LIHEAP Outreach Activities

AL | AK | AZ | AR | CA | CO | CT | DE | DC | FL | GA | HI | ID | IL | IN | IA | KS | KY | LA
ME | MD | MA | MI | MN | MS | MO | MT | NE | NV | NH | NJ | NM | NY | NC | ND | OH
OK | OR | PA | RI | SC | SD | TN | TX | UT | VT | VA | WA | WV | WI | WY

Note: Outreach is an important aspect of administering LIHEAP, both at the state and local level. Effective outreach means the most needy households, or those the state has prioritized such as elderly or disabled, are made aware of the program as well as of other energy-related programs for which they may be eligible. Effective outreach can also streamline the application process.

In their annual LIHEAP plans, LIHEAP grantees are asked to check which of the following activities are conducted in order to assure that eligible households are made aware of all available LIHEAP assistance. The information below is from state LIHEAP plans.

In addition to the nine activities listed, states also identified other means of outreach. These include toll-free phone lines operated by at least six states and special assistance such as translation and bilingual brochures to non-English speaking households.

At least ten states had special outreach for recipients of public assistance programs such as welfare and food stamps. This outreach was in the form of either mass mailings of applications to these households, early application periods, early notification, or pre-authorization.

States are required by statute to accept applications for energy crisis assistance at sites that are geographically accessible to all households in the area to be served.

Alabama
Provide intake service through home visits or by telephone for the elderly or disabled Place posters/flyers in local and county social service offices, offices of aging, Social Security office, VA, etc. Publish articles in local newspapers or broadcast media announcements Include inserts in energy vendor billings to inform individuals of the availability of all types of LIHEAP assistance Inform low-income applicants of the availability of all types of LIHEAP assistance at application intake for other low-income programs Execute interagency agreements with other low-income program offices to perform outreach to target groups Meeting with elderly services organizations, children's hospitals and other groups to target vulnerable households.
Alaska
Provide intake service through home visits or by telephone for the elderly or disabled Place posters/flyers in local and county social service offices, offices of aging, Social Security office, VA, etc. Publish articles in local newspapers or broadcast media announcements Inform low-income applicants of the availability of all types of LIHEAP assistance at application intake for other low-income programs Utilize early application period at the beginning of the program for the elderly or disabled Execute interagency agreements with other low-income program offices to perform outreach to target groups Fee agents, located in most villages, conduct outreach and assist with applications. Applications are mailed to all of the senior centers and delivered to home bound elderly. Assistance is provided to those needing help in completing the application form.
Arizona
Provide intake service through home visits or by telephone for the elderly or disabled Place posters/flyers in local and county social service offices, offices of aging, Social Security office, VA, etc. Publish articles in local newspapers or broadcast media announcements Include inserts in energy vendor billings to inform individuals of the availability of all types of LIHEAP assistance Inform low-income applicants of the availability of all types of LIHEAP assistance at application intake for other low-income programs Execute interagency agreements with other low-income program offices to perform outreach to target groups
Arkansas
Provide intake service through home visits or by telephone for the elderly or disabled Place posters/flyers in local and county social service offices, offices of aging, Social Security office, VA, etc. Publish articles in local newspapers or broadcast media announcements Make mass mailing to past recipients of LIHEAP Inform low-income applicants of the availability of all types of LIHEAP assistance at application intake for other low-income programs Execute interagency agreements with other low-income program offices to perform outreach to target groups
California
Provide intake service through home visits or by telephone for the elderly or disabled Place posters/flyers in local and county social service offices, offices of aging, Social Security office, VA, etc. Publish articles in local newspapers or broadcast media announcements Include inserts in energy vendor billings to inform individuals of the availability of all types of LIHEAP assistance Make mass mailing to past recipients of LIHEAP Inform low-income applicants of the availability of all types of LIHEAP assistance at application intake for other low-income programs Execute interagency agreements with other low-income program offices to perform outreach to target groups Toll-free telephone line. Partnerships with utility companies. Outreach to: legislative offices, community organizations, and attendance to community outreach events. Provide flyers and applications to potential applicants at request of the community services agency. Referrals to CSD's programs from child care centers, pamphlets.
