The new proof rule is for crisis help
Wyoming opened 2026-27 Low Income Energy Assistance applications October 1 with an important new crisis-assistance condition. The Department of Family Services says households requesting crisis help must show at least one verifiable payment toward their primary utility, secondary utility or both within the past sixty days.
The official live page says at least one verifiable payment in the past sixty days. A linked September state handout instead specifies payment of at least 10% of gross monthly income toward fuel and utility bills. These instructions differ materially. Confirm the current crisis requirement with LIEAP at 800-246-4221 rather than relying on the easier version. This crisis-help test is separate from the seasonal application rules.
Seasonal benefits have a separate clock
The seasonal application window runs through April 30, 2027. Benefits may be used through May 31 or until the approved amount runs out, whichever occurs first, and do not pay bills from before October 1, 2026. The program says amounts depend on energy needs, income, household size and available funding.
Homeowners, renters and people in permanently parked RVs can apply under the residency and income rules. A new application is required each heating season. Preserve payment evidence and current bills if seeking crisis assistance rather than assuming an old award carries over. The revised official page confirms the new condition, while local October 1 reporting brings it to winter-budget attention.