Hawaii Home Energy Assistance Program (H-HEAP)

The Hawaii Home Energy Assistance Program, H-HEAP, was formerly called LIHEAP. It gives income-eligible households a one-time payment toward an electric or gas bill for heating or cooling. It does not pay the whole bill, and a household can get only one type of H-HEAP payment per program year, which runs October 1 through September 30.

There are two parts, and the dates matter a lot. Energy Credit (EC) is bill help for households that are not in a crisis. EC applications are accepted only from June 1 through June 30 each year, so mark that window. Energy Crisis Intervention (ECI) is for households whose electric or gas service has been or will be shut off, and it requires a disconnect notice.

The crisis part is the fast lane, but it is limited. ECI applications are taken year-round, but the number of approvals each month is small and the spots fill quickly. If your power is about to be cut, name the emergency right away.

Here is the step people miss: DHS does not process these applications. Only the Community Action Agency that serves your island does. Sending your application to a DHS office causes delays. On Oahu the agency is the Honolulu Community Action Program (HCAP). On Maui, Molokai, and Lanai it is Maui Economic Opportunity (MEO).

Come with a complete packet. You submit the application and supporting documents, which include proof of identity for household members, proof of where you live, and proof of all income from the prior month. An incomplete packet can be delayed or denied. The program is income-based, and your agency confirms the current limit for your household.

For general information you can call the DHS line at 1-855-643-1643, though your island agency takes the application. Pair H-HEAP with weatherization to lower future bills, and dial 2-1-1 for other local utility funds if a shut-off is near.