PROVIDENCE – Rhode Island has received $5.9 million through the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program to help residents pay their utility bills during the coronavirus pandemic, U.S. Sen. Jack Reed, D-R.I., announced May 8.
The funding, which is part of the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act, brings Rhode Island’s total LIHEAP funding to $29.9 million for fiscal year 2020. In addition, Reed is calling for an additional $4.3 billion in supplemental LIHEAP funding in the next coronavirus response bill.
“This program is a cost-effective lifeline that helps ensure families, seniors and Americans with disabilities can afford to pay their rent, keep their utilities on and afford other basic essentials,” Reed said in a statement.
LIHEAP eligibility is based on income, family size and the availability of resources. The average annual LIHEAP benefit to Rhode Island households that use the program is between $820 and $850, according to a news release.
The application period for LIHEAP has been extended to May 31, 2020. Applications are available on the R.I. Department of Human Services website.