Funds released to help poor with winter bills

In an effort to help low income, disabled and elderly people to pay utility bills during the winter season, the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) announced that more than $2.6 billion will be released to states, tribes and territories under the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP).

Kathleen Sebelius, secretary of HHS, announced the release of the funds. California will receive $50,040,993. The state of New York will receive the largest amount, totaling $359,452,627.

"By releasing this money now, we are helping to provide needed assistance to millions of Americans who otherwise might not be able to afford heat this winter," Sebelius said. "This program helps to offset seasonal energy costs for low income families, leaving more of their income to use for other necessities.”

LIHEAP helps eligible families pay the costs of heating and insulating their homes in the winter, and cooling their homes in the summer. HHS is releasing a large allocation of LIHEAP funds now in order to ensure that states have resources available to support their energy assistance programs as the weather turns colder, Sebelius said.

"Each year LIHEAP helps more than five million low income households deal with energy costs," said Carmen Nazario, assistant secretary for children and families. "We will continue to work with states, tribes and territories to assure their heating assistance programs work effectively."

Individuals interested in applying for energy assistance should contact their local, or state LIHEAP agency. Rosa Chapman is the director of Region IX, based in San Francisco. Region IX encompasses California, Arizona, Hawaii, Nevada, Guam, Northern Mariana Islands and American Samoa.

If interested in this program, resident of Region IX can call (202) 260-6424