Gov. Ned Lamont announced Tuesday he is releasing $12.7 million in state aid from Connecticut's Federal Cuts Response Fund to supplement Connecticut Energy Assistance Program.

CEAP is a state program that helps low-income households afford to heat their homes.

Lamont said the decision comes as the Iran has strained global oil supplies which has caused prices to surge and has driven up home heating bills.

Households may qualify for CEAP if their annual gross income is at or below 60% of the state median income, which is $93,681 for a family of four.

The benefit amount households would receive ranges from $355 to $705.

CEAP is an annual benefit and people can apply online, by phone and in person.

Applications opened Sept. 1 and the last day to apply is May 31.

CEAP is funded by the federal Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program.

On Tuesday, the state's congressional delegation also announced that they secured over $75.3 million in LIHEAP funding through the Continuing Resolution. The delegation described the program is a lifeline to nearly 100,000 families.

“Families across the U.S. are paying the price for rising heating oil costs driven by President Trump’s war in Iran, and we cannot leave these households out in the cold. This additional $12.7 million in state funding means more help for those who need it most, especially people on fixed or limited incomes, including older adults, families with young children, and people with disabilities," said Lamont.

In response, Sen. Minority Leader Stephen Harding and House Minority Leader Vincent Candelora issued the following the statement.

"Connecticut Republicans have consistently pressed to deliver much needed relief to families struggling with soaring energy and home heating oil costs. We hope this money gets to where it is supposed to go asap and helps those it is supposed to help. We hope this is not another broken promise like we saw recently with the governor’s stalled plan to send $300 grocery gift cards to former SNAP recipients."