SANTA FE – As New Mexico temperatures continue to drop, Governor Michelle Lujan Grisham and the Human Services Department are reminding homeowners and renters to apply for the Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP), which benefits families and low-income individuals helps to pay heating bills in winter and necessary cooling bills in summer. Under that administration, New Mexico has provided a record $ 73,927,065 in energy aid to approximately 200,963 low-income households in New Mexico over the past three years.
“LIHEAP is more important than ever for people who struggle with their electricity bills in the cold winter months,” said Governor Lujan Grisham. “No New Mexican family should have to decide whether to pay for warmth or forego other essentials like food or medication, and we are – and will continue to be – here to help.”
LIHEAP offers a one-time annual payment for heating and utility bills to qualified New Mexico residents. The subsidy covers part of the energy costs, which depends on the size of the household, income and energy costs. The service is usually paid directly to the energy supplier. Eligibility is based on the size of the household and the gross annual income of each household member who is 18 years of age or older.
LIHEAP is a federally funded energy aid program for low-income families in which heating bills are billed on behalf of the households.
Miquela, a single mother from Santa Fe with two young boys, Ezekiel and Eli, says, “I go to school to graduate in early childhood / special education and work full time as a public school teacher assistant at Pre-K Program. The last year and a half have been difficult. Teaching my boys remotely and teaching at home has not been easy. Now that we’re back in the classroom, we are at risk of exposure to COVID-19 and we don’t always get paid when we’re away due to the pandemic. LIHEAP has helped my family by helping me with my ancillary costs so that I can use the money I saved by receiving this benefit for other expenses and not get behind schedule with my other bills. I am grateful for the LIHEAP program and hope that others will take the opportunity to apply for this resource. “
Pictured above is Miquela, a single mother from Santa Fe with two young boys, Ezekiel and Eli, who have benefited from the LIHEAP program.
What information do I need for the application?
You will need the following:
- Current copies of your utility bills.
- A recent pay slip or other evidence showing your current gross income.
- Proof of income from social security, unemployment insurance, pension fund, disability, etc.
- Final termination by the utility company (if you have received notice of termination from your energy company).
- Proof of the current address (e.g. rental receipt, rental agreement or certificate, property tax invoice).
- Evidence of the total number of members living in your household (e.g. birth certificates, school reports, etc.)
- Social security cards (or numbers) for everyone living in your household.
- Proof of US Citizenship or Permanent Residence.
People who want to apply for LIHEAP can apply online via www.yes.state.nm.us or by phone at 1-800-283-4465. More information about the program can be found at this page.
The Human Services Department provides 1,048,405 new Mexicans services and benefits through a variety of programs including: the Medicaid Program, the Temporary Assistance Program for Families in Need (TANF), the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), the Child Support Program, and several behavioral health services.
We speak, interpret and smile in all languages. We provide written information to our customers in both English and Spanish, and interpreting services are available in 58 languages through our provider. CTS voice link. For our hearing and speech impaired customers we use Season New Mexico, a free 24-hour service that guarantees deaf, hard-of-hearing, deaf-blind or speech-impaired people equal access to telephone communication.
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