Important updates: 

The Office of Social Services is NOT accepting new applications for the Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) – for non-crisis assistance, or rent/mortgage at this time. 

We will notify the community through multimedia sources when we resume. 

Thank you for your understanding and patience during this time.

There are three ways to apply for assistance:

• Online – Clients may complete an application online (Utility Assistance) and submit the required document.  Rental assistance applications cannot be submitted online.

• Pick up & Drop Off -- Pick up & Drop Off -- Clients seeking rent or utility assistance can download an application (LIHEAP Application Click Here), or pick one up from the main office located at 4523 Plank Rd. or your nearest community center (Community Center Locations Click Here). Completed applications with the required documents can be returned to the main office located at 4523 Plank Rd. or your nearest community center’s drop box.

• Telephone Access -- Seniors and disabled clients needing assistance with completing a utility or rental application can schedule an appointment by calling (225) 427-8822 or schedule an appointment using this online scheduler. Be sure to leave a valid telephone number so that a team member can contact you on the scheduled date and time.

Click link for an instructional video to setup your account: https://youtu.be/EM834CNslYo

Click here for a step by step guide to the online application instructions

Click here for video to online application instructions

If you are unable to complete the online application, you can download the application from the website: LIHEAP Application Click Here, or pick up an application from your nearest community center (Community Center Locations Click Here).  You must still provide a valid photo identification as well as the documents requested on the application.

        All scanned documents must be clearly scanned.  If documents are unclear, it may cause a delay in processing your application.

Note:  When sending a picture of the bill, please be sure the picture is clear, easily legible, and all four corners of the document (the full page) are in the picture. It is recommended you take the picture in a well-lit area with the camera held directly over the form.  Do not hold the form, lay it on a flat surface and take the picture. 

Households reporting zero income must provide additional documentation. See form links below:

LIHEAP ZERO INCOME STATEMENT FORMS CLICK HERE

(Completed by all household members 18 and over without income) 

LIHEAP ZERO INCOME SUPPLEMENTAL SHEET CLICK HERE

(Complete by Head of Household only with no income) 

STATEMENT OF CONTRIBUTIONS CLICK HERE

(Completed by the person who contributes to cover household expenses) 

FOR ASSISTANCE WITH A UTILITY DISCONNECT NOTICE 

Call: 225.358.4561

Customers MUST have a disconnect notice to apply.

LIHEAP Frequently Asked Questions @ www.brla.gov/oss for additional help.

List of Docs to Provide

Failure to provide all required documentation will delay your assistance. We require below documents:

• Housing: Mortgage and Rent Assistance
  • A valid picture of identification for the head of the household
  • Social Security cards for every household member
  • Proof of income for every household member. Households reporting zero income must provide additional documentation.
  • Lease
  • A late rent or mortgage letter / Eviction notice
  • Proof of all the household expenses
  • Proof of a hardship
• HOPWA STRMU: Short-term Rent, Mortgage, and Utility Assistance
  • A household must have at least one person verified to have an HIV or AIDS diagnosis
  • The total household income must be at or below 80 percent of the area median income, as defined by HUD
  • The household member must be referred by an HIV service provider
  • A valid picture of identification for the head of the household
  • Social Security cards for every household member
  • Proof of income for every household member
  • Lease
  • A late rent or mortgage letter / Eviction notice
  • Utility disconnect notice
  • Proof of all the household expenses
  • Proof of a hardship
• Utility: Electric (CSBG)
  • A valid picture of identification for the head of the household
  • Social Security cards for every household member
  • Proof of income for every household member
  • A disconnect bill for the current month
  • Proof of residence (A bill or letter addressed to the head of the household)
• LIHEAP Utility: Electric (Crisis) Disconnect Assistance
  • Must have a disconnect notice to apply
  • A valid picture of identification for the head of the household
  • Social Security cards for every household member
  • Proof of income for every household member. Households reporting zero income must provide additional documentation. Last 4 consecutive paycheck stubs.
  • A regular utility bill for the current month
  • Proof of hardship
  • Proof of residence (A bill or letter addressed to the head of the household)
• LIHEAP Utility: Electric (Non Crisis) Assistance
  • A valid picture of identification for the head of the household
  • Social Security cards for every household member
  • Proof of income for every household member. Households reporting zero income must provide additional documentation. Last 4 consecutive paycheck stubs.
  • A regular utility bill for the current month
  • Proof of residence (A bill or letter addressed to the head of the household dated within the last 30 days of application date).
• Income Tax Preparation (Fed & State)
  • A valid picture of Identification - can't be expired (Driver's license, Passport, Military ID, State Issued ID, Employer ID
  • Proof of all income statements needed to complete the tax return
  • Proof of all Social Security cards for all persons included on tax return
  • For direct deposit - bank name, routing and account number
  • Medical Insurance through HealthCare.gov, need form 1095-A
  • Identity Theft Protection PIN number

Please note after reviewing your documents we may request additional information to complete your application.