Lower Fuel Costs Help Maintain Buying Power of Fuel Assistance Benefits for Vermont Households

WASHINGTON, D.C. – November 20, 2015 – (RealEstateRama) — AHS Secretary Hal Cohen and DCF Commissioner Ken Schatz announced today that Vermont has been awarded approximately $18.4 million in federal funds for this year’s Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) also known as Seasonal Fuel Assistance. These funds will help about 24,700 low-income Vermont households to heat their homes this winter by paying a portion of their home heating bills.

“This program is essential in keeping our low-income Vermonters warm throughout the winter,” said AHS Secretary Hal Cohen.

“Lower caseloads and significantly lower fuel prices have allowed us to maintain the same buying power for Vermonters without requiring significant State funds,” said DCF Commissioner Ken Schatz.

2014/15 Season
Average Benefit: $783
Average Cost Per Gallon (blended rate): $2.87
Average Gallons Per Benefit: 273
Percent of Fuel Costs Covered: 36 Percent
2015/16 Season
Average Benefit: $663
Average Cost Per Gallon (blended rate): $2.43
Average Gallons Per Benefit: 273
Percent of Fuel Costs Covered: 36 Percent
Households may be eligible for Fuel Assistance if their gross household incomes are equal to or less than 185 percent of the federal poverty level, whether they own their homes or rent. The resources that they own (e.g., savings accounts, retirement accounts, and property) will not be counted.
* To learn more about Fuel Assistance, call 1-800-479-6151 or go to dcf.vermont.gov/esd.
* Green Mountain Power and Vermont Gas customers who meet income guidelines may be eligible to get a discount on their monthly utility bills. To learn more, call 1-800-775-0516 or go to energyhelp.vt.gov.

Fuel benefits for the 2015/16 winter season have already begun being issued.

FOR MORE INFORMATION: Sean Brown, Deputy Commissioner, Economic Services Division, (802) 769-6457
Source: Department of Children and Families