How the program works

BOISE - Help is on the way for many Idahoans who can not pay their heating bills. 

Governor Butch Otter says more federal money is coming and he hopes it will help low income Idahoans. 

One local woman says the extra funding will definitely help her stay warm during the winter. 

"It helps so I don't have to keep paying money, I can at least save some," said Jamie Brastrup. 

Brastrup is relieved to find out the federal government has increased funding for the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program. 

Officials say $17.9 million is available to the state this year for home heating assistance.  The money will go to Idahoans like Brastrup who meet income eligibility requirements.

They could see their benefits rise by an average of $100 this winter. 

Brastrup says every little bit helps especially as electricity rates rise. 

"I think its great I think they need to do more stuff like this," she said. 

For Brastrup, the extra assistance over the cold winter months makes it easier to be comfortable in her own home. 

"When I have it I turn my heat up more, when I don't, I don't make it so I freeze I just turn it on so that the pipes don't freeze," she said.  

It is now one less worry as she focuses on finding a job. 

The average assistance last year was right around $278 per household in the program. With the new funding, the benefit could rise to as much as $386. 

The eligibility requirements were lowered this year. 

Last year, 32,000 low-income Idaho families received home heating assistance, but now the Idaho Department of Health and Welfare says that number could rise to 45,000 households. 

For information on if you or your family may qualify, click here or call the Idaho CareLine at 211.

Benefits can vary depending on energy use and where you live.

KTVB