Latest news with #LIEAP
Yahoo
10-05-2025
- Yahoo
Gaston County warns residents about summer program scam targeting elderly
Gaston County Police and Gaston County Social Services have issued a statement warning residents about a scam circulating via email. The scam includes information about a summer Low Income Energy Assistance Program (LIEAP). It claims to offer additional energy assistance. The scam provides the names and phone numbers of state officials to appear legitimate. READ: Anson County deputies warn of scam targeting families LIEAP provides assistance with heating bills to those over the age of 60 or disabled persons receiving services through the N.C. Division of Aging and Adult Services. But Gaston County officials clarified, LIEAP does not have a summer program. Officials said those who need assistance and qualify can apply for the Crisis Intervention Program by calling (704)862-7889, online at or in person at the Department of Health and Human Services. 'Be cautious when you receive emails from people you do not know,' police said in a statement. 'Do not provide any personal information to any organization or group if you are not familiar with them. If you suspect a scam, end the communication and report it to law enforcement.' Anyone who believes they have been targeted by a scam has been asked to call Gaston County Communications at (704)866-3300. WATCH: Anson County deputies warn of scam targeting families
Yahoo
04-04-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
WV officials reviewing impacts of federal utility assistance program layoffs
The Trump administration has reportedly cut the entire staff of the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program, which provided utility assistance or aid for repairs to approximately 50,000 households throughout the West Virginia last year. (Jim Still-Pepper | iStock via Getty Images) West Virginia officials say they're reviewing the impacts of potential cuts to a federal program that helped thousands of state residents pay for heating and cooling last year. The Trump administration, through the Department of Government Efficiency, has reportedly cut the entire staff of the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program. Last year, the program provided utility assistance or aid for repairs to approximately 50,000 households throughout the state. 'The West Virginia Department of Human Services is aware of discussions regarding federal funding for the Low Income Energy Assistance Program (LIEAP),' Angel Hightower, a spokeswoman for the Department of Human Services, wrote in an email to West Virginia Watch. 'At this time, we are reviewing any potential impacts on the program and will provide updates as more information becomes available.' LIEAP is the state's version of the federal program. In fiscal year 2024, LIHEAP provided assistance to 45,270 West Virginia households, according to the state. In addition, 3,235 West Virginia households got help from Emergency LIHEAP, another 846 homes got assistance for heating system repairs and replacements, and 586 homes got weatherization services through the program. Nationally, the program provided 5.9 million households with a total of $6.2 billion in funding in 2023, according to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. The layoffs at LIHEAP were part of Health and Human Services' larger reduction in force of 10,000 employees that officials say will save taxpayers $1.8 billion per year. The restructuring will 'streamline' functions of the department, consolidating 28 divisions into 15, including a new 'Administration for a Healthy America.' The department will prioritize ending chronic disease by focusing on 'safe, wholesome food, clean water and the elimination of environmental toxins,' the department said. 'We aren't just reducing bureaucratic sprawl. We are realigning the organization with its core mission and our new priorities in reversing the chronic disease epidemic,' HHS Secretary Robert F. Kennedy, Jr. said in a statement. 'This department will do more — a lot more — at a lower cost to the taxpayer.' When asked about how the restructuring will affect LIHEAP, HHS press secretary Vianca N. Rodriguez Feliciano wrote in an email that 'HHS will continue to comply with [statutory] requirements, and as a result of the reorganization, will be better positioned to execute on Congress's statutory intent.' She did not respond to a followup question asking for clarification. SUBSCRIBE: GET THE MORNING HEADLINES DELIVERED TO YOUR INBOX
Yahoo
04-04-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Future uncertain for Kansas energy assistance program
TOPEKA (KSNT) – Cuts at the federal level could impact a state program that helps lower-income people and families heat and cool their homes. On Tuesday, April 1, the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) fired everyone who had been working on the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP), according to a now-former employee. Kansas' Low-income Energy Assistance Program (LIEAP) distributes funds from LIHEAP locally. It helps eligible households pay a portion of their home energy costs by providing a one-time per year benefit. The program is administered through the Kansas Department for Children and Families (DCF). It's unclear at this time the LIHEAP staff cuts will impact Kansas' distribution program. A spokeswoman for Evergy issued the following statement regarding the situation: 'The Low-income Energy Assistance Program (LIEAP) is an important program that assists some of our communities' most vulnerable residents. Last year alone, Evergy's customer outreach teams worked face to face with nearly 70,000 customers to help them secure assistance for their utility bills.' Kansas has program funds that have already been received and are available to distribute to qualified customers. The state's application window ended March 31. 'Evergy is working with our national trade association, and we are waiting to hear how this program will work moving forward.' Statement excerpt from Evergy 27 News has reached out to DCF for comment but had not received one by the time of this publication. For more local news, click here. Keep up with the latest breaking news in northeast Kansas by downloading our mobile app and by signing up for our news email alerts. Sign up for our Storm Track Weather app by clicking here. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
31-03-2025
- Climate
- Yahoo
Cold weather rule ends on Monday in Kansas
WICHITA, Kan. (KSNW) — The Kansas Cold Weather Rule ends Monday. The rule protects residential customers served by KCC-regulated utilities from disconnection when temperatures are forecast to drop below 35 degrees. When the Cold Weather Rule is in effect, regulated utilities are required to offer a 12-month payment plan upon request, even if a previous payment plan has been broken. When that protection ends, failure to make arrangements or failure to adhere to an already established payment plan could result in disconnection. Reconnection after March 31 may require past-due balances to be paid in full, depending on the utility's policy. Utility assistance program information can be found here. Why the Callery pear tree is such a problem in Kansas In addition, Monday is the deadline to apply for the Low Income Energy Assistance Program, known as LIEAP. Applications must be received by the Kansas Department of Children and Families by 5 p.m. For more Kansas news, click here. Keep up with the latest breaking news by downloading our mobile app and signing up for our news email alerts. Sign up for our Storm Track 3 Weather app by clicking here. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
28-03-2025
- Climate
- Yahoo
Kansas utility customers face urgent deadline for support programs
TOPEKA, Kan. (KSNW) — Kansas utility customers facing high energy bills are approaching a critical deadline. Two major support programs — the Cold Weather Rule and the Low Income Energy Assistance Program (LIEAP) — will end on March 31. State officials urge residents to take immediate action to prevent service shutoffs or missed financial assistance. 50 Kansas students get full-ride Rudd Scholarships Cold weather rule ending Since November, the Kansas Corporation Commission's Cold Weather Rule has prevented utility disconnections when temperatures drop below 35 degrees for residential customers. It also requires providers to offer a 12-month payment plan upon request, even for previous defaulters. But come Monday, that protection ends. After March 31, customers without payment arrangements or who fall behind may face disconnection, and reconnection could require full payment of outstanding balances based on utility policies. LIEAP Application Deadline Also ending Monday is the application window for the Low Income Energy Assistance Program (LIEAP) — a federally funded program that provides a once-per-year benefit to help low-income households cover their heating bills. To qualify, the Kansas Department for Children and Families must receive applications by 5 p.m. Monday, March 31. More information and the application portal are available at Act Now to Avoid Disconnection The KCC is urging all customers behind on utility payments to act now. Residents can contact their utility provider directly or reach out to the KCC Consumer Protection Office at 800-662-0027 or 785-271-3140 for more information. A full list of assistance programs and regulated utilities is available at Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
