Utility Assistance

The Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program and The Low-Income Household Water Assistance Program

If you're struggling to pay your utility bill, the Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) may be able to help.

The Low-Income Household Water Program (LIHWAP) has similar eligibility requirements as LIHEAP. However, you must have applied for LIHEAP in the same program year. LIHWAP is scheduled to start late 2022.

Eligible households can receive up to $1000 once per program year.

To Qualify

Regular Assistance

You must be a resident of Shelby County
Your income must be at or below 150% (w/ 60%SMI Max) Federal Poverty Guidelines (See chart below)
You must have an active utility account

If you have ALL of the above, you qualify for Regular Assistance

Emergency Assistance

If you qualify for Regular Assistance above AND you received a cut-off notice, you may qualify for Emergency Assistance. To qualify, ONE of the below must also apply to your household:

At least one household member is 60 years of age or over or;
At least one household member is 5 years of age or younger;
At least one household member has a disability or;
The household has experienced an uncontrollable circumstance

***Uncontrollable circumstances are provable circumstances that caused an uncontrollable reduction in income and/or an unexpected out-of-pocket expense like job loss, death of spouse, unexpected repair or replacement of a large appliance, or a medical emergency.***

To Apply:

You will need:

State Issued ID
Social Security cards for all household members
Income information for household (i.e. check stubs, award letter)
Copy of your most recent utility bill

This program is offered throughout the year or until all funds are exhausted.

Applications can be submitted online, mailed or drop box.

"CLICK HERE" to apply online if services are active and you do not have a disconnect notice.

"CLICK HERE" to print the application below or mail to 1188 Minna Place, Memphis, TN 38104. A drop box is available at this location.

If services are disconnected application must me returned to 1188 Minna Place.

Haga clic en "Download Application Form" para imprimir la solicitud que aparece a continuación o envíela por correo a 1188 Minna Place, Memphis, TN 38104. Hay un buzón disponible en este lugar.

Si se desconectan los servicios, la solicitud debe devolverse a 1188 Minna Place.

THDA Utility Assistance Income Guidelines

(FOR FY 22, EFFECTIVE OCTOBER 1, 2021)

150% Federal Poverty Guidelines
(w/ 60%SMI Max)

People in Household	Annual Income	Monthly Income
01	$25,201.00	$2,100.08
02	$32,956.00	$2,746.33
03	$40,710.00	$3,392.50
04	$48,464.00	$4,038.67
05	$56,218.00	$4,684.83
06	$63,972.00	$5,331.00
07	$71,726.00	$5,977.17
08	$79,480.00	$6,623.33
For Each Additional Person Add:	$ 7,754.00	$ 646.17

If your household income is at or below the income level above, you may qualify. These numbers are based on the number of people living in your home (household size) and 126% (w/ 60% SMI Max) of the Federal Poverty Level Guidelines (Maximum Income Level). You may apply once per program year.

Feel free to contact Shelby County Community Services Agency office at (901) 222-4200 for additional information.

The Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) and Low-Income Household Water Assistance Program (LIHWAP) are administered by Shelby County Community Services Agency and is funded by Tennessee Housing Development Agency (THDA). These programs are designed to assist eligible households in meeting the rising cost of home energy.