He also was facing eviction because a motorcycle accident had left him unable to work. But it also often means the difference between a family staying in their home or having to move, with all the disruption that entails. Having to move because there's no heat can mean that a person can't get to his job, that a child has to change school or leave a Head Start program, or that child care arrangements must be changed. While Only a few States have programs that offer either heating or cooling assistance, very few have separate cooling components under the block grant program. Under certain circumstances, a State can ask for a waiver to use up to 25 percent for weatherization.
States can change their programs during the year simply by amending their State plans.
They do not need approval from us to do so. This often happens when States receive emergency contingency funds, but they can make changes at other times as well. Eligibility Requirements Grantees may set their maximum income eligibility level as low as 110 percent of the poverty level or as high as the greater of 150 percent of the poverty level or 60 percent of State median income. Legislative changes in 1994 made it possible for grantees to look less at absolute income levels and more at need. In setting eligibility levels, States may give priority to households that pay a large percentage of their income for home energy or that include members who have the greatest energy need because of age or health.