Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP / HEAP) in Santa Clara County

A directory listing, not an eligibility decision.

UniHealth can identify a possible match, but the responsible program makes the final decision.

What to know

Why it may fit: Your circumstances can be checked against the program’s published guidelines.
What to do next: A once-a-year credit on your electric or gas bill. Here it is called HEAP. Sacred Heart Community Service takes applications. PG&E, Silicon Valley Power, and Palo Alto city utility customers can apply. In 2026 the credit is $328 to $521. The bill does not have to be in your name. Money is limited, so some people who qualify get nothing.
Who runs it: Sacred Heart Community Service for the California Department of Community Services and Development

What the program may consider

Household income at or below the 2026 LIHEAP monthly limit
You live in Santa Clara County
Sacred Heart verifies and pays the annual benefit

How to get it

A once-a-year credit on your electric or gas bill. Here it is called HEAP. Sacred Heart Community Service takes applications. PG&E, Silicon Valley Power, and Palo Alto city utility customers can apply. In 2026 the credit is $328 to $521. The bill does not have to be in your name. Money is limited, so some people who qualify get nothing.

Before you start

Having this helps CalFresh Food. Getting CalFresh makes it easier to qualify. Send a CalFresh letter dated in the last 30 days.
Having this helps CalWORKs. Getting CalWORKs makes it easier to qualify. Send a CalWORKs letter dated in the last 30 days.

How to apply

Energy bill help (LIHEAP) online application

A caregiver or case manager can apply for you. Use an e-mail address you can open. Upload every paper as a PDF.

OnlineCALIHEAP online energy bill help applicationUpload every paper as a PDF file. Updates come by e-mail.
PhoneHEAP application line (Sacred Heart): 1-877-278-6455Ask for a paper application. Staff cannot give application status by phone.
EmailHEAP e-mail (Sacred Heart): heap@sacredheartcs.orgAsk for a paper application.
MailHEAP application by mail (Sacred Heart): HEAP, 1381 S. First Street, San Jose, CA 95110Sign in pen. Do not fax.
In personHEAP drop box and help desk (Sacred Heart): 1381 S. First Street, San Jose, CA 95110. Red HEAP box by the Alma St entrance.The drop box is open all day, every day. In-person help: Monday to Thursday 9 to 4, Friday 9 to 12.

You can also use: HEAP paper application (Sacred Heart)

Getting help

Someone can apply for you

A caregiver or case manager can fill out and send the online application for you. It must use an e-mail address you can open. On paper, you must sign in pen. A typed or computer signature is not accepted. Other adults with cash income or no income sign their own income form. The person named on the energy bill signs a consent page.

A helper can fill it out, but you still sign.

What happens after you apply

Sacred Heart checks your application. It sends back paper ones that are missing pages or papers.
The program or providerPaper: you should hear back within 15 business days. Online: review takes about 2 to 4 weeks.
If papers are missing, you get a message or letter. Online, the status says Deficient. Upload what is missing as PDF files.
Only if something is missing
The program or providerA helper can help with this Send them by the date in the request.
Sacred Heart scores your need by household size, income, and energy costs. Money is limited, so some people who qualify still get nothing.
The program or provider
You get a notice that says yes or no, and how much. Staff cannot give status by phone.
The program or provider
The money goes to your electric or gas company. It shows as a one-time credit on your bill.
The utility companyAbout 8 to 10 weeks for paper applications. About 6 to 9 weeks after approval online.

What only you can do

Sign the paper application yourself, in pen.
Send a copy of your U.S. government photo ID.
Send all pages of an electric or gas bill from the last 30 days. It must show at least 22 days of service.
Do not send a past-due notice or a final bill. Do not apply while your bill shows a credit.
Send 30 days in a row of income papers for every adult at home. They must be from the last 6 weeks.
Each adult with cash income or no income signs their own income form (CSD 43B) in pen.
The person named on the energy bill signs the consent page.
Keep paying your energy bill while you wait.
Apply again each calendar year.

How long it takes: About 2 to 3 months from a complete application to the credit on your bill.
You are enrolled when: You are enrolled when you get an approval notice. A one-time credit of $328 to $521 then shows on your energy bill.
To keep it: There is nothing to keep up. The help comes once per calendar year. Apply again next year, if money is available.