Colorado
Provide intake service through home visits or by telephone for the elderly or disabled Place posters/flyers in local and county social service offices, offices of aging, Social Security office, VA, etc. Publish articles in local newspapers or broadcast media announcements Include inserts in energy vendor billings to inform individuals of the availability of all types of LIHEAP assistance Make mass mailing to past recipients of LIHEAP Inform low-income applicants of the availability of all types of LIHEAP assistance at application intake for other low-income programs Execute interagency agreements with other low-income program offices to perform outreach to target groups Paid advertising on television, radio, bus benches, billboards paid for in part by utility companies. Mail an application and postage-paid return envelope in the fall to all current Food Stamp, TANF, Old Age Pension, Aid to Needy Disabled, Aid to the Blind, and prior year LIHEAP-only recipients.
Connecticut
Provide intake service through home visits or by telephone for the elderly or disabled Place posters/flyers in local and county social service offices, offices of aging, Social Security office, VA, etc. Make mass mailing to past recipients of LIHEAP Inform low-income applicants of the availability of all types of LIHEAP assistance at application intake for other low-income programs Execute interagency agreements with other low-income program offices to perform outreach to target groups Mail applications to all assistance recipient households. Provide one application form for all energy programs administered by the Department. Ensure coordination of the CEAP and SAFA with other energy and conservation assistance programs offered by the State and other public or private entities. INFO-LINE serves as the referral network system, and will work to identify services for CEAP households in order to alleviate crisis situations following exhaustion of benefits.
Delaware
Provide intake service through home visits or by telephone for the elderly or disabled Place posters/flyers in local and county social service offices, offices of aging, Social Security office, VA, etc. Publish articles in local newspapers or broadcast media announcements Include inserts in energy vendor billings to inform individuals of the availability of all types of LIHEAP assistance Make mass mailing to past recipients of LIHEAP Inform low-income applicants of the availability of all types of LIHEAP assistance at application intake for other low-income programs Provide intake through mail-in applications for elderly or disabled who were certified as eligible in prior years.
District of Columbia
Provide intake service through home visits or by telephone for the elderly or disabled Inform low-income applicants of the availability of all types of LIHEAP assistance at application intake for other low-income programs
Florida
Provide intake service through home visits or by telephone for the elderly or disabled Place posters/flyers in local and county social service offices, offices of aging, Social Security office, VA, etc. Publish articles in local newspapers or broadcast media announcements Include inserts in energy vendor billings to inform individuals of the availability of all types of LIHEAP assistance Inform low-income applicants of the availability of all types of LIHEAP assistance at application intake for other low-income programs Execute interagency agreements with other low-income program offices to perform outreach to target groups Minority media publications.
Georgia
Provide intake service through home visits or by telephone for the elderly or disabled Place posters/flyers in local and county social service offices, offices of aging, Social Security office, VA, etc. Publish articles in local newspapers or broadcast media announcements Include inserts in energy vendor billings to inform individuals of the availability of all types of LIHEAP assistance Inform low-income applicants of the availability of all types of LIHEAP assistance at application intake for other low-income programs Utilize early application period at the beginning of the program for the elderly or disabled Execute interagency agreements with other low-income program offices to perform outreach to target groups Interpreter services through Language Line. Toll free statewide phone line for information and referrals. Website, vendor customer service referrals, representatives of culturally diverse organizations trained to accept applications for their customers.
Hawaii
Provide intake service through home visits or by telephone for the elderly or disabled Place posters/flyers in local and county social service offices, offices of aging, Social Security office, VA, etc. Publish articles in local newspapers or broadcast media announcements Include inserts in energy vendor billings to inform individuals of the availability of all types of LIHEAP assistance Send LIHEAP flyers to agencies that assist the elderly and disabled individuals. Request that utility companies encourage their customers to apply for LIHEAP. In remote areas, contracted community agencies will go door to door educating people about LIHEAP and encouraging them to apply for the program.
Idaho
Provide intake service through home visits or by telephone for the elderly or disabled Place posters/flyers in local and county social service offices, offices of aging, Social Security office, VA, etc. Publish articles in local newspapers or broadcast media announcements Include inserts in energy vendor billings to inform individuals of the availability of all types of LIHEAP assistance Inform low-income applicants of the availability of all types of LIHEAP assistance at application intake for other low-income programs Execute interagency agreements with other low-income program offices to perform outreach to target groups
Illinois
Place posters/flyers in local and county social service offices, offices of aging, Social Security office, VA, etc. Publish articles in local newspapers or broadcast media announcements Make mass mailing to past recipients of LIHEAP Inform low-income applicants of the availability of all types of LIHEAP assistance at application intake for other low-income programs Utilize early application period at the beginning of the program for the elderly or disabled Execute interagency agreements with other low-income program offices to perform outreach to target groups Public speaking appearances by staff. Provide direct mailing, translations/interpretations, counseling, referrals, energy-related mediation and advocacy. Two month priority period for senior and disabled applicants.
