Alaskans to receive heating help

Alaska will receive $9.7 million in help with home heating bills via the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program in the Fiscal Year 2013 Continuing Resolution.

Sen. Lisa Murkowski was part of a bipartisan effort to assure funding for the program was not reduced during the 2013 budgeting process.

In 2012, Alaska LIHEAP provided 19,000 households with financial assistance. Of those receiving help, 15 percent were seniors, 40 percent were disabled, and 38 percent were children under 5. The average benefit received in 2012 was $1,120, in 2011 it was $1,502, and in 2010 it was $1,440.

Income-eligible people may apply through April 30, 2013, to receive assistance. A family of four with a gross monthly income of $5,405 may qualify. People should add or subtract $928 for each additional household member to see if they meet income requirements.

For more information, or to download an application, visit 1.usa.gov/PMmcuq.