Calling for Additional Heating Assistance Funds
Posted on September 8, 2022
Dear Friends & Neighbors,
As you may be aware, the federal funding for Connecticut’s home heating assistance program (LIHEAP) was reduced this year, even though costs have skyrocketed. On Monday, Republican members of the Appropriations, Energy, and Human Services committees proposed an amendment to supplement $79.2 million in expected federal LIHEAP funds to increase total home energy assistance to $191.5 million. The supplemental funds would come from leftover federal funding the state received under the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) for pandemic recovery. The amendment, however, was not entertained by the majority party and rejected on procedural grounds.
As a result, millions of dollars in potential relief was left on the table.
In response, Connecticut House and Senate Republicans are now calling for a special session to reallocate those un-spent federal ARPA dollars for home energy assistance for those who need it most. The funds are currently sitting in an account at the Department of Economic and Community Development.
While the debate over additional funding is ongoing, the application period has opened:
The application period for the 2022-2023 winter season of the Connecticut Energy Assistance Program (CEAP) will begin on September 1, 2022. The program helps Connecticut residents – including both homeowners and renters – with the costs associated with heating their homes.
Basic benefits toward heating bills are around $400 for the season but can be significantly higher depending on the household’s income and number of family members. Benefits are available for households with incomes up to 60% of the state median income, which equates to roughly $76,400 for a family of four. These benefits are usually paid directly to the utility company or fuel supplier. Households that heat with deliverable fuels like oil or propane may be eligible for multiple free tank fills.
Applications for the 2022-2023 winter season must be received by May 31, 2023. Additional information can be obtained by visiting ct.gov/heatinghelp or calling 2-1-1.