Idaho has received $5.1 million from the federal government to help seniors and low-income Idahoans pay their winter heating bills.
The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services on Thursday released Idaho's remaining 2012 fiscal year funding for the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program, known as LIHEAP. Idaho's total funding is $20.6 million for the year.
AARP Idaho praised the announcement and said it recently found that more than 40 percent of Idahoans 50 and older are having difficulty paying utility bills. AARP Idaho encouraged low-income and elderly Idahoans to apply for the funds immediately, since they are given on a first-come, first-served basis.
LIHEAP helps cover energy bills and provides emergency help if a household's home heating or cooling service is shut off or about to be shut off. It also can help with home insulation costs. The program in Idaho runs from Nov. 1 through March 31, but that depends on funding availability.
Idaho's LIHEAP allocation has helped 52,257 households with energy bills, according to the LIHEAP Clearinghouse.
The LIHEAP income eligibility level is 60 percent of the state median income.
Visit the Community Action Partnership Association of Idaho website at http://www.idahocommunityaction.org/ to find out if you may qualify. Under the "Programs" tab, select "Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program."
Visit www.eladacap.org for information about getting LIHEAP in the Treasure Valley.
To schedule an appointment in Ada County, call 322-1242.
