$3.7M in federal home-heating funding coming to Ocean State

Rhode Island is getting an extra $3.7 million to help low-income residents keep the heat on at home, U.S. Sen. Jack Reed announced Thursday.

The additional funding comes through the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, which is putting an extra $560 million into its Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program nationally.  The federal program offers ongoing and emergency grants to help income-eligible residents pay their heating bills, and avoid utility shutoffs.

The latest grants bring Rhode Island’s fiscal 2023 funding to $39.8 million, according to Reed’s office. 

The Rhode Island Department of Human Services oversees Rhode Island’s program, although applications are accepted through individual community action agencies. Anyone earning less than $34,039 a year, or $65,460 for a family of four, is eligible to apply, based on the state’s 2023 income guidelines. 

Over the last year, the program has helped more than 29,000 Rhode Island homes, saving them an average of $680 on winter heating bills, according to Reed’s office.

For more information or to apply, visit the R.I. Department of Human Services website.