Hhs Provides Energy Assistance Funds To Help Low-Income Families
The Department of Health and Human Services (DHS) has announced $100 million in emergency contingency funds to states, tribes and territories that will help families in need pay heating and energy bills this winter.
In addition, HHS will now make available up to 100% of states’ remaining block grant funds–which total $633 million–for a combined total of $733 million in available resources. The funds are administered by the Administration for Children and Families through the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP).
In addition, the federal government has another $101 million that remains available for crises through the emergency contingency fund.
Each year, almost 5 million low-income households across the country receive LIHEAP assistance. LIHEAP helps eligible families pay for home heating and insulation in winter and cooling their homes in the warmer months. States have already received $1.3 billion in annual block grant funds in the first quarter of FY 2006 under a continuing resolution.
To see the total amount given to each state from the emergency contingency fund, click here.
