Proposed LIHEAP Cuts
Published: August 20, 2009
By John Dodds
As you might know, LIHEAP-- the low income home energy assistance program- which helps seniors and low income families keep up with heating bills is being drastically reduced. And its not a state budget issue!
LIHEAP is paid for by Federal Block grant dollars and the amount allocated this year is 30% higher than last year.
If the cuts go through, the Crisis grant will be cut from $800 to $300. The time to apply for both grants will be cut and no longer will families be able to use both grants together to have their service restored.
LIHEAP is paid for by Federal Block grant dollars and the amount allocated this year is 30% higher than last year.
If the cuts go through, the Crisis grant will be cut from $800 to $300. The time to apply for both grants will be cut and no longer will families be able to use both grants together to have their service restored.
Last Year |
Proposed For This Year |
|
| Cash grants | $300 minimum | $100 minimum |
| Crisis grants | $800 maximum | $300 maximum |
| Available funds | $1.7 billion | $2.4 billion |
| Cash application period | Nov. 3 – April 3 | Dec. 1 – Jan. 3 |
| Crisis application period | Nov. 3 – April 3 | Jan. 4 – March 15 |
There is a state wide conference call scheduled for Tuesday August 25th at 2:30 pm, to plan a press conference and other events to help people afford their gas bills. The call in number is: 717 901 0620 (no code is needed) Please join us on the conference call. We can only win if people know what they are trying to get away with.
Attached is a letter from Lance Haver, the Director of the City's Office of Consumer Affairs, which gives greater details and a flyer that people may find helpful.