Indiana
Provide intake service through home visits or by telephone for the elderly or disabled Place posters/flyers in local and county social service offices, offices of aging, Social Security office, VA, etc. Publish articles in local newspapers or broadcast media announcements Include inserts in energy vendor billings to inform individuals of the availability of all types of LIHEAP assistance Make mass mailing to past recipients of LIHEAP Inform low-income applicants of the availability of all types of LIHEAP assistance at application intake for other low-income programs Execute interagency agreements with other low-income program offices to perform outreach to target groups
Iowa
Provide intake service through home visits or by telephone for the elderly or disabled Place posters/flyers in local and county social service offices, offices of aging, Social Security office, VA, etc. Publish articles in local newspapers or broadcast media announcements Include inserts in energy vendor billings to inform individuals of the availability of all types of LIHEAP assistance Make mass mailing to past recipients of LIHEAP Inform low-income applicants of the availability of all types of LIHEAP assistance at application intake for other low-income programs Utilize early application period at the beginning of the program for the elderly or disabled Execute interagency agreements with other low-income program offices to perform outreach to target groups
Kansas
Provide intake service through home visits or by telephone for the elderly or disabled Place posters/flyers in local and county social service offices, offices of aging, Social Security office, VA, etc. Publish articles in local newspapers or broadcast media announcements Include inserts in energy vendor billings to inform individuals of the availability of all types of LIHEAP assistance Make mass mailing to past recipients of LIHEAP Inform low-income applicants of the availability of all types of LIHEAP assistance at application intake for other low-income program Execute interagency agreements with other low-income program offices to perform outreach to target groups Toll-free phone number; online application; list of recipients and their energy consumption is sent to weatherization program; mail applications to prior year recipients; CASH, SNAP, Medicaid and MediKan recipients not living in known non-energy vulnerable housing are mailed information and application dates.
Kentucky
Provide intake service through home visits or by telephone for the elderly or disabled Place posters/flyers in local and county social service offices, offices of aging, Social Security office, VA, etc. Publish articles in local newspapers or broadcast media announcements Include inserts in energy vendor billings to inform individuals of the availability of all types of LIHEAP assistance Inform low-income applicants of the availability of all types of LIHEAP assistance at application intake for other low-income programs Mass mailings to food stamp and medical assistance recipients immediately prior to the program opening.
Louisiana
Provide intake service through home visits or by telephone for the elderly or disabled Place posters/flyers in local and county social service offices, offices of aging, Social Security office, VA, etc. Publish articles in local newspapers or broadcast media announcements Include inserts in energy vendor billings to inform individuals of the availability of all types of LIHEAP assistance Inform low-income applicants of the availability of all types of LIHEAP assistance at application intake for other low-income programs
Maine
Provide intake service through home visits or by telephone for the elderly or disabled Place posters/flyers in local and county social service offices, offices of aging, Social Security office, VA, etc. Publish articles in local newspapers or broadcast media announcements Make mass mailing to past recipients of LIHEAP Inform low-income applicants of the availability of all types of LIHEAP assistance at application intake for other low-income programs Utilize early application period at the beginning of the program for the elderly or disabled Execute interagency agreements with other low-income program offices to perform outreach to target groups Each subgrantee develops and provides additional services and benefits for LIHEAP clients from various private agencies. Many of these agencies are unique to a particular area and benefits range from transportation to an appointment for intake or providing blankets or fuel. Subgrantees may pilot mail-out applications for households that were served in the prior program year.
Maryland
Provide intake service through home visits or by telephone for the elderly or disabled Place posters/flyers in local and county social service offices, offices of aging, Social Security office, VA, etc. Publish articles in local newspapers or broadcast media announcements Include inserts in energy vendor billings to inform individuals of the availability of all types of LIHEAP assistance Make mass mailing to past recipients of LIHEAP Inform low-income applicants of the availability of all types of LIHEAP assistance at application intake for other low-income programs Execute interagency agreements with other low-income program offices to perform outreach to target groups 24-hour toll free hotline, TTY for hearing impaired, applications taken at senior centers, brochure with mailed application includes energy savings tips, where to call, benefits etc.
