In his letter Jan. 12, Frank Phillips wrote that his money is keeping some Mainers warm this winter. He suggests that those who receive fuel assistance do without “less vital” services, such as cell phones, the Internet and cable TV. As one who administered this program, I would like to dispel some misconceptions.

First, fuel assistance is not welfare. It’s an income-eligibility program, federally funded. The $5 million state allocation awarded by our lawmakers to increase the level funding from the feds is a drop in the bucket. Yet this means our neediest neighbors will keep from freezing to death this winter.

Most fuel assistance recipients are working poor families, elderly or disabled. Some people fall into all three categories.

Many people in poverty have poor or no credit, so they buy a cell phone to keep in touch. They require the Internet to apply for jobs, where now it’s done mostly online. A byproduct of poverty is social isolation. TV is a boon for children and elderly, especially. In many places, without cable, there is no reception.

The purchase of alcohol, cigarettes, lottery tickets, expensive pets, rent-to-own options and beater car maintenance are where the poor get into fiscal trouble.

Reasons for poverty are complex. Maybe Phillips would like to volunteer in social services to better understand.

Or, he and his household should try to do without these “less vital” services for a week. Then get back to us.

Celia Vistica, Andover

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