WASHINGTON – U.S. Senators Ben Cardin and Barbara A. Mikulski (both D-Md.) today announced that $62 million in federal energy assistance funds will be available to Maryland families struggling to pay their heating bills this winter through the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP). In fiscal year 2013, Maryland LIHEAP provided 113,787 households with LIHEAP financial assistance.

“We cannot leave the most vulnerable Maryland families in the dark and cold. This federal funding is good news for low-income families who rely on LIHEAP to keep their homes safe and warm during the winter months,” said Senator Cardin. “As a matter of public health and safety, the federal government has a responsibility to help keep the power on for households in need.”  

“No family should be forced to choose between paying the heating bill and putting food on the table,” Senator Mikulski said. “Too many people are being stretched and stressed by high energy costs. This critical energy assistance for low income families will help those most in need care for themselves and their families as winter approaches.”

In October, Senators Cardin and Mikulski along with 46 bipartisan Senate colleagues sent a letter to Department of Health and Human Services Secretary Sylvia Mathews Burwell requesting the funding be made available. That letter is available here.

Eligibility for LIHEAP is based on income, family size, and the availability of resources.

For more information on Maryland LIHEAP, visit: http://liheap.org/states/md/.