Low Income Assistance Program

How do I find out if I qualify?

If your total household income does not exceed the federal poverty guidelines, and you are eligible for the Low Income Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) administered by the Maine State Housing Authority (MSHA) or any means tested program administered by the Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS), you will may qualify for Versant's Low Income Assistance Program (LIAP). It is important to note that the Federal Poverty Guidelines can change. Please see the current poverty guidelines.

Note: The federal poverty guidelines may increase upon guidance from the federal government.

Are there any restrictions?

Yes. Customers who receive housing subsidies are not eligible to participate, unless you or member of your household uses an oxygen pump/ventilator for at least eight hours per day. To learn about restrictions that may apply to you, check with your local agency.

How should I apply?

DHHS programs - If eligible by participation in any means tested program through the DHHS, you will receive an annual letter from DHHS as proof of your eligibility for LIAP.  Once received, please return the document as directed on the letter to Versant and you will be automatically enrolled in the LIAP program upon receipt.  

MSHA program - To receive HEAP benefits, you will need to make an appointment by calling the office nearest you (please see the list below.) The HEAP year runs from October 1 through April 30. Contact your local agency to learn more or schedule an appointment.

The Low Income Assistance Program year runs from October 1 through September 30. LIAP Program guidelines require existing program participants to recertify eligibility. Applications for the LIAP Program will be accepted until April 30. Please contact your local agency immediately to schedule an appointment.

Waldo Community Action Partners
Office Hours: 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m
9 Field Street, Belfast, Maine
(207) 338-3025 | 1-800-498-3025

Pleasant Point Passamaquoddy Tribe
Office Hours: 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
(207) 853-2600

Penobscot Nation
Office Hours: 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
(207) 817-7492

Penquis
Office Hours: 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m
(207) 947-3630 | 1-800-215-4942

Downeast Community Partners
Office Hours: 7:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.

Aroostook County Action Program
Office Hours: 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m
(207) 768-3053

Houlton Band of Maliseet
Office Hours : 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
88 Bell Rd.
Littleton, ME 04730
(207) 532-7260

Aroostook Band of Micmac Indians
Office Hours : 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
7 Northern Rd.
Presque Isle, ME 04769
(207) 764-1972
1-800-355-1435

Other programs that may help to reduce your electric bill

Arrearage Management Program (AMP) — The Arrearage Management Program (AMP) is an assistance program designed to help eligible low-income residential customers who are behind on their electricity bills. Approved applicants will be eligible for forgiveness of up to 100 percent of their past-due amount at the time of enrollment. A forgiveness credit will be applied to the past-due amount monthly each time a customer makes an on-time payment in full. The forgiveness credit will be equal to one-twelfth of the total past-due amount at the time of enrollment, subject to a monthly cap of $300.

Oxygen Pump/Ventilator Program — If you or a member of your household uses an oxygen pump/ventilator for at least 8 hours each day and are currently enrolled in the Low Income Assistance program, you may be eligible for a monthly credit to your account.

Eligibility Guidelines:

• Certification to receive the Oxygen Pump and Ventilator benefit must be renewed annually.
• The benefit shall be applied to only one account per customer.
  
• In the event a customer receiving the benefit moves to a new location within the same service territory, your eligibility to receive the benefit will transfer to the new account.
  
• Completed form should be forwarded to Versant Power during the month of September to receive a full year of the Oxygen Pump and Ventilator Benefit.
  
• Customers receiving a housing subsidy are eligible to participate in both the LIAP, as well as the Oxygen Pump and Ventilator Program. You must be certified by your physician or physician's agent that a pump or ventilator is necessary at least eight (8) hours per day.

Download the Oxygen/Ventilator Pump Certification Form

Please contact our Customer Service Center for more information. Low Income Assistance Program guidelines require applicants who receive HEAP/LIAP or the Oxygen Pump/Ventilator credit to recertify annually.

Efficiency Maine — Efficiency Maine is a statewide effort to promote the more efficient use of electricity, help Maine residents and businesses reduce energy costs, and improve Maine's environment. 

Efficiency Maine has incorporated more pathways to eligibility for enhanced low income rebates. Now there are more ways Mainers can qualify for Efficiency Maine’s enhanced rebates:

1. Home Energy Assistance Program (HEAP)
2. Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) for food assistance
3. Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) for cash assistance
4. MaineCare for medical insurance coverage.
5. Tax Assessed Valuation of Land and Building
   

Learn more here: https://www.efficiencymaine.com/income-based-eligibility-verification/. For more information you may contact them at 1-866-376-2463 or visit them online at www.efficiencymaine.com.

Weatherization Programs — Penquis CAP serves households in Penobscot and Piscataquis counties, WHCA serves households in Washington and Hancock counties, and ACAP serves customers in Aroostook County that meet the current HEAP income guidelines. The primary focus of the weatherization program is to reduce the client's energy cost by installing cost effective energy conservation measures in their homes. Priority is given to households with the highest energy costs and those susceptible to hypothermia.

What other programs are available?

General Assistance
General Assistance is available through the city or town you live. Assistance may be available to you for your current electric and heating bill. Customers, if eligible, can apply every month. You should contact your city or town office to make an appointment.

Energy Crisis Intervention Program (ECIP)
The Energy Crisis Intervention Program is the emergency portion of the LIHEAP. This program provides assistance to LIHEAP-eligible applicants who are in an emergency situation, i.e., have run out of fuel or wood, or have received an electrical shut-off notice. Please call the agency nearest you for more information as the availability of these funds is very limited.

Emergency Assistance (Family Crisis)
The Emergency Assistance Program is a service limited to families with children under the age of 18, who may not be receiving TANF but would be eligible for TANF. The program was designed to assist families in paying their past due energy-related costs in order to avoid power shut-off. It is mandatory that you include a copy of the utility shut-off notice along with the application.

2-1-1 Maine, Inc.
2-1-1 Maine, Inc. is a nonprofit organization formed in partnership with United Way of Maine and Ingraham to develop a health and human services information and referral service system to serve the entire state of Maine, every day and in times of crisis.

2-1-1 Maine, Inc.
50 Lydia Lane
South Portland, Maine 04106
Telephone: 2-1-1
E-mail: info@211maine.org
www.211maine.org

Contact the Department of Health and Human Services in your service area for more information on low income programs:

19 Maine Ave.
Bangor, ME 04401
(207) 561-4100 or 1-800-432-7825

State House Station 11
38 Prescott Drive, Suite 3
Machias, ME 04654
(207) 255-2000 or 1-800-432-7846

State House Station 11
17 Eastward Lane
Ellsworth, ME 04605
(207) 664-1400 or 1-800-432-7823

30 Skyway Drive,
SkyWay Plaza Unit 100
Caribou, ME 04736
(207) 493-4000 or 1-800-432-7366

State House Station 11
137 Market Street
Fort Kent, ME 04743
(207) 834-1000 or 1-800-432-7340

State House Station 11
11 High Street
Houlton, ME 04730
(207) 532-5000 or 1-800-432-7338

View the Low Income Assistance Program Brochure