Governor Doyle Announces $31 Million for Low-Income Heating Assistance
[We have received the following press release and are pleased to publish it for our readers.]
MADISON – Governor Jim Doyle today announced the release to Wisconsin of over $31 million in federal funds for the Low-Income Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP). These funds are in addition to $97 million the state received in October to help low-income families pay their utility bills.
“No family should have to choose between buying groceries and paying their heating bill,” Governor Doyle said. “ Wisconsin has been hit hard this winter with snow and cold weather and these additional funds are going to help families across this state with their heating bills and other utilities.”
The funds released will be used for the Wisconsin Home Energy Assistance Program (WHEAP), which provides financial assistance to low-income residents who may struggle to pay utility bills this winter. WHEAP is part of the state’s comprehensive Home Energy Plus program, which provides assistance with emergency energy needs, emergency furnace repairs, conservation service and assistance weatherizing low-income households.
Due to recent changes in program eligibility, many more households across the state may be eligible for heating assistance this winter. Effective with the beginning of the 2009-2010 heating season, the income eligibility limit for WHEAP and Weatherization has increased from 150 percent of the federal poverty level to 60 percent of the State’s Median Income. Current projections are for a nearly 40 percent increase in the number of households receiving energy assistance. The state anticipates nearly 256,000 Wisconsin families will receive energy assistance to pay a portion of their fuel costs this heating season.
Payments under these programs depend upon household size, income level, and home energy costs. A family of four, with an annual income of $45,067 or less, may be eligible for energy assistance.
To receive more information about how to apply for the Wisconsin Home Energy Assistance Program or to see if you qualify, call the Home Energy Plus hotline at 866-432-8947, or visit http://www.homeenergyplus.wi.gov/.
MADISON – Governor Jim Doyle today announced the release to Wisconsin of over $31 million in federal funds for the Low-Income Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP). These funds are in addition to $97 million the state received in October to help low-income families pay their utility bills.
“No family should have to choose between buying groceries and paying their heating bill,” Governor Doyle said. “ Wisconsin has been hit hard this winter with snow and cold weather and these additional funds are going to help families across this state with their heating bills and other utilities.”
The funds released will be used for the Wisconsin Home Energy Assistance Program (WHEAP), which provides financial assistance to low-income residents who may struggle to pay utility bills this winter. WHEAP is part of the state’s comprehensive Home Energy Plus program, which provides assistance with emergency energy needs, emergency furnace repairs, conservation service and assistance weatherizing low-income households.
Due to recent changes in program eligibility, many more households across the state may be eligible for heating assistance this winter. Effective with the beginning of the 2009-2010 heating season, the income eligibility limit for WHEAP and Weatherization has increased from 150 percent of the federal poverty level to 60 percent of the State’s Median Income. Current projections are for a nearly 40 percent increase in the number of households receiving energy assistance. The state anticipates nearly 256,000 Wisconsin families will receive energy assistance to pay a portion of their fuel costs this heating season.
Payments under these programs depend upon household size, income level, and home energy costs. A family of four, with an annual income of $45,067 or less, may be eligible for energy assistance.
To receive more information about how to apply for the Wisconsin Home Energy Assistance Program or to see if you qualify, call the Home Energy Plus hotline at 866-432-8947, or visit http://www.homeenergyplus.wi.gov/.
posted by Cheryl Hentz at 5:29 PM
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