Good news is heating up the holiday season for low-income households in New Mexico. The New Mexico Human Services Department (HSD) has secured $9.2 million in additional funding from the Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP), delivering a well-timed boost to families struggling with energy bills.
If you received LIHEAP between October 1, 2022, and September 30, 2023, then cheers, because you’re entitled to an automatic $200 increment, easing the burden of keeping your home warm and comfortable. And the best part is that no extra paperwork in involved. The HSD will handle the distribution without requiring any further application.
Extra LIHEAP Funds in New Mexico: Will This Affect Your Eligibility?
This welcome assistance won’t affect your eligibility for other vital programs administered by the HSD, including food, cash, energy, or medical assistance. It’s purely a helping hand towards keeping your energy bills in check.
Thinking if you qualify for LIHEAP? While this round of supplemental benefits is solely for existing recipients, the program itself aims to support low-income households with their heating and cooling costs.
Know If You Qualify for LIHEAP in New Mexico
The LIHEAP program is federally funded, and provides financial assistance to low-income households with their energy bills. In New Mexico, the program is administered by the New Mexico Human Services Department (HSD), as previously stated.
To be eligible for LIHEAP in New Mexico, households must meet the following criteria. Household income must be at or below 150% of the federal poverty level. For a family of four, this means an annual income of $48,705 or less. Also, the households must be residents of New Mexico. The citizenship or immigration status should be the next: be either U.S. citizens or lawful, qualified immigrants.
Households with members who have disabilities may be eligible for additional assistance, as well as those with children under the age of 6, and members who are 60 years of age or older.
To apply for LIHEAP, households must submit an application to their local HSD office. Applications are typically accepted from October 1 to September 30 each year. Once an application is received, it will be reviewed by a caseworker. The caseworker will consider the household’s income, expenses, and other factors to determine eligibility. If the household is approved, they will receive a letter from the HSD with the amount of assistance they are eligible for.
To discover your eligibility for the extra $200, visit the HSD website or contact your local assistance office. You can also call the LIHEAP hotline at 1-866-857-7095 for further information and guidance.
How to save money on energy bills this winter
Here are some steps you can take to save money on your energy bills during winter:
- Lower the Thermostat: The US Department of Energy suggests that you can save up to 10% annually on heating costs by reducing the thermostat by 7 to 10 degrees Fahrenheit for eight hours per day. Consider lowering the thermostat at night or when you’re not at home. A smart thermostat can help manage this schedule automatically
- Seal Air Leaks: Check your home for air leaks, especially around doors, windows, and electrical outlets. Use weatherstripping, caulking, or insulation to seal these leaks
- Upgrade Your Equipment: Older, inefficient heating systems can waste energy. Consider upgrading to a high-efficiency system. If you use an all-electric heating system, you might consider solar panels to offset the cost
- Use Sunlight: During the day, open curtains and blinds to let in sunlight and naturally heat your home. Close them at night to reduce heat loss
- Maintain Your Heating System: Regular maintenance, such as replacing filters and cleaning vents, can improve the efficiency of your furnace or heat pump
- Efficient Use of Water Heaters: Set your water heater to a warm setting (around 120°F). Insulate hot water pipes and consider using a water-efficient showerhead to save both water and the energy required to heat it
- Energy-Efficient Lighting: Use LED light bulbs that consume less electricity and last longer than traditional incandescent bulbs