Vermonters are set to see historic levels of financial assistance to help cover their heating bills and pay for energy efficiency upgrades to their homes this winter, thanks to a funding boost from Congress.
The state is receiving an unprecedented $49 million from the federal government’s Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program — more than double what the state typically sees per year.
The state Department for Children and Families will distribute the money from the program, commonly referred to as LIHEAP, to Vermonters in need.
Gov. Phil Scott, the state’s congressional delegation and industry leaders at a Thursday joint press conference said the need has never been greater for energy assistance. The coronavirus pandemic has pushed many Americans into financial hardship, and heating costs are anticipated to be higher than usual this winter.
U.S. Sen. Bernie Sanders, I-Vt., said the government has a “moral responsibility to make sure nobody in our state of Vermont goes cold in the wintertime.”
“In a wealthy nation, there should not be folks who are struggling to stay warm in the wintertime,” he said. “And in our state, a very significant percentage of people receiving LIHEAP benefits are elderly, are living on fixed incomes, people who have severe disabilities and young families with children.”
In addition to increased fuel benefits, Scott said the money also can be used to improve homes’ energy efficiency, help repair and replace outdated furnaces, provide one-time checks to households who use electric heat or renters who cover their own heating bills and more.
Not only is the cost of heating expected to rise this year, but U.S. Rep. Peter Welch, D-Vt., also said climate change has resulted in more extreme weather patterns and events. LIHEAP is one way to address the immediate threat of home temperature control, while larger action is needed to address climate change over the long term, Welch said.
“Folks who don’t have any control over energy prices and who don’t have any control over how cold it gets, those folks have got to stay warm,” he said. “And them staying warm can’t come at the expense of them not being able to get the medication they need or the food they need.”
Vermont typically receives about $20 million in LIHEAP funds per year, according to the governor’s office. This year’s increase is due to a one-time block grant authorized by Congress’s coronavirus emergency American Rescue Plan Act.
On average, the funding is expected to increase eligible Vermonters’ fuel assistance to $1,522 from $912 this winter season, covering roughly 89% of a household’s seasonal bill.
“If you need help, please apply,” said U.S. Sen. Patrick Leahy, D-Vt.
“Don’t think the help may or may not be there. It will be there, so apply,” he said. “And don’t be too proud to accept some assistance. After all, it’s Vermonters taking care of Vermonters. We can do it.”
Vermont households whose gross household income is equal to or less than 185% of the federal poverty level — which works out to $4,085 a month for a family of four — are eligible for Seasonal Fuel Assistance under LIHEAP.
If a household is experiencing a crisis, they may qualify for Crisis Fuel Assistance if their gross household income is equal to or less than 200% of the federal poverty level, or $4,416 a month for a family of four.
Vermonters can call 800-479-6151 to learn more.
