Relief From High Home Heating Costs Available For Older Illinoisans

CHICAGO, Nov. 10 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- With high home heating costs and cold temperatures bearing down on Illinoisans, AARP is reminding eligible low-income residents, especially the elderly, to enroll inIllinois' Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP).

"Affording high home heating costs will be a financial strain for low-income people across the state," said Bob Gallo, AARP Illinois Senior State Director. "AARP is encouraging those who are eligible to enroll in LIHEAP now, before the program's funds for the year are exhausted."

LIHEAP provides a one-time benefit to eligible households to be used for energy bills; however assistance is available on a first come first serve basis. The amount of the benefit is determined by income, household size, fuel type and geographic location. Due to rising energy costs, funds for the program have increased by $116 million for the year.

"In tough economic times like these,Illinois senior citizens can feel the pinch even more because they often live on a fixed income," said Illinois Healthcare and Family Services (HFS) Director Barry Maram. "LIHEAP funds can assist eligible low-income households in meeting their heating and energy needs."

Older Illinoisans on fixed incomes tend to be hit especially hard by increases to home heating costs, while they use about the same amount of energy as younger people, they spend twice as much to heat their homes. One out of every four low-income older persons spends 19% or more of their total income on home energy bills. A recent, nationwide AARP survey found that 22 percent of Americans are worried about being able to afford their home energy costs this winter.

As LIHEAP funds are limited and available on a first come first serve basis, AARP is encouraging all eligible Illinoisans to apply as soon as possible. To learn more about the LIHEAP program, call the Keep Warm Illinois hotline at 1-877-411-WARM (9276) or visit www.liheapillinois.com.

SOURCE AARP Illinois

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