PROVIDENCE – An initial $22.4 million of federal money has been released to help Rhode Island families and seniors afford heat through the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program, Sen. Jack F. Reed announced Wednesday.
“We’re starting to feel the first of winter’s frost and this LIHEAP money will be a lifesaver for many. It helps vulnerable families keep the heat on in the dead of winter, and it helps them stretch their budgets so they can afford medicine, food, and other essentials. It is critical to get LIHEAP funding out the door so states like Rhode Island can prepare for the upcoming winter,” said Reed.
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About $3.39 billion for LIHEAP was secured in the fiscal 2018 budget. LIHEAP is administered by the Department of Health and Human Services. About 35,000 Rhode Islanders received assistance through LIHEAP in the past year.
The average annual assistance provided to Rhode Island recipients of LIHEAP funding is $820-$850.
HHS said that the initial allocations were 90 percent of total allocation for states.
Eligibility for LIHEAP is based on income, family size and availability of resources. Residents seeking assistance are encouraged to apply early.
