion of their home heating costs during the coldest months of the year.
What is LIEAP?
LIEAP is designed for hardworking Wyoming families, seniors, and individuals who need help covering their heating bills. Applications for LIEAP are accepted between October 1, 2024 and March 31, 2025. The program prioritizes individuals who are most vulnerable to the cold, including those over the age of 60, individuals with disabilities, and households with children aged five or under. For these priority applicants, the LIEAP application portal is projected to open on Monday, September 9, 2024—though this date may be subject to change due to other software updates within the Department of Family Services (DFS). The portal will open to all other applicants on October 1.
Please note that all applications for LIEAP must be submitted online through the portal. No paper applications will be accepted this year.
Interested in Lowering Your Heating Bills?
For households looking to make more permanent improvements to reduce their energy costs, the Wyoming Weatherization Assistance Program (WAP) offers a valuable solution. WAP helps eligible low-income households in Wyoming lower their energy bills by making their homes more energy efficient—all at no cost to the homeowner. Common weatherization services include adding insulation, sealing leaks around doors and windows, and performing basic health and safety checks.
The benefits of weatherization can be substantial. By improving energy efficiency, households can save between 5-25% on heating costs each year. Weatherization improvements is often worth more than double what it costs to implement them, making it a wise investment for struggling families.
How to Qualify for Weatherization Assistance
Households approved for LIEAP are automatically considered for the Weatherization Assistance Program. However, unlike LIEAP, which has a specific application window, WAP applications can be submitted year-round . Energy audits are conducted to determine which weatherization measures will have the biggest impact on a home’s energy efficiency, ensuring the program maximizes its resources.
The Council of Community Services (CCS) is one of only two nonprofit organizations in Wyoming providing weatherization services to low-income, vulnerable residents. Our services help alleviate the burden of high energy costs by offering lasting solutions. We are proud to serve residents in five counties: Campbell, Johnson, Sheridan, Crook, and Weston.
Through our weatherization services, we aim to help the most vulnerable members of our community stay warm, safe, and financially stable during Wyoming’s cold winters. By making homes more energy efficient, we are also helping reduce overall energy consumption—a win for families and for the environment.
If you or someone you know has been struggling to pay heating bills in previous winters, don’t wait. Apply for LIEAP starting in October and take advantage of weatherization services to make your home more efficient and lower costs in the long term. To learn more or apply, click HERE. Stay warm this winter—help is available.
For questions or information about your application, call LIEAP at 1-800-246-4221 or CCS at 307-686-2730.