Massachusetts
Provide intake service through home visits or by telephone for the elderly or disabled Place posters/flyers in local and county social service offices, offices of aging, Social Security office, VA, etc. Publish articles in local newspapers or broadcast media announcements Include inserts in energy vendor billings to inform individuals of the availability of all types of LIHEAP assistance Make mass mailing to past recipients of LIHEAP Inform low-income applicants of the availability of all types of LIHEAP assistance at application intake for other low-income programs Utilize early application period at the beginning of the program for the elderly or disabled Execute interagency agreements with other low-income program offices to perform outreach to target groups Bilingual assistance for applicants, and use of existing networks to reach target households. Subgrantees are instructed to target high-risk groups within their service areas, including non-English speaking minorities. Early application for elderly and disabled and crisis. The use of mail recertification reduces the need and demand for home visits to elderly and disabled households. High energy users are identified by vendors, utilities and agencies.
Michigan
Publish articles in local newspapers or broadcast media announcements Include inserts in energy vendor billings to inform individuals of the availability of all types of LIHEAP assistance Make mass mailing to past recipients of LIHEAP Inform low-income applicants of the availability of all types of LIHEAP assistance at application intake for other low-income programs Execute interagency agreements with other low-income program offices to perform outreach to target groups Informs low-income applicants of the availability of LIHEAP via notices to clients, State web-sites, letters, posters, weatherization referrals, etc. Toll-free home heating hotline. Mail applications to all households eligible during the previous year and to recipients of property tax credits who may be eligible. A $1 pilot program was implemented to increase benefits for food assistance families.
Minnesota
Provide intake service through home visits or by telephone for the elderly or disabled Place posters/flyers in local and county social service offices, offices of aging, Social Security office, VA, etc. Publish articles in local newspapers or broadcast media announcements Include inserts in energy vendor billings to inform individuals of the availability of all types of LIHEAP assistance Make mass mailing to past recipients of LIHEAP Inform low-income applicants of the availability of all types of LIHEAP assistance at application intake for other low-income programs Provide information and applications to various community organizations, local and state departments and programs.
Mississippi
Provide intake service through home visits or by telephone for the elderly or disabled Place posters/flyers in local and county social service offices, offices of aging, Social Security office, VA, etc. Publish articles in local newspapers or broadcast media announcements Include inserts in energy vendor billings to inform individuals of the availability of all types of LIHEAP assistance Inform low-income applicants of the availability of all types of LIHEAP assistance at application intake for other low-income programs Execute interagency agreements with other low-income program offices to perform outreach to target groups Energy vendors are informed to advise their customers/clients about the availability of the LIHEAP assistance and they make referrals to DCS and local Subgrantees. Local subgrantees conduct community meetings to inform clients of the program, orientation sessions for vendors to explain program guidelines and orientation sessions for potential clients to explain program.
Missouri
Provide intake service through home visits or by telephone for the elderly or disabled Place posters/flyers in local and county social service offices, offices of aging, Social Security office, VA, etc. Publish articles in local newspapers or broadcast media announcements Include inserts in energy vendor billings to inform individuals of the availability of all types of LIHEAP assistance Make mass mailing to past recipients of LIHEAP Inform low-income applicants of the availability of all types of LIHEAP assistance at application intake for other low-income programs Utilize early application period at the beginning of the program for the elderly or disabled Execute interagency agreements with other low-income program offices to perform outreach to target groups Households who received assistance in previous year receive applications in mail. Applications are mailed and accepted for the Elderly and disabled one month before official program begins. Applicant is responsible for updates, signing and attaching required documentation. Community Action Agencies provide articles for faith-based organizations' media, local school outreach/education programs sponsored by Public Service Commission and Department of Natural Resources, Poverty Simulation provided by the Community Action Agencies that involve local merchants, social service agencies, Chamber of Commerce, local and state government staff.
