Generally speaking, anyone may apply for assistance. Eligible applicants will ordinarily reside in North Dakota. For additional information, please refer to the program brochure (172kb pdf).
You can apply for the program one of three ways:
- Apply online
- Print out and complete the Application for Assistance and return it to the Customer Support Center.
- Submit a request to have an application mailed to you.
A Community Options outreach worker can come to you and help with the LIHEAP application process.
Contact Community Options
Main Office Address:
4909 Shelburne Street
Bismarck, ND 58503
Phone: (701) 223-2417
Toll-Free: (800) 823-2417
Hours:
Monday – Friday: 8:00 am – 5:00 pm
Saturday – Sunday: Closed
The Customer Support Center can answer any questions you may have about the LIHEAP heating assistance program.
The Department of Human Services must follow federal and state laws on privacy. Only those individuals whose jobs require them to view your personal information in order to administer the programs or process payments, have access to your information. Department of Human Services staff and human service zone staff are bound by strict confidentiality rules that do not allow unauthorized disclosure of your personal information.
The Department of Human Services provides a wide range of programs and services. You can return to the Financial Help page to review other programs that may be available to assist with your financial needs (scroll down the page).
You will be sent a Notice of Eligibility within 45 days telling you if you have been found eligible or denied benefits. All verifications should have been returned within 30 days from the receipt of the application.
You have the right to appeal and request a fair hearing if you disagree with any decision made on your heating assistance or emergency assistance application, or if you do not receive a written notice of the action taken on your heating assistance application within 45 days from the date your application is received.
The following services are available:
- Heating assistance
- making your home energy efficient
- furnace and chimney cleaning
- emergency assistance
- furnace replacements
- minor repairs, and
- energy cost reduction devices
Click on the link to this brochure (272kb pdf) for additional information.
You must follow your vendor's payment terms for your portion of the bill.
Your percentage will be calculated based on your income, so your portion should be manageable. However if you should find yourself in an unforeseen situation, emergency assistance is available. Eligibility requirements are more restrictive.
Here are a some suggestions on how to lower your share of your heating bill.
- Buy from a supplier who will give you the ‘cash discount’ for fuel
- Buy from a supplier who will let you make 12 monthly payments for your share of the heating bills
- Ask your heating assistance worker for more information about “Energy Cost Reductions Services”
- Ask for Energy Conservation Services (Weatherization Services)