The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services’ (HHS) Administration for Children and Families is making available $454 million in support of the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP). In November, HHS released $2.9 billion in LIHEAP funding while awaiting action on final fiscal year 2014 appropriations.

With passage of the Consolidated Appro­priations Act of 2014 in January, HHS released the additional $454 million to states, territories, tribes, and the District of Columbia to help households with their heating and home energy costs. LIHEAP assists households across the country, including families with children and seniors, with their home energy needs such as heating in the winter, cooling in the summer, and insulating homes to make them more energy efficient and reduce energy costs.

A complete list of funds may be viewed at www.acf.hhs.gov/programs/ocs/resource/liheap-dear-col­league-letter-final-fy-2014-funding-release. Individu­als interested in applying for energy assistance may visit the LIHEAP website at www.acf.hhs.gov/programs/ocs/liheap, or call their local or state LIHEAP office.