WASHINGTON, DC – January 17, 2008 – Montana’s Congressman, Denny Rehberg, today announced the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) is releasing $3,687,369 to help eligible low-income homeowners and renters meet home energy costs.
“As energy costs continue to sky rocket, America faces an increasing need for low-income energy assistance,” said Rehberg. “As a member of the Labor, Health and Human Services Appropriations Subcommittee, I’ve fought hard to provide funding for this critical program. Today’s announcement is good news for Montana families confronting the rising cost of living and I applaud HHS’ decision to provide these funds.”
The Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) provides states, territories, tribal areas and the District of Columbia with heating assistance for the winter months ahead. LIHEAP helps eligible families pay for home cooling, heating and insulation in summer and winter months. Every year, more than five million low-income households across the country receive assistance under LIHEAP.
The new LIHEAP funds will increase payments to the roughly 19,000 households receiving benefits from an average of $381 to an average of $536. A portion of the funds will also be used to weatherize an additional 140 Montana homes.
Individuals interested in applying for energy assistance should contact their local/state LIHEAP agency. For more information, go to http://www.acf.hhs.gov/programs/liheap/ or http://www.acf.hhs.gov/programs/liheap/brochure.html.
