LIHEAP assistance available for eligible residents

The Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program may be able to keep individuals and families safe and healthy. Applications are being accepted by Kaua‘i Economic Opportunity, Inc. for the LIHEAP program through June 29.

LIHEAP is a federally funded program to assist low-income households meet their immediate home energy needs. The program targets those with the lowest income who pay a high proportion of household income for home energy. Each year, almost 5 million low-income households across the country receive LIHEAP assistance, according to a recent press release.

There are two types of assistance available. Energy Crisis Intervention assists with up to $100 to restore power to the residence of a household whose electricity or gas have been shut off or are about to be terminated.

Energy credit provides households in a crisis with a one-time payment which will be deposited directly into their utility account during the latter part of this year.

Energy assistance is especially important for those homes with residents who are elderly, disabled or under the age of 6 years old and unable to pay their energy bills. Some people resort to unsafe methods such as candles, propane stoves, barbecue grills which are fire hazards, the release said.

KEO will be accepting the applications and determine if households meet eligibility criteria to receive LIHEAP assistance. To apply, households must provide the current original utility bill or termination notice from the utility company for their residence and verification that they currently reside at the service address. Households will also need to submit additional verification such as income, assets, etc. to determine if they qualify to receive LIHEAP assistance.

For more information about the LIHEAP program or to schedule an appointment to apply, call KEO at 245-4077 ext. 240.