Release of funds follows written request earlier this month led by Senators Collins, Reed, and Murkowski
WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senator Susan Collins, Chair of the Senate Appropriations Committee, announced today that the Department of Health and Human Services’ (HHS) Office of Community Services has released $39,780,472 million in Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) funding, with $38,321,610 million being allocated for the State of Maine and $1,458,862 million for the Indian Township and Pleasant Point Passamaquoddy, Penobscot, Maliseet, and Mi’kmaq Tribes in Maine. LIHEAP funding will help low-income households and seniors on fixed incomes in Maine afford their energy bills this winter.
Earlier this month, Senators Collins, Jack Reed (D-RI), and Lisa Murkowski (R-AK) along with a bipartisan group of 28 other Senators urged HHS to swiftly distribute LIHEAP dollars that had been delayed following the recent federal government shutdown. As Chair of the Senate Appropriations Committee, Senator Collins helped advance a $20 million increase in funding for LIHEAP in the Fiscal Year (FY) 2026 Labor, HHS, Education, and Related Agencies Appropriations bill, which passed the Committee with strong bipartisan support earlier this year. The bill is awaiting consideration by the full Senate.
“LIHEAP funding provides vital relief to thousands of Mainers, helping them avoid the constant worry of having to choose between heating their homes and covering other basic necessities,” said Senator Collins. “I am glad that following our outreach, HHS has released funds for this critical program. As Chair of the Senate Appropriations Committee, I will continue to support this program and work to ensure that households in Maine and throughout the country can afford to heat their homes this winter.”
According to a new forecast from the National Energy Assistance Directors Association, home heating costs are estimated to rise nearly 8 percent over last winter on average, with costs for heating with electricity forecasted to increase even higher–to 10 percent above last year. Nationwide, an estimated 6.2 million households received assistance with heating and cooling costs through LIHEAP over the last year. In Maine, households received $41.6 million in FY 2025 LIHEAP funding.
Eligibility for LIHEAP is based on income, family size, and the availability of resources. While eligibility varies by state, most applicants must have a household income below 150 percent of the federal poverty guideline or 60 percent of the state median income. LIHEAP applications are now open for all income-eligible households. 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 spring of 2026, or until the funding is exhausted.
Maine residents can click here to apply.
###