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U.S. Sen. Susan Collins, R-Maine
February 23, 2023
Applications open for $6.5M in heating assistance funds
Maine has received an additional $6.5 million for the state's Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program, commonly referred to as LIHEAP.
The funds are in addition to the $42.5 million that was allocated to the state in November.
In early February, U.S. Sen. Susan Collins, R-Maine, and 33 other senators sent a letter to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Secretary Xavier Becerra to urge him to allocate the remaining emergency LIHEAP funds.
“This week’s snowstorm is another reminder that we are still in the heart of winter,” said Collins in Wednesday's announcement. “Many Mainers, particularly low-income families and seniors, are struggling with the high cost of energy to keep their homes warm. I strongly advocated for these increased funds and pushed for their swift release to help prevent vulnerable Mainers from having to make the impossible choice between paying for heat and paying for food or medicine.”
“I am pleased to join Senator Collins in delivering this much-needed help to thousands of Maine families,” said U.S. Rep. Jared Golden, D-2nd District. “This funding is a crucial lifeline to get them through the remainder of the winter heating season.”
LIHEAP funds are administered by states and accessed by residents through their local Community Action Agency. Eligibility for LIHEAP is based on income, family size and the availability of funds. Older residents and those receiving Social Security Disability or supplemental Social Security income benefits should apply as early as possible. Applications will be open through spring 2023, or until funding is exhausted.
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