After Congress recently provided for an increase in the 2009 LIHEAP (Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program) budget, states opened up for grant applications today with revised income restrictions. The program helped over 500,000 families last winter, and is expected to provide even more help this year. This year’s program budget increased to its highest level, with funds made available to the states starting November 3. Households with total income below 1.5 times the Federal poverty level are eligible to apply for the state level grants. With natural gas prices on the rise, many state officials anticipate record number of applications for the grant program.
