U.S. Department of Health & Human Services
Improving the health, safety, and well-being of America	Frequent Questions Search

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"For the past two weeks, temperatures up and down the Eastern Seaboard, and as far west as Michigan, have soared to levels more than 30 percent higher than average for this time of year. Tragically, this heat wave has already claimed the lives of more than 100 people," said the President. "These resources will help protect the most vulnerable among us as the current heat wave runs its course."

The 17 states are: Connecticut, Delaware, District of Columbia, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, North Carolina, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Vermont, Virginia and West Virginia.

"The effects of severe heat are devastating, especially for our most vulnerable low-income families -- children, senior citizens and persons with disabilities," said Secretary Shalala. "This critical aid will provide relief and support for the remaining hot months this summer."

States can use the funds to pay cooling bills, buy air conditioners, or provide other means of assistance to help low-income families and individuals. The $100 million is allocated to the 17 states most affected by the extreme heat, based on the severity of the heat wave and the number of low-income households in the state, as well as consideration of other resources available to assist in dealing with the situation. Of the $100 million, $690,380 will go directly to 15 tribes in Maine, Massachusetts, Michigan, New Jersey, New York, North Carolina and Rhode Island.

LIHEAP supports approximately four to five million households annually. Nearly half are families with children under 18, with senior citizens, person with disabilities and working poor individuals as the remaining beneficiaries. Seventy percent of the households had incomes below $8,000 per year.

The following is the amount of funds for each state:

Connecticut $3,123,251; Delaware $694,531; District of Columbia $1,085,603; Maine $782,566; Maryland $3,576,484; Massachusetts $7,762,254; Michigan $3,950,906; New Hampshire $774,056; New Jersey $9,053,730; New York $28,484,847; North Carolina $6,536,764; Ohio $8,489,614; Pennsylvania $12,957,432; Rhode Island $1,721,367; Vermont $474,893; Virginia $7,639,727; and West Virginia $2,891,975.

Actuality with Secretary Donna E. Shalala available at 1-800-621-2984.

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