By Staff Reports

The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), through the Office of Community Services (OCS) at the Administration for Children and Families (ACF), has announced the release of $3.7 billion through LIHEAP (Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program). This amount includes the regular block grant appropriation and an additional $100.108 million appropriated for federal Fiscal Year 2025 (FY25) from President Biden’s Bipartisan Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA). 

The $108,197 became available from unobligated FY23 IIJA funds that were returned to HHS for redistribution. Ma-Chis Lower Creek Indian Tribe was awarded a total of $13,500.00 to assist low-income families ahead of the winter season. This includes  $13,500.00 from the regular LIHEAP block grant funding.  

Ma-Chis Lower Creek Indian tribal FY25 Model Plans have been approved and will receive funding with the first release. Individuals interested in applying for energy assistance can visit energyhelp.us or call the National Energy Assistance Referral (NEAR) hotline toll-free at 1-866-674-6327.