In Mineral County, almost 30 percent of the population between ages 18 and 64, lives in poverty.  And as the temperatures drop, some people may not have enough money to heat their homes. Luckily the Low Income Energy Assistance Program (LIEAP) and Weatherization is available to low income residents who need help with their heating bills.  LIEAP is federally funded through the Department of Health and Human Services.

In order to qualify for LIEP individuals must be a resident of the state of Montana and they must need financial assistance for home energy costs.  Income levels are as follows:

For a household size of one person, the maximum income level per year is $21,702.

For a household of two people, it’s $28,379.  For three, it’s $35,057; for four it’s $41,734.

LIEP also assists with Weatherization for residents homes.  To apply, people need to provide verification of their gross income over the past 12 months along with a copy of their most recent heat fuel bill.  The Missoula Human Resource Council is the contact for Mineral County at (406) 728-3710.