Get Help with your Energy and Water Bills
SPECIAL NOTICE
Due to limited funding and a high demand for HEAP, a Priority Plan is in effect. Income-eligible households may be denied for HEAP assistance. To avoid disconnection, we advise you to contact your utility provider to make payment arrangements. Thank you for your patience as we work to process your application. You will receive a letter from us in the mail within 8 weeks as to the status of your application. We encourage you to apply but cannot guarantee assistance.
Thank you
Sacred Heart Community Service Energy Assistance
Help with Utilities
Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP)
The Home Energy Assistance Program (HEAP) is a non-emergency federally-funded program that assists low-income households with paying home energy bills once a year. The Home Energy Assistance Program (HEAP) can offer income-eligible residents of Santa Clara County a credit to their utility bill. HEAP is available for people who purchase energy from PG&E, Silicon Valley Power or the City of Palo Alto, Submetered, and Included in Rent. Along with the utility credit, clients will also receive valuable information about energy conservation and practical tips on how to save energy and keep your utility bill at a manageable level.
Click Here to check if your Energy Utility Provider is covered by SHCS. If your Energy Service Provider is not listed contact the California Department of Community Services and Development at (866) 675-6623.
Help with Water Bills
Low Income Household Water Assistance Program (LIHWAP)
LIHWAP provides a one-time payment assistance benefit of up to $15,000 on residential water bills for low-income households. Eligibility is based on household size, income, and Water Service Agency must be enrolled to receive Direct Payments. Assistance is paid directly to the water companies.
VW Water Rate Assistance Program (WRAP)
Sacred Heart Community Service is partnering with the Santa Clara Valley Water District (WRAP) to provide water assistance relief to extremely-low income households impacted by the pandemic.
Qualified applicants may receive up to $1,000. Payment will be made directly to the water company.
Click Here to check if your Water Utility Provider is covered by SHCS. If your Water Service Provider is not listed contact the California Department of Community Services and Development at (866) 675-6623.
Water Assistance Resources
This one-pager provides households with instructions on how to ask their utility if they offer a bill assistance program, how to ask their utility for a due date extension or payment plan, and where to look for assistance outside of their utility.
Contact Us:
Call us at 1-877-278-6455 for more information or to request an application. Due to the increase in demand and influx of phone calls, we are not able to return calls requesting status of applications.
Email us at heap@sacredheartcs.org for more information or to request an application by email
Eligibility Requirements:
A completed and signed application.
Your total household gross income must not exceed the guidelines listed below
You receive service from a community water system (private wells and septic excluded); and
Your water system has enrolled in the program. Not all enrolled water systems can accept LIHWAP payments for current bills.
Renters: If your water bill is included in your rental payment, you may still qualify for LIHWAP if you are past due on rent. The application will require an additional step: you must complete an agreement with your landlord to apply the benefit amount.
Water Application Forms
All applications are in PDF format. Please see the attached instructions for additional information and requirements. Or Call us at (408) 916-5014 for more information or to request an application.