Energy assistance programs may help pay utility bills or provide home improvements.
Senior citizens can receive energy assistance through programs sponsored by utility companies and state and federal governments. Local government agencies and nonprofit organizations administer federally funded programs throughout the United States and its territories. Benefits offered by energy assistance programs may include payment of utility bills, home weatherization services, utility discounts and heating and air conditioning system repairs. Energy assistance programs typically require participants to meet income guidelines and age requirements may also apply.
Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program, LIHEAP
The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services sponsors the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program, commonly referred to as LIHEAP. LIHEAP provides financial assistance for low-income households that need help paying cooling and heating expenses. HHS distributes funding for LIHEAP to U.S. states, Indian tribes and territories, which administer assistance through government agencies and nonprofit organizations at a local level. The program bases eligibility on household income, which may vary from state to state. The majority of local LIHEAP administrators pay funds directly to utility providers.
State Programs
Certain states administer their own energy assistance programs for elderly residents. For example, the Florida Department of Elder Affairs offers the Emergency Home Energy Assistance for the Elderly Program. The DOEA extends EHEAP eligibility to low-income residents 60 years of age and older. The EHEAP helps pay utility bills related to cooling and heating, including fuel oil, electricity, wood, natural gas, kerosene and propane expenses. Recipients can receive only one benefit per heating season and one per cooling season and the DOEA makes payments directly to utility or fuel providers. Program participants may also qualify for repairs to their home heating and air conditioning systems or vouchers, which they can use to purchase fans, blankets or portable heating units.
Weatherization Assistance Program, WAP
The U.S. Department of Energy's Weatherization Assistance Program helps households reduce their heating and cooling costs through energy efficient home improvements. The DOE distributes funds to U.S. states, Indian tribes and territories, which administer the WAP through local government agencies and nonprofit organizations. The WAP extends eligibility to low-income families, the disabled and senior citizens and requires participants to meet income guidelines. Services provided by the WAP can include heating and air conditioning system repairs and installation of attic insulation, water heater blankets and caulking. Local WAP administrators may offer weatherization services to home owners and renters.
Utility Companies
Local and regional utility providers often offer energy assistance programs for low-income households and senior citizens. For instance, Southern California Gas Company offers certain low-income customers a 20 percent discount on their gas bills through the California Alternate Rates for Energy program. Participants must meet income guidelines to qualify and the CARE program extends eligibility to senior citizens who receive benefits from Medicare and Supplemental Security Income. Memphis Light, Gas and Water Division administers multiple energy assistance plans for its customers, including the Winter Moratorium for Elderly and Handicapped Customers program. The program delays cutoffs because of delinquent payments during the months of January, February and December for disabled and elderly customers 60 years of age and older.
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