LIHU‘E — The application period for the 2009 Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program is scheduled to close on Tuesday and Kaua‘i Economic Opportunity, Inc. urges low- and fixed-income households to take advantage of the program before it is too
LIHU‘E — The application period for the 2009 Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program is scheduled to close on Tuesday and Kaua‘i Economic Opportunity, Inc. urges low- and fixed-income households to take advantage of the program before it is too late, a news release states.
LIHEAP is a federal program administered by the State Department of Human Services, which provides credits to utility accounts to households to defray heating costs. Eligibility is based on household income and family size. People need not have an unpaid utility or fuel bill to receive energy assistance, and consumers can receive this money without being on welfare.
“Low-Income families, especially those on fixed income, need to know, there is assistance available to help them with a credit to their utility bills,” said Celia Melchor-Questin, KEO’s LIHEAP program director, in the release. “Too many families that are eligible for help simply don’t apply or miss the deadline.”
Last year KEO processed 393 applications and 346 households received $300 or more in credit to their utility account. With an increase in funding this year, KEO is able to take more applications and eligible households will see a significant increase in the credit they receive.
Kaua‘i residents can call 245-4077 ext. 240 to schedule an appointment or for more information about the program. Households must provide the original utility bill, proof of residence and complete a LIHEAP application which includes verification of all people living in the household, their dates of birth, proof of household income, and assets.
