All Stories

Advocating for Energy Assistance Funding on ‘LIHEAP Action Day’ and Helping Light the Way for Customers to Access Critical Assistance

Today is Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) Action Day and our team members are on Capitol Hill to meet with representatives and advocate for policies that protect funding for LIHEAP and support vulnerable households in Delaware and Maryland.

What is LIHEAP?

LIHEAP is a federally funded program that helps limited-income households with their home energy bills. Don’t wait for winter heating bills to arrive before applying for help – LIHEAP is a first come, first serve program. Grants are provided in varying amounts (up to $2,506 in Delaware; up to $2,213 in Maryland), with no payback required. Requirements include a household’s income, type of fuel and type of dwelling. Homeowners, renters, roomers, and subsidized housing tenants may also be eligible. Customers do not have to be behind on their bills to receive a grant.

Delaware customers can review eligibility requirements and apply for LIHEAP energy assistance by visiting the Department of Health and Services website or by calling 302-654-9295 in New Castle County, 302-674-1782 in Kent County or 302-856-6310 in Sussex County. Maryland customers can review eligibility requirements and apply for LIHEAP (also referred to as the Maryland Energy Assistance Program, or MEAP) through the Department of Human Services website or by calling the Maryland Department of Human Services Office of Home Energy Programs at 800-332-6347.

Additional Payment Assistance Is Available

We also work with our customers to help those who may be facing difficulties paying their energy bill by offering payment arrangements and helping customers secure grants and other support from several available energy assistance programs. In 2023, we helped more than 22,000 customers secure more than $35 million in energy assistance, including more than $15.5 million in LIHEAP funding.

If you do not meet LIHEAP requirements and are having difficulty paying energy bills, we are here to help. Contact our Customer Care team at 800-375-7117 or visit delmarva.com/EnergyAssistance for more information.