LCCS, Inc. serves as an intake site for the Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program. The program helps individuals and families with the cost of heating homes or apartments and summer electric when funds are available. See the information in the application packet.
You may apply by phone by calling 211; online at https://ihcda.rhsconnect.com/portal/Account/Login; you can print the application information below; or pick-up an application during the scheduled dates and times listed below.
The 2023-2024 Program will be primarily virtual. No walk-in or in-person appointments will be conducted.
LCCS will provide application pick-up on Mondays and Wednesdays from 10am to 2pm only (except for observed holidays – 2/19/2024 closed for President’s Day).
You will be able to return your applications via US postal service or via our LCCS DropBox – Monday – Friday (excluding observed holidays and as otherwise announced) from 8:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. (located at 1450 E. Joliet Street, outside of Suite 202, Crown Point, Indiana). Please place all documents in a sealed envelope with your name and phone number before placing in the DropBox. If you have a Disconnect Notice, please include a copy and write “Disconnect” on the envelope.
The Energy Assistance Program (EAP) can help you pay your heat and electric bills! EAP is a Federally funded program through the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) called the Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP).
EAP provides a one-time annual benefit that can assist you with the high cost of home energy and can help if you are about to get disconnected. However, an EAP benefit will not cover all of your annual heating and electric costs, so you should continue to pay your bills regularly.
What are the Income Limits and Eligibility Requirements?
The amounts listed below, for 1-10 household members, are 60% of the State Median Income. If your household has 10 or more members, the amount is based on 150% of the Federal Poverty Guidelines. Please note that for eligibility determination, we use the most recent three months of income.
Persons in Household | Monthly Income | Three-Month Income |
1 | $2,479 | $7,438 |
2 | $3,242 | $9,727 |
3 | $4,005 | $12,016 |
4 | $4,768 | $14,305 |
5 | $5,531 | $16,594 |
6 | $6,294 | $18,883 |
7 | $6,437 | $19,312 |
8 | $6,580 | $19,741 |
9 | $6,723 | $20,171 |
10 | $6,866 | $20,600 |
Below are the minimum requirements to apply for EAP.
* A completed and signed PY2024 application in English or in Spanish using BLACK INK ONLY.
See instructions in the Application Packet:
2023-24 APPLICATION COVER LETTER
WHATS IN YOUR APPLICATION PACKET 2023-2024
EAP 2023-2024 DOCUMENTATION CHECKLIST
2024 APPLICATION- LAKE COUNTY COMM. SERVS.
APPLICATION- LARGE HOUSEHOLD ADDITIONAL MEMBER
Other forms included:
2024 Landlord Affidavit – Use if you are a renter with utilities included in your rent.
2024 Declaration of Absent Household Members – Use if there is an Absent Household Member identified on your documents such as, utility bill or bank statement.
2024 Utility Affidavit – Use only if the Utility bill is in the name of another person.
2024 Income Verification Affidavit and 2024 Department of Workforce Development Release of Information – Use only if you are declaring Zero Income or have received unemployment benefits (both the affidavit and the release form should be completed).
2024 Direct Benefit Payment Election Form – Use only if your utilities are included with your rent and you are expecting to receive your benefit payment directly to you.
2024 Request for Earnings Information – Use this form if you are unable to provide checkstubs from your employer.
EAP Address Change form – Use this form if your address on the application was different than your current address and your utility account is the same.
* Photo ID for the person completing and signing the application.
* Proof of Social Security Number (SSN) for each member of the household:
Ø Copy of Social Security Card
Ø Copy of a valid U.S. Passport
Ø Copy of a valid State-issued REAL ID
Ø Copy of a pre-printed Federal Form, such as correspondence from the Social Security Administration or a W-2, that contains the person’s name and full, unredacted SSN.
* Current Documentation of Income for all household members aged 18 or over.
Ø Employment/wages
o Most recent paystubs (for previous three months)
o Request for Earnings information form – see attachments
Ø Social Security/SSI/VA Benefits
o Most recent Social Security Benefit Letter (complete – all pages) including SS, SSI or VA benefits.
o Or, a recent Bank Statement (all pages and no blacked out or redacted sections)
Ø Pension/Retirement
o Most recent award letter (all pages)
Ø Most recent Form 1040 tax return, with all appropriate self-employment schedules
Ø Full print-out of your most current Uplink statement (must be the actual printout – no screenshots will be accepted)
Ø Alimony/Spousal Support/Worker’s Compensation/Private Disability
o Any documentation of payments received.
Ø Odd Jobs/Irregular Income/No Income
o Completed 2024 Income Verification Affidavit
If you have any questions about acceptable documentation, contact us at (219) 663-0627.
* Current, complete bill (all pages required) for electric and heating. No water or sewer assistance this year.
Ø If you heat with bulk deliverable fuel, provide most recent delivery receipt.
Ø If utilities are included in your rent, please provide a completed 2024 Landlord Affidavit and 2024 Direct Benefit Payment Election Form
* See the Application Instruction Page in the Application Packet for additional information. NO
