LIHEAP Application Season Begins October 1

September 15, 2017 – Many states around the country are beginning to accept LIHEAP applications for the elderly and disabled starting October 1. General applications in many states are being accepted starting November 1, and in some states starting December 1. In Iowa, Iowans 60 years and older, as well as the disabled, can begin applying for the 2017-2018 Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) starting Monday, October 2. Applications for the general public will be accepted beginning November 1.

Officials in Illinois Make Changes to LIHEAP Appointments

September 8, 2017 – Changes have been made by the Sangamon County Community Resources officials in how they will be accepting calls for the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP).

Officials say that starting October 2, LIHEAP appointment calls will be accepted from seniors or disabled households who are connected or disconnected. Families with children under the age of six and disconnected homes may call for LIHEAP appointments starting November 1. All other eligible households can call to make appointments December 1.

LIHEAP Enrollment Date Set in Illinois

September 1, 2017 – Illinois seniors and people with disabilities may apply for LIHEAP assistance in Illinois starting October 1.

The Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity announced the enrollment start date for the 2017 Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program. LIHEAP, a federally and state funded program, assists low-income households in paying their utility bills.

Ohio Summer Cooling Assistance Available

August 15, 2017 – Canton Ohio’s Neighbor to Neighbor Utility Assistance program will be accepting applications for the summer cooling season through August 31.

Kansas Offers LIEAP for Summer Utility Bills

August 18, 2017 – This summer, Kansans will have a little extra help paying their utility bills thanks to the Low Income Energy Assistance Project (LIEAP).

Phyllis Gilmore, secretary of the Kansas Department for Children and Families, said, “This extra assistance will help keep Kansans safe from dangerous heat. The hot summer months can be especially difficult for Kansans who face the dilemma of whether to turn on the air conditioner and face a high electricity bill or pay for other necessary expenses.”

Utility Assistance Program Taken Over by Pima County

August 9, 2017 – Low-income families living in Tucson, Arizona who need assistance paying their utility bills will now have to go through a new program administered by the Pima County Community Services, Employment and Training Department (CSET). This new change is due to the change in the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP).

Assistance Available for Low Income CT Households Facing Utility Shutoffs

August 4 - 2017 – Operation Fuel (OF) is accepting applications for assistance in preventing utility shutoffs in low-income Connecticut households. The delay in the adoption of a state budget has impacted the summer assistance program for some fuel banks, and a few urban areas have stopped accepting applications for utility assistance until the General Assembly finalizes a budget. Operation Fuel will continue to help people as much as possible with donations from individuals and area foundations.

IM Released from OCS: New Federal Poverty Guidelines and State Median Income

July 28, 2017 – On June 26, the Office of Community Services (OCS), Division of Energy Assistance issued an Information Memoranda (IM 2017-02) announcing the release of the optional FFY17 and mandatory FFY18 HHS Poverty Guidelines. Information Memoranda 2017-03 was also released announcing the updated State Median Income Estimates for Optional Use in FFY17 and mandatory use in FFY18.

Indiana Announces Plans for 2017 Summer Cooling Program

July 21, 2017 - The Indiana Housing and Community Development Authority (IHCDA) 2017 Summer Cooling Program through the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) has released its plan to continue through Aug. 25.

The IHCDA focuses on keeping Indianans warm during the winter and cool during the summer by providing financial assistance to low-income households. Last year, IHCDA assisted 103,200 households with an average benefit of $350 per household.

HAC Reveals LIHEAP Funding for FY 2018

July 14, 2017 - The House Appropriations Committee (HAC) released their FY 2018 appropriations on Thursday, July 13. The appropriations committee revealed that the administration for Children and families (ACF), will be provided $30.9 billion. The bill includes $3.3 billion for the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) program.

Pages