Time is running out to apply for $1,300 checks from energy assistance program

THERE’S little time left for select Americans to take advantage of checks from an energy assistance program.

Direct payments worth as much as $1,300 will be going out to qualifying applicants, so long as they take a few crucial steps.

It’s all part of the Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP), a federally funded initiative.

LIHEAP helps certain families with heating and cooling costs.

Residents in Florida can take advantage this summer thanks to Florida Department of Commerce (FloridaCommerce) which helps allocate “funding directly to a network of community action agencies, also known as local agency providers, located throughout the state,” per its website.

Funds from LIHEAP can be used for everything from cooling and heating costs involving electric, gas, propane, wood, coal, or refillable fuel sources.

It can also be spent on deposits or fees to start, connect, or restore energy, along with late fees and disconnection fees.

However, it cannot be used for other utility costs like for water, sewer, or internet/telephone, or any fees related to energy meter tampering.

Payment amounts will vary, and go directly to qualifying participants’ utility companies on their behalf through the program.

Factors that will determine those amounts include how many people are in a household, the household’s gross income for the month, and whether or not it has seniors, children, or persons with disabilities.

A Florida resident recently noted in a post on Facebook that they were awarded $1,300 as part of LIHEAP.

CRISIS AVERTED

Some eligible applicants who had their utility service disconnected after non-payment could get a Crisis award, which would restore the service and result in a $2,000 maximum distribution.

Multiple Crisis awards can be sent out yearly up to the maximum.

To apply, interested residents are encouraged to do so through the FloridaCommerce website for the fastest response time.

Hard copy applications can also be mailed to a listed LIHEAP provider.

All applications for the cooling program this summer must be submitted by July 31.

Air conditioner tips to keep you cool this summer

Here are some tips to get your air conditioner to pay off without exactly making you pay more, per Apartment Therapy:

• Move electronics away from your thermostat as they may confuse it and make it think the room is hotter than it is
• Keep your A/C unit shaded
• Make sure to clean your A/C filter
• Leave your thermostat be
• Try not to move your vents too much
• Check your airducts
• Use your fan

QUALIFICATIONS

Applicants must meet four crucial criteria to get the money, which is, again, directly applied to their utility bill.

First, they must have a household income at 60% or less than the Florida State Median Income or at 150% of the Federal Poverty Level.

Those who receive benefits from the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF), or Supplemental Security Income (SSI) also meet the mark.

Secondly, applicants must be responsible for the payment of their home heating and cooling bills.

They also must be a resident of Florida, and one person in the household must be a US Citizen, permanent resident, or qualified alien.

LIHEAP also has maximum monthly income limits.

For a household of one, it’s $2,549, with two at $3,333, three at $4,118, and so on all the way up to 15 at $11,298.

A full chart can be found on the FloridaCommerce website.

There’s also a simple switch all Americans can make this summer that could save at least 30% on energy bills.

At least $83 could also be axed from the costs as part of a unique “weather strip” trick.