HHS Releases $40 Million in Emergency Funds

HHS Secretary Mike Leavitt announced February 22, the release of $40 million in FY 2008 LIHEAP emergency contingency funds to help low-income households cope with the record high costs for home heating oil this winter.

The funds were allocated to 11 states that had at least 20 percent of their low-income households using oil as their primary heating fuel. The 11 states that met this criterion include Alaska, Connecticut, Delaware, Maine, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island and Vermont. The fuel oil percentages for the 11 states were weighted by each state's regular block grant percentage to determine the state contingency fund allocations.

Tribes in these states will receive a proportionate share of the contingency funds equal to their percentage of regular block grants in FY 2008. Territories will not receive funds from this distribution. 

States and tribes receiving a share of the $40 million must obligate at least 90 percent of these funds before September 30, 2008.

This is the second release of FY 2008 emergency contingency funds. Approximately $120 million in LIHEAP contingency funds remain available for use in FY 2008.

Source:  HHS press release

Page Last Updated: February 25, 2008