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Applications for energy assistance available

By Staff | Jan 23, 2002

Applications for the Low Income Energy Assistance Program (LIEAP) are now available.

Applications soon will be mailed to people who received assistance last year along with other targeted low-income families, including those people who received food stamps last month.

Other households may request an application from the local Department of Social and Rehabilitation Services (SRS) offices and other agencies.

Those seeking the energy payment assistance also can ask for an application by calling (800) 432-0043.

According to LIEAP’s regulations, the deadline to apply is March 31.

LIEAP provides help to qualifying households with home fuel and energy purchases.

In 2001, benefits were provided to 34,850 households in Kansas. Benefits averaged $467. The level of benefits for 2002 will depend upon the amount of federal funding received.

To qualify, applicants must be responsible for direct payment of their heating bills. Income eligibility guidelines are set at 130 percent of the federal poverty level.

The level of benefit varies according to household income, number of person living at the address, type of dwelling, type of heating and utility rates.

These are family income guidelines for eligibility in LIEAP:

One person, $931 maximum monthly income.

Two people, $1,258 maximum monthly income.

Three people, $1,585 maximum monthly income.

Four people, $1,912 maximum monthly income.

Five people, $2,239 maximum monthly income.

Six people, $2,566 maximum monthly income.

Seven people, $2,894 maximum monthly income.

For more than seven people, add $327 for each additional person.

In addition to LIEAP, the Kansas Weatherization Program is available to help qualified households pay for home weatherization, including a weatherization needs assessment, caulking, insulation, modifications, repairs or replacement of heating or cooling systems.

The state’s weatherization program operates year-round.

Eligibility income guidelines differ from LIEAP and are 150 percent of the federal poverty level or 60 percent of the state median income, whichever is greater.

Households are automatically eligible when one person is receiving Temporary Assistance for Families (TAF) or Supplemental Security Income (SSI).

For an application or for additional information on the weatherization program, call (800) 752-4422.