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Energy help program enrolling early

Staff writer

Kansas residents can apply early for help with the cost of winter heating bills.

Kansas Department for Children and Families is now taking applications for its Low Income Energy Assistance Program. They will be accepted until 5 p.m. March 31.

“By opening the LIEAP application period in mid-November, “We’re hoping families will have the help they need to cover those higher heating bills and stay warm in their homes,” DCF secretary Laura Howard said in a release.

The federally funded program provides a once-a-year benefit to qualifying low income households to help pay winter heating. It applies to electricity, natural gas, propane, and other fuels.

The money, paid directly to the customer’s utility, can be used to maintain or restore service.

How much money is awarded depends on household income, the number of people living in the home, the type of residence, the type of heating fuel, and utility rates.

To qualify, an adult responsible for paying utility bills must live at the address.

Applicants must be at or below 150% of the federal poverty level.

Applications can be made online at dcf.ks.gov by clicking the “Apply for Services” on the top right side of the screen.

Applications also will be taken at scheduled events, including 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Jan. 15 at 611 S. Washington St., El Dorado; 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Feb. 5 at 110 E. 6th Ave., Emporia; 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Feb. 13 at 223 E. 7th St., Newton; and 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Feb. 25 at 214 W. Marlin St., McPherson.

Identification, proof of income for all adults in the household, and copies of heating bills rental agreements may be required.

Income limits are $1,882.50 monthly for one person, $2,555 for two. $3,227.50 for three, $3,900 for four, $4,572.50 for five, $5,245 for six, and $672.50 for each additional family member.

More than 40,000 Kansas households received an average benefit of $645 in 2024.

Marion County department on aging director Lu Turk said she also helps people fill out applications for LIEAP.

Last modified Nov. 25, 2024

 

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