As the winter wears on, the number of households applying for home heating assistance rises to record levels for the third straight year, rising by 15% to include 8.8 million households. The majority of these applicants are low-income seniors, disabled people, and families living beneath the federal poverty line.
Under LIHEAP (the Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program), states provide grants of about $500; however, due to increased demand, many states have had to cut the grants or applications to stretch funds, leaving many in the lurch.
“While several states forbid the cut-off of utilities during the winter, struggling retirees often put off payments and build up debt,” said Ruben Burks, Secretary-Treasurer of the Alliance. “In the spring, seniors may find themselves lacking gas and electricity as companies seek payment.”
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