More Help With Utility Bills

The Commercial Appeal has a good article about the expansion of the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP).

An excerpt:

After an expansion of federal funding for the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program, the state legislature this year raised the income ceilings for eligibility from 125 percent of federally defined poverty levels to 200 percent.

That means a one-person household with an annual income up to $21,660 might qualify. For two-person households, the new ceiling is $29,140; three-person households, $36,620; and four-person households, $44,100.

In addition to income, eligibility for LIHEAP is determined on a priority point system that targets households with members elderly, disabled or children under age 6. LIHEAP assistance is paid directly to the local utility or energy supplier.

In Shelby County, the program is administered by Shelby County Community Services Agency, 545-4630.