Funding levels for the federal low income heating assistance program, commonly known as
LIHEAP, are
below what they were last year, even though the state’s congressional
delegation was able to pump another $5 million into the program.
People who qualify for Vermont’s
low-income heating assistance program, known as LIHEAP, will be getting a bonus
benefit in the new year. By the end of January, most families enrolled in
the program will see their benefit grow from $660 to $930
Vermont faced a possible 40 percent cut in the Low Income
Home Energy Assistance program – known as LIHEAP. But because demand for help has increased, the average LIHEAP benefit will be reduced this heating season.
Federal funding for heating assistance is down 41 percent this year compared to last year. And that means
some people could run out of money to heat their homes later this winter.
State officials say more Vermont
households than ever before will be receiving fuel assistance this year. But with cuts in federal funding, the benefit per household will be less than what it was in 2009.