Feds Help Families Keep Warm This Winter

HHS Secretary Kathleen Sebelius today announced the release of more than
$2.6 billion to states to help low income citizens with their heating
bills during October, November and December of this year. These funds
represent grants to states, tribes and territories under the Low Income
Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP). 

"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," Secretary 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 such 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. 

"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."

For a complete list of state allocations of the funds released today go
to http://www.acf.hhs.gov/news/press/2009/liheap_2010.html.

Individuals interested in applying for energy assistance should contact
their local/state LIHEAP agency. For more information, go to
http://www.acf.hhs.gov/programs/liheap/ or
http://www.acf.hhs.gov/programs/ocs/liheap/brochure/brochure.html. 

Contact: ACF Press Office
(202) 401-9215