On Monday, a joint legislative committee in Connecticut greenlit a 31% cut in the state’s budget for federal low-income home heating assistance, know as Connecticut Energy Assistance Program (CEAP), and equivalent to the federal Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP). This decision comes as state officials prepare for a rise in the number of households requiring this aid during the upcoming winter season.
Until this year, the CEAP (local for LIHEAP) program offered a help to Connecticut residents to afford to heat their homes. The basic benefits for your heating bill ranged from $250 to $600, depending on your income level, the size of your household and whether there is a vulnerable member in the household. These benefits are usually paid directly to your utility company or fuel supplier. Households that heat with deliverable fuels such as oil or propane may be eligible for additional fuel deliveries coordinated by the authorities.
What are the changes coming to the Connecticut LIHEAP program
It is essential to carry out the budget reduction, since the additional resources coming from the federal government that kept the LIHEAP program afloat during the pandemic are running out, according to state Senator Norm Needleman, who represents the Democratic party in Essex County. Senator Needleman serves on the Appropriations, Human Services, Energy and Technology joint committee. “There’s no free lunch here. We get extra money and then we want to continue spending at that level. This is not the process to do it,” Needleman said.
Thus, the committee approved a budget of $84 million for LIHEAP in the state of Connecticut, a significant reduction from last year’s $122 million, which was boosted with supplemental federal funds and pandemic relief funds. Yet, you can apply for the LIHEAP heating assistance to be opening soon, as the cold months are on the horizon.
How to apply for the upcoming heating LIHEAP in Connecticut
Through CEAP, you can secure protection against heating shut-offs, access payment plans to reduce your primary heating costs, and even receive free replacements or repairs for heating equipment. This program is a collaborative effort between Connecticut’s Department of Social Services and local Community Action Agencies (CAAs) spread across the state.
To determine your eligibility for CEAP, consider these criteria: You must be a resident of Connecticut, and you should meet certain income requirements. Eligibility extends to individuals receiving food stamps (SNAP), SSI, TANF, or other benefits from the Department of Social Services. Alternatively, your annual household income should fall at or below 60% of the state’s median income, as indicated in the income table.
Applying for CEAP is convenient and flexible. You have the option to apply online, over the phone, through email, by mail, or in person at your nearest Community Action Agency (CAA). To get started, locate your local CAA from the provided list and choose the application method that suits you best. CEAP aims to make heating assistance accessible and affordable for Connecticut residents in need.
Online, phone, email or in-person applications are still not open, but will be soon so, you better be checking on the website because the program works as first come, first served. This is the official website.