Energy Assistance Program

The Indiana Energy Assistance Program Year 2027 opens for online applications October 1, 2026 at 7 a.m. LCCS is expected to have paper applications available starting October 2, 2026. We have uploaded a printable copy of the PY2027 application on this website. We have also included all potentially necessary forms on this website. You may return your completed applications and documentation in a sealed envelop to LCCS by Dropbox (Monday thru Friday – 8:30am to 4:00pm only –  excluding holidays) or by mail to LCCS, 1450 E. Joliet St., Suite 202, Crown Point, IN 46307 

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 online at  eap.ihcda.in.gov ; below you will find a printable copy of the application, instructions and all potentially necessary forms. We will have scheduled pick-up days and times listed on our website as the paper forms become available.

The PY27 will continue to be primarily virtual.  No walk-in or in-person appointments will be conducted at LCCS. 

Applications can be picked up:

Friday, 10/2/2026 – 10am – 2pm; Monday, 10/5/2026 – 10am – 2pm; Wednesday, 10/7/2026 – 10am – 2pm; Friday, 10/9/2026 – 10am – 2pm.  Additional dates will be added as supply of paper copies are available. 

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. Disconnect Notices must be provided with the initial application. No Disconnect Notices will be accepted after your initial application has been submitted. 

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

3 Months

1

$2,886

$8,658

2

$3,774

$11,323

3

$4,662

$13,987

4

$5,550

$16,651

5

$6,438

$19,315

6

$7,326

$21,980

7

$7,493

$22,479

8

$7,659

$22,979

9

$7,826

$23,478

10

$7,992

$23,978

Below are the minimum requirements to apply for EAP.

* A completed and signed PY2027 application in English or in Spanish using BLACK OR BLUE INK ONLY. 

 

See INSTRUCTIONS – REQUIRED DOCUMENTATION attachment below for more information. Application and forms have been uploaded below.

 

* Proof of Income

 * Current Documentation of Income for all household members aged 18 or over.

Ø  Employment/wages

  • o Most recent paystubs
  • o Work/pay statements for immediate 13 weeks prior to application for gig work
  • o Request for Earnings information form – see attachments

Ø  Social Security/SSI/VA Benefits

o Most recent complete (all pages) award letter Social Security Benefit Letter – including SSA, 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 Self-Employment: Most recent Form 1040 tax return, with all appropriate self-employment schedules

Ø Unemployment: Full print-out of your most current Uplink statement and completed Release of Information form for DWD

Ø  Alimony/Spousal Support/Worker’s Compensation/Private Disability

o   Any documentation of payments received.

Ø  Odd Jobs/Irregular Income/No Income

o   Completed Undocumented Income Form

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 Landlord Affidavit.
  • Please ensure you are providing the full and complete billing statement! 

PRINTABLE APPLICATION, INSTRUCTIONS AND FORMS FOR PROGRAM YEAR 2027:

APPLICATION INSTRUCTIONS – REQUIRED DOCUMENTATION

2027 EAP Application LAKE COUNTY COMMUNITY SERVICES

Undocumented Income Verification FORM 2027

DWD Release of Information Instructions and Form

Tenant Verification Statement

Direct Benefit Payment Election Form (fillable pdf)

Non Household Member Declaration Form (fillable pdf)

Request for Earnings Information

EAP Address Change form (fillable pdf)

PRIVACY NOTICE

Indiana Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program