heating assistance

As gas prices go up, home heating assistance is still available for those who need it through local Community Action Partnerships.

The Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program, or LIHEAP, helps about 6 million U.S. households pay energy bills, buy fuel, or fix broken heaters. The shutdown has stalled funds.

Applications for heating assistance through LIHEAP are open, and programs begin on December 1.

Programs within New Hampshire Saves, run by the state’s utility companies, cover between 75% and 100% of the cost of efficiency upgrades for households.

Se espera que los costos de calefacción se mantengan altos este año, y los funcionarios dicen que aplicar antes de que se ponga frío afuera ayudaría a procesar las aplicaciones.

La organización que administra la línea de ayuda 211 dice que las llamadas para asistencia de gas entre este septiembre y el anterior han aumentado un 52%.

The organization that runs 211 says it saw a 52% increase in calls about fuel assistance this September over last.

Costs are expected to stay high for heating this year, and officials say applying for help before it starts to get cold will help with processing applications.

There’s still time to apply for assistance with energy bills, and expanded assistance options are available for Granite Staters this year.

The Legislature allocated $42 million to an emergency energy assistance program in September, and expanded eligibility to include residents who earn between 60 and 75% of the state median income.