Schumer: Federal government releases LIHEAP funds early to help storm victims

Sen. Charles Schumer (D-N.Y.) announced that New Yorkers affected by Superstorm Sandy can use funds from the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) for temporary relief.

Late last week, Schumer said the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) would release more than $330,000 in a block grant to help New York.

“These funds will help provide relief to the Hurricane Sandy victims that are still without power and heat,” Schumer said in a statement. “LIHEAP recipients should not have to choose between keeping warm and paying for food, and I am relieved that the federal government will be releasing these critical funds. This will help at-risk New Yorkers access the resources they need to keep warm and be safe during this difficult time.”

LIHEAP funds are normally used by low-income families and seniors to help pay their heating bills, but it can also be used in emergencies to buy supplies.

Schumer said the funds could be used to buy blankets, generators and temporary rentals to help keep people without heat and electricity warm.

Schumer pushed for the funds to be released early because of the severe storm damage.

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