Staying Warm This Winter

by Greg Plotkin · 2009-10-27 11:13:00 UTC
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In many regions across the country, the days are getting shorter and the colorful autumn leaves are slowly falling to the ground.  This can only mean that the stinging cold of winter is just around the corner.

What this also means, particularly with unemployment rates still astonishingly high and the recession continuing, is that nonprofit organizations and government agencies are bracing for an increased demand for utility assistance over the next several months.

The main way that energy assistance funds are distributed in the U.S. is through the Low-income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) administered by the Department of Health and Human Services.  However, instead of providing assistance directly to the general public, the Department makes block grants to individual states who then distribute checks to needy households.

Eligibility guidelines are determined somewhat by state, but the federal government mandates that anyone receiving LIHEAP benefits must have an income level between 110 and 150 percent of the federal poverty line.  (To find the eligibility requirements for your state, click here.)

Deadlines to apply for assistance are also determined by state, but as far as I can tell, there isn't a central comprehensive directory that lists all deadlines.  In some states, like Pennsylvania for example, applications for state LIHEAP funds will be accepted starting this coming Monday, November 2.

I encourage anyone who believes they qualify for these benefits to contact their state LIHEAP office very soon to inquire about application deadlines, procedures, etc.

(Photo credit: bierce on Flickr)

Greg Plotkin currently works for Flying Pigs Farm in Shushan, NY. He is dedicated to eliminating inequalities in who has access to healthy food and alleviating hunger.
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