HHS Releases $131 Million in Emergency Contingency Funds

HHS Secretary Mike Leavitt announced September 26, the release of $131.17 million in FY 2007 LIHEAP emergency contingency funds.  These funds are being allocated to all states to help low-income households cope with the anticipated high costs for fuel this winter, particularly for those states that are largely dependent on heating oil.

Of the $131.17 million:

• $106.17 million is being distributed to all states based on their regular block grant allocation formula percentage. 
   
• An additional $25 million is being directed to 7 states that had (a) 30 percent or more of its low-income households using heating oil for heat and (b) an average temperature at or below 47 degrees for the 6-month period from October 1, 2006 to March 31, 2007.  The $25 million will be allocated to the 7 states based on their regular block grant allocation formula percentage weighted by the relative percentage of households in each state that uses heating oil for heat.  The 7 states are Alaska, Connecticut, Maine, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, Rhode Island and Vermont. 

The tribes will receive the same percentage of contingency funds equal to their block grant allocation for FY 2007.  Territories will also receive funds from this distribution. 

States, tribes and territories receiving a share of the $131.17 million must obligate 100% of these funds before September 30, 2008.

Approximately $20 million in LIHEAP contingency funds remains available for use in FY 2008.  These funds are from the FY 2005 appropriation, and were designated as no-year funds that do not expire until released.

See detailed tables of state, tribe and territory allocations.

Source: Department of Health and Human Services

Page Last Updated: September 27, 2007