Reed announces $24.6M for R.I. winter heating aid

PROVIDENCE – Rhode Island will receive $24.6 million in winter heating aid for low income residents, U.S. Sen. Jack Reed said Wednesday.
Reed, in a press release, said that the funds for the low income home energy assistance program were released by the Obama administration, and Rhode Island is receiving an increase of about $3.9 million over last year’s initial allocation.

Earlier this year, Reed, a Rhode Island Democrat, along with U.S. Sen. Susan Collins, R-Maine, led a bipartisan effort to increase funding for low income heating assistance funds by $169 million. They also sent a letter earlier this month to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services urging the administration to release the funds without delay and at as high a level as possible.

“I am pleased the Obama administration is releasing this vital heating assistance. LIHEAP helps families in need deal with heating and financial challenges during the cold winter months. This federal funding will help cover a portion of energy costs for vulnerable households throughout the state. With winter approaching it is critical to get this assistance to those who need it most,” said Reed, noting that about 34,000 Rhode Islanders depend on LIHEAP to help with their energy bills.

According to HHS, states will soon receive approximately 90 percent of their full year allocations under the fiscal 2015 Continuing Resolution. This level gives states certainty to plan for the upcoming heating season while allowing Congress flexibility in setting a final funding level for the program when it wraps up work on the 2015 appropriations process.

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“LIHEAP funds are now available for folks needing assistance with their energy bills. Residents seeking LIHEAP aid may schedule an appointment with their local Community Action Program office to apply. We want to ensure seniors and families stay safe and warm this winter,” Reed said in a statement.

Rhode Islanders wishing to apply for the low income home energy assistance program may go to the R.I. Office of Energy Resources website to get information and links to an online application. Or, they may contact their local Community Action Program agency.

Eligibility for LIHEAP is based on income, family size and resource availability. Eligibility guidelines for the 2014-15 LIHEAP season are the same as last year and are set at 60 percent of the Rhode Island median income.

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