Government Help With Utility Bills
When energy costs rise in a weak economy, growing numbers of people have trouble paying their utility bills. Because inadequate heating or cooling can seriously affect public health and safety, the federal government offers help. Its Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program is available to qualified homeowners throughout the United States.
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Purpose
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The purpose of LIHEAP is to help people deal with a range of problems related to climate protection. While its assistance can be used solely to pay utility bills, the program also encourages participants to weatherize their homes. For example, LIHEAP aid can be applied to projects like improving wall insulation, modernizing a heating or cooling system, or installing weatherproof windows and doors. In certain regions, LIHEAP assists homeowners in converting to alternative energy appliances.
Eligibility
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To be eligible for LIHEAP, you must be a U.S. citizen or permanent resident with household income that does not exceed 150 percent of the federal poverty level or 60 percent of the median income in your state, whichever is higher. These cutoffs are established and periodically reassessed by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. Depending on where you live, you may get priority if your utility costs are unusually high relative to your income.
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Applications
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Unlike many other federal assistance programs, LIHEAP provides funds to state governments and regional public agencies, not directly to qualifying individuals. These local administrative bodies designate community sites to receive and process applications. You can also get information about where and how to apply from the National Energy Assistance Referral Project, a free telephone service. All LIHEAP applications require a range of personal information, including proof of earnings and any other public assistance received by all members of your household.
State Rules
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Some states impose eligibility criteria more restrictive than the federal rules. For example, assistance could be limited to those at imminent risk of having their utilities cut off, or to households with limited assets as well as income. But other states choose to expand program eligibility and/or services. These states may offer LIHEAP to any household with at least one member who receives food stamps, or use a portion of the aid to provide programs like home energy inspections and conservation education.
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References
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