Washington, D.C. — Today, Colorado U.S. Senators Michael Bennet and John Hickenlooper announced that Colorado will receive nearly $23.5 million in additional funding for the Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) to help Colorado families cover home energy costs. Bennet and Hickenlooper previously welcomed $64 million for LIHEAP in November, bringing the total funding for Colorado to $87.5 million over the last year. Bennet and Hickenlooper have supported historic investments in LIHEAP in the American Rescue Plan, Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, and federal funding bills.

Federal LIHEAP funding is a crucial lifeline that helps low-income households and seniors on fixed incomes pay their energy bills and stay safe during the winter. In Colorado, approximately 77,500 low-income households received assistance with heating and cooling costs through LIHEAP last season. Applications are accepted from November through April. More information for Coloradans interested in applying for LIHEAP assistance is available HERE.

“No family should need to worry about how they're going to heat or cool their home,” said Bennet. “This funding will help thousands of Coloradans avoid impossible decisions between keeping their families warm and putting food on the table.”

“Being able to keep your family warm in the winter shouldn’t be a luxury,” said Hickenlooper. “This program will lower energy bills and keep working families safe.”

By assisting households with energy costs including home energy bills, minor energy-related home repairs, and weatherization costs to make homes more energy efficient, this LIHEAP funding will continue to keep Colorado families safe and healthy.

Eligibility for LIHEAP is based on income, family size, and the availability of resources. Senior citizens and those receiving Social Security Disability or SSI benefits are encouraged to apply as early as possible, but applications will be open to everyone through April 30, 2023, or until the funding is exhausted.