Washington D.C.) – October 26, 2009 – (RealEstateRama) — The Department of Health and Human Services announced the release of $2.7 billion in grant funding for the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) . The funding, which is for the remaining months of the year, will be used to help eligible families pay the costs of heating and insulating their homes this winter.
“With winter coming on, many families already coping with strained budgets will now be faced with mounting heating costs,” said Rep. Levin, a long-time supporter of LIHEAP. “We need to make sure people get the assistance they need to heat their homes.”
Michigan will receive $151 million for funding through the end of the year. In Michigan, the LIHEAP grant is used for:
Home Heating Credit – a tax credit issued to all low-income households. The Michigan Department of Treasury determines eligibility and makes the payments. An eligible person does not need to file a state income tax return to receive the Home Heating Credit and can apply for the Home Heating Credit only. Eligibility is based on income, number of exemptions and household heating costs.
State Emergency Relief – a crisis intervention program to provide a wide range of non-energy and energy-related emergency services. The SER program is administered by the Department of Human Services (DHS). An application is needed to request assistance and an appointment is generally required. To apply, a person can contact the local DHS office in their county. SER provides services such as payment for heating fuel, electricity and home repairs. Eligibility is based on need, income and assets.
Weatherization Assistance Program – provides free home energy conservation services to low-income Michigan homeowners and renters. These services reduce energy use and lower utility bills, thus creating more self-sufficient households. Services are typically administered by local Community Action Agencies such as the Macomb County Community Services Agency and the Oakland Livingston Human Services Agency. The Recovery Act allocated an additional $5 billion for weatherization nationwide of which Michigan received over $243 million.
For more information, interested households should call the Michigan Department of Human Services Energy Hotline at 1-800-292-5650 or visit http://www.michigan.gov/heatingassistance/ .
