Households needing help on their winter heating bills can apply for assistance beginning Monday. Federal funding has been released to the states for the low income energy assistance program, or LIHEAP.
Mary Ellen Bennett is the LIHEAP Coordinator for Lane County. She expects about 8,000 households will receive assistance this year, which is on par with last year. Bennett says several factors determine how much help is given:
Bennett: “The size of the household, the way that they heat their home. Natural gas is less costly than heating your home with home heating oil for example, and then also the income level of the household.”
To qualify for LIHEAP, gross monthly income must be less than 60 percent of Oregon’s median income, or about $3,400 a month for a family of four. If accepted, households receive a one-time payment to their utility averaging about $300.
Interested parties need to call one of the agencies that administer the program and get on a waiting list. Bennett says the lists are essentially first come, first served. However, people can try again on the first of each month. New funds are available throughout the winter.
For a list of agencies that administer LIHEAP in Lane County, call 541-682-fuel or visit the Lane County link here.