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Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP)

Home Heating Assistance

Families on Long Island and throughout the nation are concerned about the coming winter months as they prepare to face record high home heating costs.  In some cases, people are already seeing their home heating and cooling bills doubling, with no end in sight.  American families have enough on their plates with the surge in gas prices and the cost of food.  I am working to ensure that the constituents who are in the most need receive some relief this winter. 

I serve as Chairwoman of the Healthy Families and Communities Subcommittee, which has  jurisdiction over the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP).  LIHEAP provides states with the resources they need to help low income household pay for heating and cooling costs.  I have fought for increased funding for this program, which should be fully funded at the authorized amount of $5.1 billion.  The additional funds would not only protect our nation's vulnerable low-income populations, but would help to stimulate the economy by freeing up more household income to pay for other necessities.  It is critically important that we make sure these populations are taken care of during this time of increased energy prices.

I have compiled information on various programs that offer assistance to low-income families, seniors living on fixed incomes, individuals with disabilities and families with young children. 

What Is LIHEAP?

The Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program is a federally funded program designed to assist low-income households, that pay a high percentage of their household income for energy, to meet the cost of their energy needs.  These funds are allocated by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services to individual states and disbursed according to programs designated by those states.  Eligibility for this program varies based on factors such as level of income, participation in other federal programs and if a member of your household is elderly, disabled, or a young child.  Applications are taken at all local department of social services. 

To find out where you can apply for LIHEAP call 1-800-342-3009. 

For more information about LIHEAP and for additional information on applying for assistance, you can visit the following websites:

The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services

http://www.acf.hhs.gov/programs/ocs/liheap/index.html

 

The New York State Office of Temporary and Disability Assistance

http://www.otda.state.ny.us/main/heap/default.htm

 

The Campaign for Energy Assistance

http://www.liheap.org/

 

Nassau County Department of Social Services

http://www.nassaucountyny.gov/agencies/DSS/HEAP.htm