Montana
Provide intake service through home visits or by telephone for the elderly or disabled Place posters/flyers in local and county social service offices, offices of aging, Social Security office, VA, etc. Publish articles in local newspapers or broadcast media announcements Include inserts in energy vendor billings to inform individuals of the availability of all types of LIHEAP assistance Make mass mailing to past recipients of LIHEAP Inform low-income applicants of the availability of all types of LIHEAP assistance at application intake for other low-income programs Utilize early application period at the beginning of the program for the elderly or disabled Execute interagency agreements with other low-income program offices to perform outreach to target groups Mass mailing to recipients of other human services who are not participating in LIHEAP. Early applications for clients who use propane, fuel oil and wood - starts July 1.
Nebraska
Provide intake service through home visits or by telephone for the elderly or disabled Place posters/flyers in local and county social service offices, offices of aging, Social Security office, VA, etc. Publish articles in local newspapers or broadcast media announcements Include inserts in energy vendor billings to inform individuals of the availability of all types of LIHEAP assistance Inform low-income applicants of the availability of all types of LIHEAP assistance at application intake for other low-income programs Execute interagency agreements with other low-income program offices to perform outreach to target groups Online application through ACCESSNebraska
Nevada
Provide intake service through home visits or by telephone for the elderly or disabled Place posters/flyers in local and county social service offices, offices of aging, Social Security office, VA, etc. Include inserts in energy vendor billings to inform individuals of the availability of all types of LIHEAP assistance Make mass mailing to past recipients of LIHEAP Inform low-income applicants of the availability of all types of LIHEAP assistance at application intake for other low-income programs Execute interagency agreements with other low-income program offices to perform outreach to target groups
New Hampshire
Provide intake service through home visits or by telephone for the elderly or disabled Place posters/flyers in local and county social service offices, offices of aging, Social Security office, VA, etc. Publish articles in local newspapers or broadcast media announcements Include inserts in energy vendor billings to inform individuals of the availability of all types of LIHEAP assistance Make mass mailing to past recipients of LIHEAP Inform low-income applicants of the availability of all types of LIHEAP assistance at application intake for other low-income programs Execute interagency agreements with other low-income program offices to perform outreach to target groups State and subgrantee staff participate in public speaking as needed or requested.
New Jersey
Provide intake service through home visits or by telephone for the elderly or disabled Place posters/flyers in local and county social service offices, offices of aging, Social Security office, VA, etc. Publish articles in local newspapers or broadcast media announcements Include inserts in energy vendor billings to inform individuals of the availability of all types of LIHEAP assistance Make mass mailing to past recipients of LIHEAP Inform low-income applicants of the availability of all types of LIHEAP assistance at application intake for other low-income programs Execute interagency agreements with other low-income program offices to perform outreach to target groups Accept applications from seniors and disabled by mail. Communication assistance to persons with limited English, impaired hearing, vision or speech impairments and illiterate. Contact each energy supplier within the county to encourage them to inform customers of HEA. Special mailing to seniors using a data file from Lifeline program; plan to contact those who didn’t respond to find out why.
New Mexico
Provide intake service through home visits or by telephone for the elderly or disabled Place posters/flyers in local and county social service offices, offices of aging, Social Security office, VA, etc. Publish articles in local newspapers or broadcast media announcements Inform low-income applicants of the availability of all types of LIHEAP assistance at application intake for other low-income programs LIHEAP application is available for download on the HSD website in English and Spanish.
New York
Provide intake service through home visits or by telephone for the elderly or disabled Place posters/flyers in local and county social service offices, offices of aging, Social Security office, VA, etc. Publish articles in local newspapers or broadcast media announcements Include inserts in energy vendor billings to inform individuals of the availability of all types of LIHEAP assistance Make mass mailing to past recipients of LIHEAP Inform low-income applicants of the availability of all types of LIHEAP assistance at application intake for other low-income programs Utilize early application period at the beginning of the program for the elderly or disabled Execute interagency agreements with other low-income program offices to perform outreach to target groups Toll free information hotlines operated by the Department and the NYS office for the Aging. Identify households potentially eligible for LIHEAP-funded weatherization services and assess the scope of need for identified households. State/local resources dedicated to implementing mandated outreach plans and program information dissemination. Target efforts to provide program information and access to "vulnerable households". Application on website.
