Emergencies can happen to anyone, any time. Community Action Marin provides access to the appropriate programs.
Please note that all funds for our 2023 Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) have been utilized. This program will resume by 2024. If you have questions, please email LIHEAP@camarin.org or call the LIHEAP Voicemail at 415.526.7550 and a member of our team will get back to you.
Need energy assistance now? You may qualify for PG&E’s Relief for Energy Assistance through Community Help (REACH) program. Apply online at dollarenergy.org/MyApp or call the Salvation Army at 415.459.4520.
LIHEAP Energy Assistance (program will resume by 2024)
The Energy Assistance program 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.
Community Action Marin is the local administrator of the federally-funded Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP). Our Energy Program is also a conduit for other energy assistance and residential conservation programs. Reaching just under 1,300 households this past year, our Low-Income Energy Assistance Program ensures that families get assistance with utility payments and wood and propane home energy costs.
LIHEAP helps families living on low incomes pay their heating bills in the form of a cash grant. It is a one-time payment sent directly to the utility company or fuel provider and will appear as a credit on your bill.
See “The Process” section below to learn how to apply once the program resumes. People living in West Marin can also apply at the West Marin Community Resource Center, 415.663.8361.
People who rely primarily on wood or propane for heating can also get 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.
- Wood customers: Work directly with Community Action Marin’s vendor to get them a cord of wood. No bill required.
- Once the program resumes, 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.
- 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.
- The amount you may receive depends on your eligibility. You will be informed on the amount of assistance that you will receive at the time of your appointment.
- 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. The amount you may receive depends on your eligibility. You will be informed on the amount of assistance that you will receive at the time of your appointment. You can only apply for emergency assistance once in a year from October 1 – September 30.
Eligibility for LIHEAP services can 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 2023 LIHEAP Income Eligibility figures reflected below:
- $2,700.17 for a family of 1
- $3,531.00 for a family of 2
- $4,361.83 for a family of 3
- $5,192.75 for a family of 4
- $6,023.59 for a family of 5
- $6,854.43 for a family of 6
- $7,010.21 for a family of 7
- $7,166.00 for a family of 8
- $7,321.78 for a family of 9
- $7,477.56 for a family of 10*
*For families/households with more than 10 persons, add $155.78 for each additional person.
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 (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 a recent invoice is required (the invoice must match your service address listed on your application.)
We’d be happy to answer any questions you might have. Simply send an email to LIHEAP@camarin.org or call the LIHEAP Voicemail at 415.526.7550 and a member of our team will get back to you.
Pet Security Deposit Help
Have a pet? We know that finding the right home for you, your family and your pets can be challenging. Even more so if there’s an additional cost of a pet security deposit. No one should have to give up their beloved pet because they can’t afford these costs.
The Marin Humane Society has generously partnered with Community Action Marin to provide up to $500 towards a pet security deposit for qualifying individuals or families. This financial support will be paid directly to the housing manager or landlord.
To qualify, pet owners must:
- Be 18 years or older and the legal guardian of the pet(s).
- Live in or moving to a rental property in Marin County
- Have their pet spayed or neutered (Marin Humane can assist with this upon acceptance into the program)
- Have their dog(s) licensed in Marin County