BANGOR, Maine — Many Mainers are bracing for the winter months ahead, and with that comes high heating bills.
With the rising costs of living and fuel prices, Mainers are struggling to keep warm in those long winter months.
The Maine State Housing Authority is encouraging those in need of heating assistance this winter to apply through the Low-Income Energy Assistance Program by scheduling appointments to do so on its website.
In 2022, the Maine State Housing Authority received additional funding to the already existing budget of 40 million dollars for payouts as part of the LI-HEAP program. At the present time, it seems that’s unlikely to happen this year.
Without that additional funding, this winter families can receive around $550 in heating assistance.
Lynn Lugdon helps run the heating assistance program in Penobscot County through Penquis, an agency for the LI-HEAP.
Lugdon said the need is even greater this year as she is seeing a surge in applications.
“We have already taken more than 4,000 applications. Statewide they have taken over 16,000 applications,” Lugdon expressed.
Lugdon also added that there are other heat assistance programs to tap into, if benefits are denied.
“If you are denied and over income, we have the Good Neighbor Fund that we can offer 100 gallons,” Lugdon stated.
That’s a hundred gallons of heating oil to help heat homes that Penquis will consider tapping into and or suggest other programs that are beneficial.
Mainers are encouraged to call 211, local town offices, community action programs, or organizations like the United Way and the Salvation Army for assistance.
Those in need of heating assistance are asked to start applying to the state's low-income heating assistance program as it takes about six weeks to determine eligibility for the heat benefit.