North Carolina
Provide intake service through home visits or by telephone for the elderly or disabled Place posters/flyers in local and county social service offices, offices of aging, Social Security office, VA, etc. Publish articles in local newspapers or broadcast media announcements Inform low-income applicants of the availability of all types of LIHEAP assistance at application intake for other low-income programs Execute interagency agreements with other low-income program offices to perform outreach to target groups The NC Division of Social Services partners with the NC Division of Aging to provide outreach to aging and disabled adults.
North Dakota
Provide intake service through home visits or by telephone for the elderly or disabled Place posters/flyers in local and county social service offices, offices of aging, Social Security office, VA, etc. Publish articles in local newspapers or broadcast media announcements Include inserts in energy vendor billings to inform individuals of the availability of all types of LIHEAP assistance Inform low-income applicants of the availability of all types of LIHEAP assistance at application intake for other low-income programs Execute interagency agreements with other low-income program offices to perform outreach to target groups Brochure available to utilities upon request for inserts. Information brochure may be mailed to recipients of other cash assistance and service programs. Schedule appointments for the convenience of applicants, extend office hours when necessary. Arrange communication assistance for non-English speaking or those with communication disability.
Ohio
Provide intake service through home visits or by telephone for the elderly or disabled Place posters/flyers in local and county social service offices, offices of aging, Social Security office, VA, etc. Publish articles in local newspapers or broadcast media announcements Include inserts in energy vendor billings to inform individuals of the availability of all types of LIHEAP assistance Make mass mailing to past recipients of LIHEAP Inform low-income applicants of the availability of all types of LIHEAP assistance at application intake for other low-income programs Execute interagency agreements with other low-income program offices to perform outreach to target groups Toll- free information line and TDD service, process elderly and disabled applications first. The state maintains an Interactive Voice Response System on its toll-free telephone line, available on a 24-hour basis. The caller is first prompted to enter his or her Social Security number. The system can then advise callers if their application has been received, and later, whether the application was approved, the amount of the benefit, and when it will be issued. The system is also able to direct callers to the Local Delegate Agency providing crisis assistance and weatherization services. The state has contracted Language Line that will connect an interpreter to the call. The state has a website to track application status. The Department of Aging conducts program outreach and public education in all counties. Coordinates with the Ohio Benefit Bank, a free web-based application system for free tax preparation and other public benefit programs.
Oklahoma
Provide intake service through home visits or by telephone for the elderly or disabled Place posters/flyers in local and county social service offices, offices of aging, Social Security office, VA, etc. Publish articles in local newspapers or broadcast media announcements Include inserts in energy vendor billings to inform individuals of the availability of all types of LIHEAP assistance Make mass mailing to past recipients of LIHEAP Inform low-income applicants of the availability of all types of LIHEAP assistance at application intake for other low-income programs Mail LIHEAP applications to households with current SNAP, TANF, or SSP benefits.
Oregon
Provide intake service through home visits or by telephone for the elderly or disabled Place posters/flyers in local and county social service offices, offices of aging, Social Security office, VA, etc. Publish articles in local newspapers or broadcast media announcements Include inserts in energy vendor billings to inform individuals of the availability of all types of LIHEAP assistance Make mass mailing to past recipients of LIHEAP Inform low-income applicants of the availability of all types of LIHEAP assistance at application intake for other low-income programs Execute interagency agreements with other low-income program offices to perform outreach to target groups
Pennsylvania
Place posters/flyers in local and county social service offices, offices of aging, Social Security office, VA, etc. Publish articles in local newspapers or broadcast media announcements Include inserts in energy vendor billings to inform individuals of the availability of all types of LIHEAP assistance Make mass mailing to past recipients of LIHEAP Inform low-income applicants of the availability of all types of LIHEAP assistance at application intake for other low-income programs Execute interagency agreements with other low-income program offices to perform outreach to target groups Provide educational materials and applications to utilities, fuel vendors and CAAs for distribution to prospective applicants. Provide information to the Area Agencies on Aging and to disabled. Provide public education materials in Spanish, Chinese, Vietnamese, Russian and Cambodian. Translation services are available for these and other languages. Provide publicity materials to other state and local government offices and voluntary and church groups. Home visits or applications with return, pre-stamped envelopes mailed to homebound individuals who need help in applying for benefits.
