24 Oct Local Congressmen speaks about the state receiving $30M in Energy Assistance Funding
YUMA — The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), through the Office of Community Services (OCS) at the Administration for Children and Families (ACF), announced the release of $3.7 billion in Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) funding to all 50 states, the District of Columbia, three territories and more than 125 tribes.
Arizona was awarded a total of $30,937,243 to assist low-income families ahead of the winter season. The Pascua Yaqui Tribe was awarded $46, 188. The Cocopah Tribe was awarded $11, 980. The Quechan tribe was awarded $25, 718.
“Thanks to Democrats’ support to keep the government open and the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, federal energy assistance is heading to Arizona. This funding will help Arizonans and Tribal residents pay their energy bills, bring down costs and weatherize their homes,” said Rep. Grijalva. “As the ongoing effects of climate change make extreme weather more common, this funding is key to making sure Arizonans are ready and resilient. I’ll continue to support programs that ensure individuals and families in Arizona are able to pay their home heating costs this winter and cooling bills in the summer.”
The federal funding announced is a combination of regular appropriations by Congress, an additional $2.5 billion provided in the Continuing Resolution, as well as an additional $100 million supplement that was passed as part of the President Biden’s bipartisan infrastructure bill, the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA). More information on Arizona’s breakdown can be found here.
Individuals interested in applying for LIHEAP can visit energyhelp.us or call the National Energy Assistance Referral (NEAR) hotline toll-free at: 1-866-674-6327.
Not sure whether you qualify? Households can easily identify if they may be eligible for assistance by using the LIHEAP Eligibility Tool on energyhelp.us