LOW-INCOME HOME ENERGY ASSISTANCE PROGRAM (LIHEAP)

Things to know about LIHEAP:

• You might be eligible for a utility assistance grant through LIHEAP if you are an economically disadvantaged resident of Beaufort & Jasper Counties. To know if you are income-eligible, call us and we will inform you of the program and income eligibility. LIHEAP determines income eligibility based on the Federal Poverty Guidelines. Household circumstances are different, we assess them individually. LIHEAP also looks at income differently than some other federally funded programs. If applicable, LIHEAP program participants may receive assistance once per year when funds are available.

• LIHEAP is primarily used to assist households with a utility assistance grant made directly to the energy provider. 

• Applications are completed in person at one of our offices in the Beaufort or Jasper County. To schedule an appointment, please call:Beaufort Office: (843) 255-7220 or Jasper Office: (843) 726-5586

• You can apply for a LIHEAP utility assistance grant once per calendar year.

• The following documents must be presented to staff to complete an application for a LIHEAP utility assistance grant. Failing to present a required document will result in an incomplete application. Incomplete applications will be voided and assistance will be denied.

 

ALL CLIENTS MUST:

• Be residents of Jasper or Beaufort County

• Meet federal income guidelines

• Present a South Carolina issued picture ID with the current address for the applicant.

• Present a legible, valid social security card for all household members.

• Present total income for all household members within the past 30 days prior to application

• Provide three (3) most recent energy bills – the energy bill must have a balance due at the time of appoinment. Names must match on all documents. Beaufort-Jasper EOC cannot assist if there is a credit or zero balance on the account

 

Applicant will not get any money. Your energy provider will receive a payment from Beaufort-Jasper EOC on your behalf. The amount of money awarded to your household will depend on multiple factors. Funding received is based on a set formula. If applicable, Beaufort-Jasper EOC can assist with up to $1,000 in some instances.

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SCHEDULE AN APPOINTMENT

 

Applicants can apply for assistance at our Beaufort or Jasper office. For additional information or to schedule an appointment, please call:

​Beaufort Office: (843) 962-3888

Jasper Office: (843) 726-5586

 

REQUIRED DOCUMENTS 

The following documents are required, in addition to other eligibility requirements, to complete an application for Beaufort-Jasper EOC services:

• Legible, valid South Carolina-issued photo ID for the applicant (name and address on the ID must match what is listed on all presented documents

• Legible Social Security cards for all household members (no photocopies) 

• Proof of income for ALL household members, age 18 and older, for the past 30 days prior to the application date

• If the applicant has earnings or wages, they will need to provide their pay stub (examples are monthly, semi-monthly, bi-weekly, and weekly)

• If the applicant receives Social Security, Social Security insurance, pensions, or retirement, they will need their current year benefit award letter.

• If the applicant is a business owner or is self-employed, they will need the current tax year statement (example: Schedule C or C-EZ with all pages signed and included.

• If the applicant is not working or receiving supplemental benefits, then an unemployment document is required.

Most programs require that you meet federal income guidelines, we will screen applicants at the beginning of the application process.

NOTE: Income includes, but is not limited to:

• Child support (a signed statement by the payer if support is voluntary or a statement from the court if it is court-ordered

• TANF/AFDC/Monthly Utility Check

• SNAP

• Unemployment Insurance

• Alimony

• Monthly stipends

• Adoption subsidies