Access to utility bill assistance and more

Community Action Marin is the local administrator of the federally funded Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP). Reaching just under 1,300 households this past year, the program helps eligible families get assistance with utility payments and wood and propane home energy costs.

LIHEAP helps those living on low incomes pay their heating bills in the form of a one-time payment. It is designed to help people in the neighborhood where they are currently living or at an agency where they may already be receiving services. For assistance, customers must choose a primary heat source; PG&E, Wood, or Propane, and may get help only once a year. Payment is sent directly to the utility company or fuel provider and appears as a credit on your bill.

2024 Program Update

In 2024, the State of California requires that we utilize a new priority plan to determine which households receive any initial funding. In past years we have had sufficient funding to assist all eligible applicants, no matter where they fell in plan. This year we expect to see a greater need, higher energy costs, and less available funding, so we will only be able to serve households who meet both the income eligibility requirements and are in a high priority group. Please note that even if you have received LIHEAP help in the past, unfortunately we cannot guarantee that you will receive it this year.

If you believe you are eligible for services, please apply. Should you simply fall behind in your bill, but can make minimal payments, you may be able to work out a payment plan with PG&E to avoid having your utilities shut off.  You may also be eligible for assistance through PG&E’s REACH Program (Relief for Energy Assistance through Community Help).

See the sections below to view 2024 LIHEAP qualifications and learn about the application process. The application period is open until funds run out. You may also apply directly through the California Online LIHEAP Application. People living in West Marin can also apply at the West Marin Community Resource Center by calling 415.663.8361.

In 2024, households who meet both income eligibility requirements and are in the State of California’s following high priority groups will be served first.

• Households with the lowest income
• Households with the greatest energy burden (percentage of income spent on utilities)
• Those with children under age five
• Seniors
• Those that are disabled

Eligibility for LIHEAP services can also vary depending on income, household size, place of residence, and other factors. You may qualify for the LIHEAP or Wood & Propane program if your gross monthly household income is less than the 2024 LIHEAP Income Eligibility figures reflected below:

• $2,882.83 for a family of 1
• $3,769.83 for a family of 2
• $4,656.83​ for a family of 3
• $5,543.92 for a family of 4
• $6,430.92for a family of 5
• $7,317.92for a family of 6
• $7,484.25for a family of 7
• $7,650.58for a family of 8
• $7,816.92for a family of 9
• $7,983.17​ for a family of 10*

​​​*For families/households wi​th​​ more than 10 people, add $166.32​​ for each additional person.

1. Applications can be requested by calling our intake specialist at 415.526.7550 to schedule an appointment. You may also apply directly through the California Online LIHEAP Application.  Eligibility and assistance level is based on household size, gross monthly income, and program priorities. Having received LIHEAP assistance previously is not a factor.
2. Once an application is complete, we will notify you of approval or denial within 30 days. All payments are made within 45 days after approval of an application.
3. The amount you may receive depends on your eligibility. You will be told the amount of assistance you will receive at your appointment. 
4. Assistance is a one-time payment that is sent directly to the utility company or fuel provider and will appear as a credit on your bill.

To apply, you’ll need the following: 

• Recent copies of your utility bill (Must include all pages and show 30 billing days.)
• Final Utility Termination Notice (If you’ve received a 14-day, 48-hour, or shutoff notice from your energy company, that should be included with your utility bill.)
• Recent pay stubs or other proof of income that shows your current monthly gross income (This must account for 30 consecutive days of income.)
• Documentation showing income from Social Security, Cal Fresh, Unemployment Insurance, Pension Funds, Disability, etc. (Examples: Notice of Action, Passport to Services, most recent bank statement showing direct deposit, copy of current check, dated annual benefit letter, payee letter showing income amount, Form 4926, Form 2458, or a HUD statement with a SS amount)
• Other income sources such as Self-employment, Child Support, Odd Job Requirements (Examples: current copy of ledger/journal, or a signed self-employment statement showing monthly gross income)
• For households with zero income, a self-declaration of zero income attestation form will be requested (Please speak to an intake specialist to request a copy of this form.)

For Wood or Propane assistance the eligibility and the process are the same as those for LIHEAP with the following modifications:

• Propane customers: Need to bring their account information including their latest bill. The invoice must match your service address listed on your application.
• Wood customers: Work directly with Community Action Marin’s vendor to get them a cord of wood. No bill is required.

We’d be happy to answer any questions you might have. Simply send an email to publicbenefits@camarin.org or call the LIHEAP Voicemail at 415.526.7550 and a member of our team will get back to you.