Greene County is once again participating in the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) through New Opportunities.

Coordinator Teresa Lansman says LIHEAP is a federally funded program that helps individuals and families pay for part of their gas and electric bills from November through April.  Last year, about 550 Greene County families took advantage of the program, which Lansman believes will continue to be successful and ensure that the program won’t be eliminated.

Funding for qualifying families is based off of their gross income, which are at 175 percent of the federal poverty level.  That means a family of two must be below $27,878 of their gross income in order to qualify.  Lansman points out that once you are qualified, your gas and electricity will not be disconnected if you fall behind on monthly payments.  She notes that this program helps families save money for other expenses.

“I encourage families, if they get $200, to just take $50 off a bill a month.  Well that $50 can go to food (and) we’re getting into the Christmas season, that $50 can be saved back for extra for Christmas.”

Applications are now open for anyone 65 or older and disabled people.  All other applications will be available on November 1st.

Lansman encourages anyone interested in LIHEAP to contact her at 386-2719 to set up an appointment.