DHSS Press Release

LIHEAP COMMUNITY CELEBRATION ON FEB. 13 IN WILMINGTON

NEW CASTLE (Feb. 3, 2015) – On Friday, Feb. 13, beginning at 11 a.m., the Delaware Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) will host a Community Celebration for the Program Partners who administer energy assistance programs. The celebration will be held at Junior Achievement of Delaware, 522 S. Walnut St. Wilmington. LIHEAP also will unveil a new space that will engage and encourage youth and the community to learn about the importance of energy conservation at Junior Achievement of Delaware.

The Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) is a federally funded program for eligible families that need support in meeting their home energy costs. The Department of Health and Social Services’ Division of State Service Centers (DSSC) administers this program on a contractual basis with community partners such as Catholic Charities, First State Community Action Agency and Interfaith Community Housing of Delaware.

In Delaware, LIHEAP is commonly referred to as the Delaware Energy Assistance Program (DEAP). DEAP has several components, which include:

• Energy Crisis Intervention Program: A crisis may include but not be limited to being low on home heating oil (gas, kerosene, propane), shut-off or past due notice from energy supplier, or lack of money due to the purchase of essential medicine or food. Application dates: January through March.
• Fuel Assistance Program: Provides home heating assistance, including electric, gas, oil, kerosene, propane, wood and coal. Application dates: October through April.
• Summer Cooling Assistance Program/Electric (SCAP/E): Provides assistance by paying a portion of a summer electric bill in order to be able to continue to use air conditioning. Application dates: June through September
• Weatherization Assistance Program (WAP): Designed to maximize energy savings, reduce energy costs, and improve the health and safety of low-income families through the use of weatherization measures. Application intake dates: January through December.
• Summer Cooling Assistance Program (SCAP/AC): Offers assistance by providing a room-size air conditioner to those most in need in order to stay cool and healthy. Application intake dates: May through September.

For more information about the Delaware Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program, visit dhss.delaware.gov/dss/liheap.html

Delaware Health and Social Services is committed to improving the quality of the lives of Delaware’s citizens by promoting health and well-being, fostering self-sufficiency, and protecting vulnerable populations.