The start of spring is here. But for many families, paying winter heating bills is still a lingering concern. The Kansas Department for Children and Families (DCF) is still accepting applications for its Low Income Energy Assistance Program (LIEAP). The deadline to apply is March 31.

“This was a bitterly cold winter and many families are still feeling the financial burden from heating costs,” DCF Secretary Phyllis Gilmore said. “LIEAP can offer help to families in need.”

LIEAP provides an annual benefit to help qualifying households pay winter heating bills. Persons with disabilities, older adults and families with children are the primary groups assisted. An average benefit of $454 will benefit the 47,871 households that have applied so far this year.

To qualify, applicants must be responsible for direct payment of their heating bills. Income eligibility requirements are set at 130 percent of the federal poverty level. The level of benefit varies according to household income, number of people living in the home, type of residence, type of heating fuel, and utility rates.

Applicants must demonstrate that they have made payments on their heating bill two out of the last three months. Those payments must be equal to or exceed $80 or the total balance due on their energy bills, whichever is less.

Applications for the program have been mailed to households that received energy assistance last year. LIEAP applications are also available at local DCF offices and through partnering agencies. They can be requested by calling 1-800-432-0043. To apply online, visit www.dcf.ks.gov. More information is available at http://www.dcf.ks.gov/services/ees/Pages/Energy/EnergyAssistance.aspx.

 Income eligibility determination:

Funding for the Low Income Energy Assistance program is provided by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Office of Community Service through the Federal Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program.

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Theresa Freed

Director of Communications

Kansas Department for Children and Families

Desk: 785-296-0537

Cell: 785-217-3473