Rhode Island
Provide intake service through home visits or by telephone for the elderly or disabled Place posters/flyers in local and county social service offices, offices of aging, Social Security office, VA, etc. Include inserts in energy vendor billings to inform individuals of the availability of all types of LIHEAP assistance Make mass mailing to past recipients of LIHEAP Inform low-income applicants of the availability of all types of LIHEAP assistance at application intake for other low-income programs
South Carolina
Provide intake service through home visits or by telephone for the elderly or disabled Place posters/flyers in local and county social service offices, offices of aging, Social Security office, VA, etc. Publish articles in local newspapers or broadcast media announcements Include inserts in energy vendor billings to inform individuals of the availability of all types of LIHEAP assistance Make mass mailing to past recipients of LIHEAP Inform low-income applicants of the availability of all types of LIHEAP assistance at application intake for other low-income programs Execute interagency agreements with other low-income program offices to perform outreach to target groups CSBG, Head Start and Weatherization referrals.
South Dakota
Provide intake service through home visits or by telephone for the elderly or disabled Place posters/flyers in local and county social service offices, offices of aging, Social Security office, VA, etc. Include inserts in energy vendor billings to inform individuals of the availability of all types of LIHEAP assistance Make mass mailing to past recipients of LIHEAP Inform low-income applicants of the availability of all types of LIHEAP assistance at application intake for other low-income programs Provide a voice response system. Post information on web page.
Tennessee
Provide intake service through home visits or by telephone for the elderly or disabled Place posters/flyers in local and county social service offices, offices of aging, Social Security office, VA, etc. Publish articles in local newspapers or broadcast media announcements Include inserts in energy vendor billings to inform individuals of the availability of all types of LIHEAP assistance Make mass mailing to past recipients of LIHEAP Inform low-income applicants of the availability of all types of LIHEAP assistance at application intake for other low-income programs Agencies may use a portion of their grant funds (maximum of 5%) to give priority to outreach efforts that may include, but are not limited to: toll-free phone line; translation and bilingual brochures to non-English speaking households; post online application for mail-in; public speaking appearances by program staff to local community groups; inserts or information for church bulletins and faith-based newsletters; allow prior year SSI recipients to update their information by phone or email; agency staff participates in local community resource fairs.
Texas
Provide intake service through home visits or by telephone for the elderly or disabled Place posters/flyers in local and county social service offices, offices of aging, Social Security office, VA, etc. Publish articles in local newspapers or broadcast media announcements Include inserts in energy vendor billings to inform individuals of the availability of all types of LIHEAP assistance Inform low-income applicants of the availability of all types of LIHEAP assistance at application intake for other low-income programs Provide information on one-to-one basis for applicants in need of translation or interpretation assistance. Provide applications, forms, and energy efficiency materials in Spanish and other languages as needed. Work with energy vendors in identifying potential applicants. Assist applicants to gather needed documentation. Mail information and applications.
Utah
Provide intake service through home visits or by telephone for the elderly or disabled Place posters/flyers in local and county social service offices, offices of aging, Social Security office, VA, etc. Publish articles in local newspapers or broadcast media announcements Include inserts in energy vendor billings to inform individuals of the availability of all types of LIHEAP assistance Make mass mailing to past recipients of LIHEAP Inform low-income applicants of the availability of all types of LIHEAP assistance at application intake for other low-income programs
Vermont
Provide intake service through home visits or by telephone for the elderly or disabled Place posters/flyers in local and county social service offices, offices of aging, Social Security office, VA, etc. Publish articles in local newspapers or broadcast media announcements Include inserts in energy vendor billings to inform individuals of the availability of all types of LIHEAP assistance Make mass mailing to past recipients of LIHEAP Inform low-income applicants of the availability of all types of LIHEAP assistance at application intake for other low-income programs Execute interagency agreements with other low-income program offices to perform outreach to target groups Training for advocates and community partners. Program information and updates mailed regularly to certified fuel and energy suppliers.
Virginia
Provide intake service through home visits or by telephone for the elderly or disabled Place posters/flyers in local and county social service offices, offices of aging, Social Security office, VA, etc. Publish articles in local newspapers or broadcast media announcements Make mass mailing to past recipients of LIHEAP Inform low-income applicants of the availability of all types of LIHEAP assistance at application intake for other low-income programs The state mails applications and accepts mail in applications for heating, cooling and crisis. Applications are available on the Internet. A toll-free telephone number for the hearing impaired is provided. Every September, the state conducts a mass mailing to current SNAP recipients that includes information on the Heating Assistance Program. Cases from the Heating Assistance database that match specific criteria with cases in the SNAP database and meet other eligibility criteria will be automatically approved for heating assistance. Households that are not preapproved for heating assistance but received heating, crisis or cooling assistance in the last year are mailed a pre-printed heating assistance application. Approximately six percent of the statewide caseload will receive a pre-approval notice instead of a pre-printed application. Pre-approved households will not need to apply but will be responsible to report any changes to pre-printed data on their notice.
