Los Angeles Utility Assistance Program Overview
As part of the Los Angeles Utility Assistance Program, low-income individuals in Los Angeles County receive financial assistance for utilities through the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LI HEAP), which is a form of government assistance. HEAP, or the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program, provides assistance to low-income Los Angeles County residents with their utility bills. This program only assists legal residents only. In order to apply for Los Angeles utility bill assistance, the applicant must reside in the county where they wish to apply.
Four community organizations are offering application services, as well as several satellite offices that can be used by those who do not live in the immediate areas of the four community organizations and are in need of assistance. Geographic restrictions apply to each of the application sites, so please check them out ahead of time.
Assistance for Low-to-Mid Income Families in LA
As part of the program, low-income households are provided with assistance once a year to reduce their energy consumption and/or pay their energy bills by receiving assistance. To be eligible for the program, the household’s total monthly income must meet the poverty guidelines. Family members with children six years and younger are given priority over households with older adults, persons with disabilities, and people with disabilities.
Reconnection costs, deposit fees, and emergency assistance are not provided by this program; instead, it pays utility bills that are current, late, or disconnected. For an application to be processed, it takes about eight to twelve weeks; applications that are incomplete or incorrect will take longer to be processed. It consists of three components: the Cash Assistance Payments Program (CAP), the Energy Crisis Intervention Services (ECIS), and the Weatherization Program.
California Cash Assistance Payments (CAP)
CAP provides financial assistance to eligible applicants in order to offset their heating and/or cooling costs. Direct payment to a utility company is made on the applicant’s behalf to offset their heating and/or cooling costs. This grant amount is determined by the following factors: 1) the county in which the applicant resides, 2) the size of the household, 3) the income, and 4) the ability to fund. To determine the priority of the application, the applicant’s actual energy costs must be considered. Each application is considered once every 365 days, and assistance is provided.
In response to a weather-related or energy-related emergency, the ECIS program offers cash assistance to help with gas and electric utility services. ECIS is similar to CAP in that it offers assistance with gas and electric utilities during an emergency situation.
Weatherization Program
Several weatherization services are provided by the Weatherization Program for free, including the replacement of inefficient refrigerators, electric water heaters, microwave ovens, and lighting. The program offers free weatherization services to reduce energy consumption. Attic insulation, weatherproofing, minor house repairs, and other energy conservation measures are also available. There are no cooling systems offered at the facility, but there may be assistance available in the event that an existing unit needs to be repaired.
Energy Services Provider Directory can be accessed online. If you are interested in applying, please call; an appointment is required. Documentation requirements include social security cards. The agency can send you an application by mail if you are a senior, disabled, or homebound individual. People with disconnect notices may receive an emergency appointment within one or two days after they receive the disconnect notice. Applicants can only apply once in a 12-month period.
The California Weatherization assistance program is a federally funded program designed to assist low-income families in maintaining and improving their homes. To apply, fill out the Weatherization application that is included with the HEAP application, or contact the agency for more information.
It is necessary to provide proof of every source of energy for every household member (utility bills, receipts from wood, propane, or oil purchases, and rental receipts if utilities are included in the rent) along with proof of income; depending on the agency, additional documentation such as identification cards for each member of the family as well as proof of residency may be required as well. There are no fees for service.
Resources
LA County Utility Bill Relief (Call 800-675-4357)
SoCal EDISON
SoCal Edison will not be disconnecting power on delinquent accounts.
Flexible payment plans available for eligible customers
