BOWLING GREEN, Mo. â The not-for-profit North East Community Action Corporation is welcoming changes that will allow more low-income people to sign up for utility assistance.
Gov. Mike Parson announced April 23 that the state is expanding eligibility for the Low-Income Home Energy Assistance program to households with incomes up to 135 percent of the federal poverty level to include those with an income of up to 60 percent of state median income.
The change will now allow a family of four with an annual income of up to $51,021 to receive benefits. Previously, the qualifying income level was $35,364.
âWe welcome this significant change in eligibility for the LIHEAP program,â said NECAC LIHEAP Supervisor Angela Kattenbraker. âThe COVID pandemic has kept more people at home the last year. Consequently, their utility bills often are higher. Expanding LIHEAP will give them an opportunity to use money they would have spent on utilities for other needs.â
Gov Evers announces over $21 million to help Wisconsinites pay overdue utility bills journaltimes.com - get the latest breaking news, showbiz & celebrity photos, sport news & rumours, viral videos and top stories from journaltimes.com Daily Mail and Mail on Sunday newspapers.
By Kevin Zimmermann
Apr 29, 2021 6:32 AM
(WHBL) – More than 36,000 utility customers across Wisconsin have been helped to clear their overdue utility bills thanks to a $21 million dollar allocation to the Wisconsin Home Energy Assistance Program. Governor Tony Evers said on Wednesday that the money comes from Wisconsin’s fiscal year 21 allocation for the federal Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program. And for those weary of navigating through applications for getting such help, there’s relief of another kind – the payments were made directly on behalf of those eligible and no further action needs to be taken.
The allocation is the latest step made after several consumer protections were put in place last year that allowed people to stay safe in their homes and maintain utility service even if they lost income. Later, the Public Service Commission helped utilities to account for those expenses and maintain their financial strength and service.
By Stephanie Fryer
Apr 28, 2021 | 4:06 PM
MADISON, Wis. Wisconsin Gov. Tony Evers announced more than $21 million to cover unpaid and overdue utility bills for thousands of Wisconsin residents.
The money is going to more than 36,000 qualifying utility customers across the state through the Wisconsin Home Energy Assistance Program. It was distributed to people who previously applied for assistance through WHEAP and had accounts in arrears as of April 9.
“This year has been tough for folks and families, and we know there are so many who’ve struggled to make ends meet,” Evers said.
Evers announced the initiative Wednesday along with officials from the Public Service Commission and Department of Administration, which oversees the WHEAP. The funding comes from Wisconsin’s federal FY21 allocation for the Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program.
$21 Million to Help Pay Overdue Utility Bills b93radio.com - get the latest breaking news, showbiz & celebrity photos, sport news & rumours, viral videos and top stories from b93radio.com Daily Mail and Mail on Sunday newspapers.