Increased Eligibility for Low Income Home Energy Assistance
The Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services announced a new plan for the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP).
As of October 2021, the proposed changes to this program go into effect.
By junior contributor, Justin Diep
Photo credit: Lyndsay Dunn
Eligibility for LIHEAP, the government’s Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program, is determined by each state. Under a new plan for LIHEAP Nebraska has increased eligibility to 150% of the federal poverty level.
According to the state DHHS’s website “The LIHEAP Program provides heating assistance, cooling assistance, year round crisis assistance, emergency furnace repair and replacement, fan program and weatherization services for eligible Nebraska citizens/households.”
LIHEAP was created under the Reagan Administration to replace an existing program that addressed concerns over growing energy prices. The Human Services Reauthorization Act of 1984 granted funds to LIHEAP to assist low income families with their heating and cooling. The federal DHHS allocates funds to all state, territorial and tribal governments to use how they see fit.
Individuals can apply online via the Access Nebraska website or by calling Access Nebraska at (800) 383-4278
For more information click here for the Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services Energy Assistance Website or contact the DHHS office for your county which can be found here.
