Residents of South Carolina, who have problems keeping up with their utility payments, can now pay them just on time and without falling into fines, thanks to the LIHEAP program, which received a new injection of $48 million so that more families can access help.
The Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) offers low-income families to pay for the heating costs in their home this winter, as temperatures in the state of South Carolina can range between average between 47° F (8.3° C) and 52° F (11.1° C). The region generally experiences its first freeze in early December, with the last freeze in late February.
New Funds for the LIHEAP Program in South Carolina
Congressman James E. Clyburn announced the new funds just added to the program. “This LIHEAP funding will help ensure every South Carolinian can preserve the safety and health of their household without sacrificing their basic needs this winter,” Clyburn said in a release.
“No one should have to choose between paying their bills and putting food on the table. That’s why I’m grateful the Biden-Harris Administration has once again shown their commitment to providing cost-saving resources to the communities that need it most,” he added.
Applying for LIHEAP in S.C.
If you and your family are willing to apply for the LIHEAP help, the first step is to determine whether you qualify or not. First, review South Carolina’s specific eligibility requirements, which are typically related to income, household size, and other factors. Calculate your total household income, including wages, Social Security benefits, unemployment compensation, and other sources of income.
Make sure that your household meets the established income limits. Check the size of your household, which includes the number of people living in your house, including children and dependents. Then, contact the local LIHEAP South Carolina office for an application form and to know the eligibility criteria and specific income limits for the current year. Complete the application accurately and submit it with the required documentation.
You can do all that going directly to the official South Carolina Office of Economic Opportunities, at their official website.
Your Community Action Agency in your county may be able to offer you one or more of the following types of assistance:
- Utility bill payment assistance
- Energy crisis assistance
- Weatherization and energy-related home repairs
Remember that the money will not fall in your hands, but will be delivered directly to your energy provider, in order to preserve the program’s transparency.