Montana State Health Insurance Assistance Program (SHIP)
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Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) in Montana
Montana's Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) pays part of your winter heating bill, and its Emergency Assistance can help when your furnace fails or your heat is about to be shut off.
You apply from Oct. 1 to April 30 through your local Human Resource Development Council or online. Montana looks at savings and other resources as well as income.
How to apply in Montana
- By phone
- 1-800-551-3191
- In person
- Take or mail the combined LIHEAP and Weatherization application to the local eligibility office for your county, usually a Human Resource Development Council (HRDC). The state lists them by county on its Local Eligibility Offices page. Native Americans living on a reservation other than Crow apply through their Tribal LIHEAP office.
Applying is free. Nobody should charge you to apply.
Apply on the official siteWho may qualify in Montana
| Income limit, one person (2026–27 program year) | $36,120 a year for one person (60% of state median income) |
|---|---|
| Income limit, two people (2026–27 program year) | $47,234 a year for two people (60% of state median income) |
| Savings and resource limit, one person (2026–27) | $14,717 |
| Savings and resource limit, two people (2026–27) | $22,515 |
| Other programs | If your household gets SNAP, SSI or TANF, you may qualify automatically |
| Who can apply | Homeowners and renters whose main home is in Montana |
Source: Montana Department of Public Health and Human Services (source 1)
What you may get
| Base heating benefit for the season (2026–27 chart, before adjustments) | $150 to $3,362, depending on the type and size of your home and your fuel. The state then adjusts it for income and local climate. |
|---|---|
| Emergency help | Emergency Assistance all year when loss of heat threatens health or safety. A one-time crisis benefit of up to $250 if your main heat source is about to be shut off (heating season only). |
Source: Montana Department of Public Health and Human Services (source 1)
Dates, renewals and waiting lists
| Heating help applications (winter 2026–27) | Oct. 1, 2026 to April 30, 2027 |
|---|
Source: Montana Department of Public Health and Human Services (source 2)
How Montana is different
Where Montana's rules differ from the federal rules for LIHEAP heating and cooling help.
- Montana counts savings and other resources: the limit is $14,717 for one person in 2026–27.
- Emergency Assistance is available all year, not only in winter.
- One application covers both heating help and Weatherization, which can make your home use less energy.
Source: Montana Department of Public Health and Human Services (source 1)
Good to know
- If you or someone in your home is over 60 or has a disability, you can call 1-800-551-3191 for help filling out the application.
- Montana's rules count a household member 60 or older as a sign of a life-threatening situation when heat is lost below freezing.
- You should get a letter about your application within 45 days.
Source: Montana Department of Public Health and Human Services (source 2)
Free help
Free help with this in Montana
Aging Services Bureau
Your local Area Agency on Aging can help with meals, rides, help at home, caregiver support and applying for benefits.
More help in Montana
Help with heating and cooling bills in another state
- Alabama
- Alaska
- Arizona
- Arkansas
- California
- Colorado
- Connecticut
- Delaware
- District of Columbia
- Florida
- Georgia
- Hawaii
- Idaho
- Illinois
- Indiana
- Iowa
- Kansas
- Kentucky
- Louisiana
- Maine
- Maryland
- Massachusetts
- Michigan
- Minnesota
- Mississippi
- Missouri
- Nebraska
- Nevada
- New Hampshire
- New Jersey
- New Mexico
- New York
- North Carolina
- North Dakota
- Ohio
- Oklahoma
- Oregon
- Pennsylvania
- Rhode Island
- South Carolina
- South Dakota
- Tennessee
- Texas
- Utah
- Vermont
- Virginia
- Washington
- West Virginia
- Wisconsin
- Wyoming
Sources
- Montana Department of Public Health and Human Services, Montana Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (official government site). Checked Oct 28, 2026.
- Montana Department of Public Health and Human Services, 2026–2027 LIHEAP and Weatherization Application (DPHHS-EAP-088, rev. 07/2026) (official government site). Checked Oct 28, 2026.
- Montana Department of Public Health and Human Services, LIHEAP Policy Manual 2026–2027 (October 2026) (official government site). Checked Oct 28, 2026.
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