Maine says it will use welfare funding to help cover fuel costs for low-income families.
The Maine Department of Health and Human Services and the Maine State Housing Authority said Friday it will transfer $3 million in such federal funding to Maine's Home Energy Assistance Program.
Lawmakers approved transferring the Temporary Assistance for Needy Families funding in the last two-year budget.
MaineHousing Director Dan Brennan said nearly 28,000 Maine households receive assistance paying their fuel bills each heating season.
Maine's heating assistance program is federally funded and provides an average of $918 in assistance. The program targets low-income homeowners and renters, including families of four earning below $37,650 a year.
Department of Health and Human Services Commissioner Jeanne Lambrew is urging families to see if they're eligible for assistance.