State taking applications for energy cost assistance

SALT LAKE CITY — Families can begin applying for assistance with energy costs this week.

Home Energy Assistance Target applications will be accepted beginning Thursday and continue through the end of April, or until funds are exhausted, the Housing and Community Development Division announced today.

HEAT helps eligible families pay for home heating, cooling, and other energy costs, as well as helping to weatherize eligible families' homes.

To qualify, a family must earn below 150 percent of the federal poverty level, about $34,572 for a family of four. Priority for H.E.A.T assistance is given to households with the highest energy burden in relationship to household income while taking into consideration vulnerable populations such as the elderly, disabled and families with children under 6 years old.

The average HEAT benefit is a one-time annual payment of $317. For more information, visit www.housing.utah.gov to find county contact information or dial 211.

The HEAT program is administered by the State Energy Assistance and Lifeline office through a statewide network of local community-based organizations. It is fully funded by the Federal Government through the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.