Reductions in federal funding will mean changes to the program that provides assistance to low-income households struggling to pay their utility bills.
The Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program, or LIHEAP, will not offer summer assistance this year. When registration opens in October, it will initially be available only to certain categories of low-income households, including those with seniors age 60 or older, a person with disabilities, or a household with at least one child under six years old.
All others meeting income eligibility requirements will be able to apply in November.
The program makes a one-time payment directly to utility or energy companies, and will take applications through next summer or until the funding runs out.
