MONTGOMERY — Gov. Robert Bentley has awarded more than $33.2 million to assist elderly, disabled and low-income families in Alabama with home energy bills.

Funding includes $2.3 million for the Community Action Agency of South Alabama which serves Baldwin, Clarke, Conecuh, Escambia, Marengo, Monroe and Wilcox counties.

The grants will enable 22 community service agencies throughout the state to help families heat their homes this winter. Eligibility requirements are based on income, family size and available resources.

 Residents apply locally through the community service agencies; if applications are approved, payments are made directly to the utility companies on behalf of residents.

 The Alabama Department of Economic and Community Affairs is administering the grants as part of the Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program. The funding was made available by the U.S. Department of Health and Humans Services.