(WFXR) — U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Secretary Xavier Becerra announced Tuesday, Jan. 25, the release of $100 million from President Biden’s Bipartisan Infrastructure Law to help families pay their outstanding heating and cooling bills. 

White House highlights effort to cover winter heating bills

The $100 million is the first installment of a five-year, $500 million investment provided by President Biden’s Bipartisan Infrastructure Law.

This funding comes in addition to investment in the Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) through the American Rescue Plan and the Continuing Resolution recently passed by Congress. 

Counting investments from the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, the American Rescue Plan, and Continuing Resolution, the Biden-Harris Administration has spearheaded the largest distribution of funds in a single year since LIHEAP was created in 1981.

“Millions of working families are experiencing unusually high heating and cooling costs, and it is important that we provide them with the support they need. I will continue to work with President Biden to protect the health and well-being of all families in need and help lower their energy bills.”

U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Secretary Xavier Becerra

Inflation can spell disaster for some 40% of Americans

More than five million households receive assistance through LIHEAP each year. Households approved for assistance receive benefits for heating, cooling, and crisis assistance, weatherization, budget counseling, and/or other vital services to help achieve safe and healthy indoor air quality and temperature.

“Our job is to help low-income households maintain continuous, affordable and safe home heating and cooling services, as well as address each energy crisis as quickly as possible. The Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act will help deliver progress towards these efforts.”

Dr. Lanikque Howard, director of the Office of Community Services at the Administration for Children & Families (ACF)

Breaking news, weather, and sports on your smartphone with the WFXR News app

If you would like to apply for energy assistance, you can use this map of LIHEAP Local Agency Locations to find your local office. You can also learn more about LIHEAP by clicking here.

[ad_2]

Originally Appeared Here