Washington
Provide intake service through home visits or by telephone for the elderly or disabled Place posters/flyers in local and county social service offices, offices of aging, Social Security office, VA, etc. Publish articles in local newspapers or broadcast media announcements Include inserts in energy vendor billings to inform individuals of the availability of all types of LIHEAP assistance Make mass mailing to past recipients of LIHEAP Inform low-income applicants of the availability of all types of LIHEAP assistance at application intake for other low-income programs Execute interagency agreements with other low-income program offices to perform outreach to target groups Particular emphasis will be placed on providing information on all programs to households which contain high home energy burdens; the elderly; individuals with disabilities; families with young children (under six years of age); and persons and families who are subject to communication barriers (non English speaking persons and persons who do not have easy access to common public news media, such as newspapers, radio, or television).
West Virginia
Provide intake service through home visits or by telephone for the elderly or disabled Place posters/flyers in local and county social service offices, offices of aging, Social Security office, VA, etc. Publish articles in local newspapers or broadcast media announcements Include inserts in energy vendor billings to inform individuals of the availability of all types of LIHEAP assistance Make mass mailing to past recipients of LIHEAP Inform low-income applicants of the availability of all types of LIHEAP assistance at application intake for other low-income programs Execute interagency agreements with other low-income program offices to perform outreach to target groups An early application period will be utilized, applications are accepted from targeted households during the summer for the following FFY and from recipients of cooling assistance. Provide information directly or by selective mailing to targeted applicants, e.g., assistance to understand the application form, translation of material, interpretation services for deaf, reading for blind. Assist targeted applicants to gather needed documentation e.g., sorting documents, explaining what is needed. Facilitate access to state weatherization programs targeted to LIHEAP-eligible households and other energy-related services e.g., utility early identification and emergency intervention. Generate and use computerized application information for some households that received heating assistance last year.
Wisconsin
Provide intake service through home visits or by telephone for the elderly or disabled Place posters/flyers in local and county social service offices, offices of aging, Social Security office, VA, etc. Publish articles in local newspapers or broadcast media announcements Include inserts in energy vendor billings to inform individuals of the availability of all types of LIHEAP assistance Make mass mailing to past recipients of LIHEAP Inform low-income applicants of the availability of all types of LIHEAP assistance at application intake for other low-income programs Execute interagency agreements with other low-income program offices to perform outreach to target groups Funds are allocated specifically to allow for outreach to vulnerable households including those with elderly, disabled or young children. These households are encouraged and assisted to apply for LIHEAP benefits. Early applications for elderly and disabled, includes accepting applications from targeted households during the summer for the following FFY, and from recipients of cooling assistance. Contact community leaders to locate and serve application sites, provide information on alternate sites to organizations/programs likely to reach targeted persons, contact targeted persons to arrange application appointments, transportation, etc.). Provide information directly or by selective mailing to targeted applicants (translation, interpretation for deaf, reading for blind). Assist targeted applicants to gather needed documentation. Facilitate access to state or utility-financed weatherization programs. Generate and use computerized application information for some households who received heating assistance last year. It is the responsibility of each county/tribe to provide application sites accessible to the eligible population in the county/tribe, with particular attention to overcoming barriers for targeted households.
Wyoming
Provide intake service through home visits or by telephone for the elderly or disabled Place posters/flyers in local and county social service offices, offices of aging, Social Security office, VA, etc. Publish articles in local newspapers or broadcast media announcements Make mass mailing to past recipients of LIHEAP Inform low-income applicants of the availability of all types of LIHEAP assistance at application intake for other low-income programs Execute interagency agreements with other low-income program offices to perform outreach to target groups Web-based outreach program. Applications and program information are available online.
Source: FY 2014 state plans and manuals and state LIHEAP directors

FFY 2014 LIHEAP Outreach Activities

LIHEAP Outreach Activities