March 7, 2014 — The LIHEAP Clearinghouse has produced a three-page issue brief titled "Promoting Self Sufficiency for Low-Income Clients: LIHEAP's Assurance 16."
The issue brief discusses how LIHEAP statute allows grantees to spend up to five percent of their funds to provide services that reduce home energy needs and move low-income households toward energy self sufficiency. Thirty-three states allocated funding to these activities, known as Assurance 16 (A16), in their 2014 programs. Of the states using funds for A16, the majority provide energy education, financial counseling, vendor negotiations, needs assessments and referrals. These activities may be implemented at the state level or by the local service agencies.
Specific details about A16 activities in Delaware, Indiana, Minnesota, and New Hampshire are featured in the brief. These descriptions explain how the states use components like intensive case management, workshops and classes, and targeted coordination of LIHEAP benefits as A16 activities.
The brief also explains how the costs associated with A16 activities impact LIHEAP's overall 10 percent cap on administration expenses.
The Clearinghouse produced the brief under its contract with the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Division of Energy Assistance.
