The State Emergency Relief (SER) program provides a wide range of non-energy and energy-related emergency services. The cost for SER energy services is covered with LIHEAP, state and other federal funds. Services are provided year round.

The SER program is administered by the Department of Human Services (DHS). An application is needed to request assistance and an appointment is generally required. To apply, please contact the  DHS office in your area.

What are the eligibility criteria for SER?

Eligibility for SER energy services is based on the household's demonstration of immediate need for assistance with home heating fuel, electricity, or energy-related home repairs. Immediate need may be demonstrated by a declared need for a deliverable fuel such as fuel oil, L.P. gas, wood and coal, presentation of a shut-off notice for natural gas or electricity or a verified need for an energy-related home repair of a home owned or being purchased.

In addition to immediate need, SER energy services eligibility is based on income to be received in the 30-day period following application. All households will have their income compared to the SER Income Need Standard established to cover shelter, heat, utilities, personal and incidental needs. The SER Income Need Standard for all family sizes is below 60% of the state's median income.

The SER Income Need Standard is as follows:

An asset test is also applied to applicant households. Cash assets available at the time of application will be counted when determining eligibility. $50.00 of cash assets is exempt. Any amount in excess of $50.00 must be used toward the requested need.

What are the payment levels?

SER energy services covered by LIHEAP include:

• Heating Fuel: Payment is provided for any type of fuel used to heat the dwelling unit up to an annual maximum as follows:

  • $350 for households which heat with natural gas or wood.

  • $650 for households which heat with deliverable fuel other than wood (fuel oil, propane, coal, etc.).

  • $700 for household which are all-electric (including heat).

• Electricity: Payment is provided for electricity needed to operate the heating system or to provide energy to the dwelling unit to make it livable, up to an annual maximum of $350 per household.

• Home Repairs: Payment for energy-related home repairs is the minimum necessary to maintain a decent, safe, warm dwelling unit. The lifetime maximum is $1500. Exceptions may be granted for unique and unusual circumstances.

How are payments made?

Payment for heating fuel or electricity is made to prevent shut-off or to restore the service when it is essential to prevent serious harm. Payment is the minimum amount necessary to prevent shut-off or to restore service and may include connection or hook-up fees which will not be waived by the provider. Payment in excess of the maximums may be made on an exception basis.

Payments for SER energy services are made within 30 working days of receipt of the authorization/invoice from the provider. However, emergency situations are most often resolved within 48 hours after eligibility is determined or within 18 hours if the situation is life-threatening.

Payments are made directly to the heating fuel, electricity or home repair provider whenever possible.

Where can you obtain an application for SER?

• Local DHS offices

• DHS Public Web site - Forms & Applications

• Community-based organizations

SER can help low-income households with other emergency needs.

The State Emergency Relief (SER) Program provides immediate help to individuals and families facing conditions of extreme hardship or for emergencies that threaten health and safety. Through a combination of direct financial assistance and contracts with a network of non-profit organizations such as the Salvation Army and local Community Action Organizations, SER helps low-income households meet emergency needs such as:

• Heat & Utilities

• Home Repairs

• Relocation Assistance

• Home Ownership Services

• Burial