SANTA FE — Starting December 4, approximately 775 New Mexican households affected by the flooding in Chaves County will receive a $500 supplemental payment from the Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP).  

“This additional LIHEAP support ensures that families impacted by the flooding in Chaves County have one less worry this winter,” said Niki Kozlowski, Income Support Division Director. “These funds will provide much needed disaster relief as recovery efforts continue.” 

Eligible households living in zip codes 88201, 88202, 88203, 88230, 88232, or 88253 will automatically receive their payments by mail, requiring no further action on their part. 

These federal funds will help New Mexicans residing in areas that were included in the Federal Disaster Declaration for the flooding in Chaves County. 

The LIHEAP program assists eligible lower-income individuals and families with their heating and cooling costs. The program also contracts with the Housing New Mexico, previously known as the New Mexico Mortgage Finance Authority, to assist individuals with weatherization costs to include weather stripping, windows, furnaces, water heaters, cooking stoves, caulking and insulation. Other covered costs include utility reconnection costs, crisis utility payments or deposits, installing fans and single room air conditioners, and reimbursing transportation costs to shelters when a loss of heat or cooling presents a danger. If a home was destroyed, funds can also cover hotels or other expenses to protect health and safety.  

People can use the LIHEAP Eligibility Tool, a user-friendly resource that allows households to quickly identify if they may be eligible for the program. Households can see if they may qualify by inputting basic information such as location, income, and household size. The tool also directs households to the contact information for their local agency. 

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