HEAT adds water assistance benefit for eligible low-income households
Nov 2, 2021, 1:53 PM
Small home after a winter storm. Photo: Canva
SALT LAKE CITY — Water assistance has been added to the Home Energy Assistance Target (HEAT) program for low-income households.
In a press release, the Department of Workforce Services explained the importance of the HEAT program and the addition of water assistance with the extreme weather conditions of winter on the horizon.
Changing temperatures in the winter often lead to an increase in energy consumption in an effort to heat homes. Higher energy consumption results in higher energy bills. For families who are below the poverty line, increasing bills can be devastating.
HEAT benefits could soon include help with water
A household must earn below 150% of the federal poverty level, which is approximately a $39,750 yearly income per family. Households that have the highest energy burden in relation to their total income are prioritized in receiving HEAT aid. The program also considers factors such as household member ages and abilities.
Last year, HEAT assisted more than 32,000 Utah households with their utility bills.
Sisifo Taatiti, the Housing and Community Development Division HEAT Program Manager, said:
Adding water assistance to HEAT, which can already cover heating and cooling costs, will help thousands of Utahns to ensure that their families have access to the most basic household needs.
