"Today many Americans are concerned about gasoline and energy prices, which remain high by historical standards, and are worried about whether they'll be able to afford their home energy costs this year. Low-income households—particularly those that include elderly residents, the disabled, and children—are especially concerned since they are most vulnerable to rising costs and often must choose between paying their energy bills or buying food and medicine.
Fortunately, there is a way to help low-income Americans pay their heating and cooling costs. The Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program, or LIHEAP, was created by Congress in 1981 and provides funds that can be used for many types of energy assistance for low-income families. Families receiving LIHEAP assistance must have income below 150 percent of the federal poverty level, and two-thirds of LIHEAP families earn less than $8,000 per year.
Today, however, many low-income households that are eligible for LIHEAP assistance are not receiving it. That’s because funding levels for the program have not kept pace with the growing number of households eligible for assistance.
You can help to ensure that our nation’s most vulnerable citizens are not left behind. Use this site to send a letter to Congress, asking lawmakers to support an $800-million increase in LIHEAP funding this year."
