Utility prices continue to rise whether it be your water, electric, or gas bills. If you feel overwhelmed by high utility costs, you’re not alone. Millions of Americans are struggling to cover their utility costs during these trying times. The good news is that there are now a number of programs designed to help American families who could use some help covering their electric, heating, and water bills. Let’s go over some assistance options, specifically, the LIHEAP Grant.

Government Options Available to Assist Low Income Households

The Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program is offered through the federal government via the Department of Health and Human Services. This program offers two types of aid. The first type provides direct and immediate assistance to families that qualify, significantly offsetting their utility bills through government aid. The other type of aid assists homeowners with properly weatherizing their homes to significantly reduce monthly utility costs. Many older homes are particularly inefficient when it comes to retaining heat or consuming electricity.

• The Home Energy Assistance Program –  This program offers direct financial aid to those who are struggling to pay their bills, but there are specific requirements to qualify for this aid. Priority is given to senior citizens or those with a disability that prevents them from earning a living. Learn more about what it takes to qualify for this program here: https://www.acf.hhs.gov/ocs/resource/liheap-fact-sheet-0   
• Weatherization Assistance Program.  This program is designed to help consumers in the long-term giving them access to a professional energy service to come to their home and perform an energy assessment. This assessment will assist with how to best conserve energy and weatherize their home for long-term utility savings. The service could provide free or significantly discounted weatherstripping, attic insulation, furnace maintenance, and home repairs that then lead to significantly reduced energy bills. These improvements have an impact in both summer and winter months. 
• Citizens Energy Oil Heat Program. This program has helped tens of thousands of Americans cover their utilities bill. This oil heat program is from the Citizens Energy Corporation, a non-profit organization that began in 1979, with the goal to provide discounted or free heating services and supplies to homes in need. If your home operates on oil, then this is the organization to call. They have delivered millions of gallons of discounted heating oil to American families in need. Priority is mainly given to the elderly, low income families, and households that have been recently impacted by an unexpected event, such as losing a job or a natural disaster.

If you are interested in applying for the LIHEAP program and would like to learn more about how to apply and who is eligible for assistance, please visit https://www.benefits.gov/benefit/623.

Theresourceassistant.com strives to provide our readers with valuable information that can have a real impact on the well being of American families. We hope you found this article helpful, and we hope that you are all taking advantage the of the programs currently available to address the economic hardships now facing millions of American families.