October 28th, 2016 by WCBC Radio

U.S. Senators Barbara A. Mikulski and Ben Cardin (both D-Md.) today announced that $66,017,758 in federal energy assistance funds will be available to Maryland families struggling to pay their heating bills this winter through the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP). In fiscal year 2015, Maryland LIHEAP provided 111,071 households with LIHEAP financial assistance.

“No family should be forced to choose between paying the heating bill and putting food on the table,” Senator Mikulski said. “Too many people are being stretched and stressed by high energy costs. This critical energy assistance for low income families will help those most in need care for themselves and their families as winter approaches.”

“This is good news for low-income Maryland families who now know that their homes will be safe and warm during the cold winter months. LIHEAP is an indispensable lifeline for the most vulnerable among us,” said Senator Cardin. “As temperatures begin to drop, I want struggling Marylanders to know that they have strong federal partners to provide the assistance they need to help prevent utility-shut offs this winter.”

 

Eligibility for LIHEAP is based on income, family size and the availability of resources.