In order to qualify for this benefit program, you must be a resident of the state of North Dakota and you must need financial assistance for home energy costs.

Eligibility for the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) is based upon two criteria: 1) income eligibility, and 2) assets eligibility.

Applicant households must meet the eligibility criteria of both components to receive benefits under LIHEAP.

Income: The income of all persons living in the household must be included in the determination of household income. There are deductions for allowable expenses such as child care, child support, medical expenses and 27 percent income deduction on earned income.

Assets: The total assets of all persons living in the household cannot exceed $10,000. Each household member age 60 or over is allowed an extra $5,000 in assets. Assets include cash, savings, or check accounts, stocks, bonds, CDs, burial accounts and other personal property or real estate which could be borrowed against or sold for cash.

Types of property NOT counted in the $10,000, include one’s home, clothing, personal effects, household goods, two licensed road vehicles and any real estate property which is producing reasonable income.