WASHINGTON, D.C. — The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) has released a record $367 million in funds for the Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP), which helps Ohio’s low-income households and seniors pay energy bills during the cold winter and hot summer months.

The release of these funds comes after legislators requested HHS release the funds as quickly as possible, so that low-income households and seniors can get the assistance they need ahead of the harsh winter months. The funds include $140 million in annual funding, as well as an additional $227 million secured through the American Rescue Plan – more than double Ohio’s typical annual funding. During the 2020-2021 winter, more than 270,000 Ohio homes used LIHEAP to help cover their home energy costs.

“As temperatures go from one extreme to the other, we must make sure Ohio families are able to keep their homes warm this winter,” said Senator Sherrod Brown. “Ohioans shouldn’t have to choose between keeping warm or putting food on the table. LIHEAP is a lifeline for thousands of Ohio families who struggle during the winter months.”

LIHEAP assists low-income households—particularly those with the lowest incomes that pay a high proportion of household income for home energy—in meeting their immediate home energy needs. In order to receive additional information or apply for LIHEAP funding, visit the State of Ohio website or contact their local Community Action Agencies.