Governor Doyle Announces $11.5 Million for Low-Income Heating Assistance
MADISON – Governor Jim Doyle today announced the release to Wisconsin of over $11.5 million in federal funds for the Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP). These funds are in addition to $130 million the state has received in basic funding to help low-income families pay a portion of their utility bills.
“No family should have to choose between buying groceries and paying their heating bill,” Governor Doyle said. “During these times of economic hardship, I am pleased to provide this additional relief to working families across the state.”
The $11.5 million will be used for the Wisconsin Home Energy Assistance Program (WHEAP) to provide a supplemental benefit to households who have already received a heating assistance benefit in the 2009-2010 heating season. Heating assistance benefits will be calculated at a higher benefit for households applying for the first time this heating season. Additionally, $2 million will be provided to local energy assistance agencies to help eligible households with emergency energy needs.
WHEAP provides financial assistance to eligible 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 homes.
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. 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, please call the Home Energy Plus hotline at 866-432-8947 or visit http://www.homeenergyplus.wi.gov/.
“No family should have to choose between buying groceries and paying their heating bill,” Governor Doyle said. “During these times of economic hardship, I am pleased to provide this additional relief to working families across the state.”
The $11.5 million will be used for the Wisconsin Home Energy Assistance Program (WHEAP) to provide a supplemental benefit to households who have already received a heating assistance benefit in the 2009-2010 heating season. Heating assistance benefits will be calculated at a higher benefit for households applying for the first time this heating season. Additionally, $2 million will be provided to local energy assistance agencies to help eligible households with emergency energy needs.
WHEAP provides financial assistance to eligible 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 homes.
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. 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, please call the Home Energy Plus hotline at 866-432-8947 or visit http://www.homeenergyplus.wi.gov/.
posted by Cheryl Hentz at 3:43 PM
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