Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program

How Catholic Charities Helps

The federally funded Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program helps households that need assistance to pay the cost of home energy.

Catholic Charities has administered this program for over 25 years.

Homeowners and renters, at 200% of federal poverty guidelines, can apply.  All heating and cooling sources, including electricity, gas, oil, kerosene, wood, propane, natural gas,and coal are eligible.  Although the program does not pay for all heating costs, it does provide an important financial supplement.  Help for home cooling is provided during the summer months, if funding is available.

Heating assistance applications are processed from October 1 to March 31.  Funds from the federal government do not usually arrive until late December, when energy benefits become available.

Over 17,000 Delaware families applied for and received assistance in 2008-2009.

How To Get Help

For more information, please contact the Catholic Charities location nearest you.

New Castle County Office

2601 W Fourth Street

Wilmington, Delaware

Phone: 302-654-9295

Kent County Office

1155 Walker Road

Dover, Delaware

Phone: 302-674-1782

Sussex County Office

406 S Bedford Street, Suite 9

Georgetown, Delaware

Phone: 302-856-6310

Click here to send an email for more information.

You can also call the Delaware Helpline at 1-800-464-HELP (1-800-464-4357), or contact your local State Service Center.

If you are a recipient, or want to be a recipient, of the energy program, please make an appointment and try to keep the appointment, as funds are limited. It is important to make your appointment early, and keep your scheduled appointment, in order for you to get help. Please have the documentation required to expedite the eligibility process.

Bring with you to your appointment

·       Proof of income for all adults in the household

·       Social Security cards for all individuals in the household

·       Proof of address (lease or mortgage statement)

·       Electric/gas bill

·       Proof of energy vendor

How You Can Help

Click here to donate to the Basic Needs Program using a credit card.  You may also send a check to Catholic Charities, 2601 W 4th Street, Wilmington, DE 19805, and designate Basic Needs Program on the check memo line.

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