Calcasieu Parish, Louisiana – Calcasieu Parish residents who are struggling to pay electricity or gas bills may qualify for financial help through the Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program, or LiHEAP, according to the Calcasieu Parish Police Jury Human Services Department.

LiHEAP provides income-based assistance for eligible households to help cover utility costs, focusing on electricity and gas expenses. The program places priority on residents age 60 and older, households with children under age 5, and residents with disabilities. Human Services officials report that, on average, the program assists about 6,000 people each year in Calcasieu Parish.

“LiHEAP is here to help eligible residents during difficult times. For many families, this support makes a real difference in managing energy bills and maintaining a safe, comfortable home,” said Raven Williams of the Calcasieu Parish Police Jury Human Services Department.

How And Where To Apply

Applications are being accepted in person and online.

• In-person applications:
• Location: 2001 Moeling St., Lake Charles
• Days: Monday through Thursday
• Hours: 8 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.
• Residents who are facing a crisis or a utility disconnect are asked to apply in person.
• Online applications:
• Website: calcasieu.gov/liheap

Appointments are also available for those who cannot apply during the walk-in hours.

Who Qualifies For LiHEAP In Calcasieu Parish

Eligibility is based on household size and yearly gross income (income before taxes and deductions). Residents must meet the following income guidelines:

• 1 household member: up to $30,618
• 2 household members: up to $40,039
• 3 household members: up to $49,460
• 4 household members: up to $58,882
• 5 household members: up to $68,303
• 6 household members: up to $77,724
• 7 household members: up to $79,490
• 8 household members: up to $81,257
• 9 household members: up to $83,023
• 10 household members: up to $84,790

Households that fall within these income limits may be eligible for help, depending on available funding and program rules.

Documents Residents Need To Apply

Applicants must provide several documents to verify identity, income, and household information. When applying, residents should bring or upload:

• A U.S. government-issued photo ID (such as a driver’s license or state ID)
• A Social Security card for each household member
• Proof of address (such as a lease, official letter, or utility bill showing the residence)
• Income verification for the past 30 days (pay stubs, benefit letters, or other income records)
• The most recent bill for an active energy account (electric or gas)

Submitting complete and accurate documents can help speed up processing and reduce delays.

Focus On Vulnerable Households

Human Services officials emphasize that LiHEAP is especially important for older adults, young children, and residents with disabilities. Extreme heat or cold can be dangerous for these groups, and assistance with energy bills can help them maintain safe indoor temperatures.

By prioritizing seniors, households with children under 5, and people with disabilities, the program aims to reduce the risk of utility shutoffs for those most vulnerable to health and safety issues when power or gas service is interrupted.

Local Impact In Calcasieu Parish

LiHEAP is a federally funded program administered locally through the Calcasieu Parish Police Jury Human Services Department in Lake Charles. The department reports that roughly 6,000 parish residents receive assistance each year, showing the program’s role as a major support for low-income households across Calcasieu Parish communities, including Lake Charles, Sulphur, Westlake, DeQuincy, Iowa, Vinton, Moss Bluff, Carlyss, Gillis, Hayes, Prien, and Starks.

While the program does not eliminate utility costs, it can reduce the financial burden on qualifying households, helping them keep lights and air conditioning or heating on during peak seasons.

How To Get More Information

Residents who have questions about eligibility, documents, or the application process can contact:

• Calcasieu Parish Police Jury Human Services Department
• Phone: 337-721-4030
• Website: calcasieu.gov/liheap
• In-person address: 2001 Moeling St., Lake Charles, LA

Staff can provide details about current funding, processing times, and how LiHEAP works with other local assistance programs.